Between sifting through all of the latest safety features, parents opinions and extreme price differences, it can take a lot of time and effort to find the best baby high chairs that folds, especially if you have limited space at home.
Medically reviewed by Macy Tollefson – doula, breastfeeding specialist & prenatal yoga teacher
It can be so hard to choose one that is stable, comfortable, easy to clean and doesn’t take up too much space. As a new mom, I know how overwhelming it can be to choose the right baby gear in general, but high chairs can be especially challenging.
Babies starting solids need a safe place to sit upright and enjoy their food, which is why high chairs are essential. Your baby’s high chair should keep them in an upright position (not allow slouching), and allow for any adjustments to keep them safe and comfortable as they grow. The problem is, many high chairs are complicated to set up, too clunky, wobble a lot or are too pricey.
The good news? I researched through 25+ popular and high-rated high chairs and picked 6 awesome space-saving foldable high chairs that are SAFE, durable and AFFORDABLE.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It contains affiliate links.
Recommended by 91% of verified buyers!Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There are so many benefits to a folding high chair – not just dependent on how much space you have. A folding high chair offers you the flexibility to move it around the house or take with you for weekend at grandma’s.
But which on is the best (and safest!) to choose?
I’ve done the research and looked into all the feature to help you find the best foldable high chairs. Keep reading to see which ones are easiest to clean after messy mealtime, offer adjustable footrest, and convert into a desk chair!
6 Best Folding High Chairs For Infants & Toddlers
When searching for a folding high chair, there are a number of different features you need to look out for, including an adjustable footrest, dishwasher-safe tray, comfortable seat, no hard-to-reach crevices that could catch crumbs, safety harness… There’s a lot to sift through, so I’ve done the research for you.
Here are six of the best high chairs that fold, for spoon-feeding as well as self-feeding:
1. Ergobaby Evolve 3in1 High Chair
This convertible high chair by Ergobaby is so thoughtfully designed, and is easily one of the best folding high chairs on the market. With it’s sturdy wooden legs and non-slip feet, this baby high chair provides great stability. This, along with the secure five point harness, means even the most squirmy babies are safe in here.
You can use this high chair from the moment your baby can sit up on their own (around 6 months old), then later convert it into a toddler seat, and even a kitchen stool when they’re older!
While this model may be a bit on the pricier side, consider it an investment! This one piece of furniture will serve your family from your baby sitting up on their own, all the way until they are old enough to help you bake in the kitchen. It will last you for years.
Featuring a neutral, minimalist design, it’s sure to fit in with any dining room style- even if that changes over the years. The light colours also allow you to see any mess or dirt, ensuring that your baby’s chair stays as clean as possible.
Speaking of which, this high char is also so easy to clean. Simply wipe down the wooden chair with a damp cloth, or remove the tray insert and pop it in the dishwasher.
This high chair also allows you to adjustable the height of toddler seat. This makes it easy to bring your growing child up to your dining room table, and have them join the family and share a meal together.
Among the many advantages moms mention, the number one benefit seems to be that this long lasting high chair will grow with your baby. It is essentially 3 pieces of functional furniture, in 1 durable model. Parents also love the sleek and minimal design, and say that switching between each chair mode is simple and foolproof.
2. Primo Cozy Tot Deluxe Convertible Folding High Chair
This chair by Primo features an ergonomic seat, footrest and adjustable tray, which provide both safety AND comfort for your baby. It’s important for your baby to stay in an upright, supported position while they feed, and this chair provides everything they need to make that happen.
As your baby grows, this convertible high chair can also be turned into a toddler chair, with no additional pieces required. The simple, basic design comes in two color options: black and white or teal and white. Both are minimal with no bold patterns, so you’re sure to find one that works for your home decor.
Cleanup with this high chair is a breeze, as any plastic part of it can be simply wiped down with a damp cloth. Not to mention, the feeding tray features a removable insert that is safe for the dishwasher. Since it’s so easy to clean, this is one of the best high chair for BLW and all those first messy meals.
And finally, when you’re not using it, this chair folds up to just 10” in width, making it easy to find good storage space- especially if you live in a small space. Simply lean it up against any flat surface, or tuck it into a closet.
According to moms who have bought this high chair, you are getting two great products in one: a baby high chair and a functional toddler chair. Parents love that this affordable chair is easily convertible, and is compact enough for their small spaces.
3. Joovy Nook High Chair
This compact folding high chair from Joovy requires no assembly – simply remove it from the box and it’s good to go. Like most high chairs, this one is designed for babies approximately 6 months old (when they can sit up on their own), up to 50 lbs in weight.
The easy fold system featured on the Nook chair allows it to collapse in a very simple way – parents say you can even do with one hand! The whole chair is lightweight and folds up nice and slim, making it easy to store away in between feeds.
Another unique feature of this chair is the swing open tray design, which can also be opened with one hand.
This eliminates the sometimes-annoying task of lining up the tray on two rails (like some other high chairs have), while also holding your baby up.
For this reason, this design is great for parents who are often home alone with their baby, or find the sliding tray annoying.
This high chair also has a leatherette seat cover, that is stain resistant and easy to wipe with wet cloth This, along with the dishwasher safe tray insert, makes cleaning up your baby’s mess a breeze.
Parents love that the chair can adjust to accommodate babies of all sizes, which means that the food will stay on their tray and not their lap. They also love that even if food DOES get on the chair, it’s very easy to clean off.
4. Chicco Polly Highchair
This folding high chair by Chicco is perhaps one of the most adjustable baby chairs on this list, making it a great option for baby’s of all sizes.
There are 7 position height adjustments, so it’s very easy to slide up to your dining room table and have your baby join in on the family meals. The foldable armrests also allow the chair to come as close to the table as possible, if you prefer to use that instead of the tray.
The seat and foot rest can also be set to various reclining positions, for easy infant feeding or resting in between feeds. It features a soft webbed, five point safety harness, that securely holds your baby but can easily be adapted as your baby gets older and bigger.
This chair can be folded down into a compact design (11” in width) and can even stand on it’s own (when folded), for easy storage. The tray can also be conveniently stored on the front legs, when not in use, for added free space in your home.
One thing mamas say about this chair, is that it can be easily adjusted to accommodate their growing babies. They love the many options to modify the high chair, and say that it’s perfect for their baby during every stage of infancy.
This is one of a few foldable high chairs that I recommend, that has reclining seat. This means that you can also use it for bottle feeding, even when your little one doesn’t have the neck control yet and can’t sit straight.
This may help your baby to get used to to sitting in a high chair during mealtime, before you even start solids.
| If you’re on smaller budget but would like to get a similar high chair with reclining seat and foldable design, I recommend you this affordable Graco chair. It’s a best-seller! Moms love that it’s simple to use, lightweight, easy to fold and store. This could also be a great option if you’re looking for a cheap folding high chair to keep at the grandparents houses! |
Getting back to Chicco highchair, parents also love the rubberized wheels featured on the chair, which allows you to easily roll it up to any table, or move it out of the way.
5. Jeep Classic Convertible 2-in-1 High Chair
Did you know that the classic American car, Jeep, made high chairs? They have created this sleek, 2-in-1 high chair that can accommodate children from 6 months, all the way to being a toddler.
This sturdy folding high chair features 6 adjustable heights, 3 tray positions, 2 reclining positions and an adjustable footrest, for maximum comfort and safety. It also provides easy cleaning with a tray that’s safe for the dishwasher and water-repellent seat fabric, that is very easy to wipe clean.
This full size high chair has a durable (long-lasting) steel frame and removable tray, which allows it to fold up thinly. The steel frame will last you many years and can be easily passed down, if you have more children.
The best part? When your baby grows out of the traditional high chair, this model easily converts into a toddler seat!
What new mamas love about this foldable high chair is the sleek, all-black design, which most folding high chairs don’t have. Parents agree that this high chair is easy to use and the durability is worth the investment. Some moms even use this as their travel high chair, because they are confident it won’t break.
6. Baby Jogger City Bistro High Chair
This folding high chair by Baby Jogger may be the most compact option on the list. When not in use, this high chair collapses to be 80% smaller, making it a very portable high chair and excellent for families with small spaces.
It features a removable tray insert that can easily be put in the dishwasher, and help speed up cleaning. The tray clips right onto the front of the chair when not in use, which allows for more space. This also means you don’t have to worry about losing it or having an extra part laying around.
With a plush seat pad and built-in calf support, this chair provides ultimate comfort for your baby. This high chair can also be adjusted to 4 different height positions, making it easy to bring baby up to the dining table or kitchen counter.
Among many advantages moms mention, the fact that this high chair folds up so small is one of the top reasons they love it. Another feature they mention is the machine washable seat cover that’s so easy to clean and even comes in two different color choices. Many other high chairs do not offer this feature, and it can make all the difference for some families.
Final Decision: Which Foldable High Chair Is Best?
In my opinion, the best foldable high chair is this Ergobaby 3-in-1 High Chair set. Between it’s minimalistic style and versatility, it’s the perfect chair to serve your growing child – for years to come.
Even the worst mess is no match for this high chair, as every part of it is durable and so easy to clean. Switching between each of the modes is foolproof, and can be done quickly. This is great, especially if you have multiple children who are all at different stages and they all can use one chair!
Parents absolutely love this chair, and many of them agree that this is the best high chair they have tried. Convertible high chairs like this one are a great investment, as you’ll likely use it for many years, as your child gets older or your family grows.
For parents on a tighter budget, I would recommend the Primo Cozy high chair. This one is almost a third of the price and still does what all the best folding high chairs can!
It provides a comfortable, secure seat for your baby and it allows for easy, quick cleanups. When you’re not using it, this high chair folds up to a slim 10” and can be stored away easily, to provide more room in your home.
All around, these are two great high chair options!
Best Folding High Chairs – FAQ
Before you make your purchase decision, make sure to check if the chair you’re about to buy has all necessary features to make mealtimes easy peasy.
How To Choose The Best Folding High Chair – Features To Look For
When looking for the right high chair for your baby, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Is it adjustable?
- Will it be comfortable for your baby?
- Are there good, secure safety straps?
- Is it made of durable materials?
- Will it be easy to clean?
- How stable is the base?
- Does it fold up compactly?
- Will it be easy to store in our home?
- Can we take it on the go?
First, the best foldable high chairs are always adjustable. This means that you can alter the seat height (and ideally the footrest) to ensure your baby is always in a safe and comfortable position. This also means that you don’t need to use a booster seat pad to give them height and allow them to reach the table!
As your baby grows, their high chair will need to be continually adjusted, in order to have the best fit. There is no one-size-fits-all-babies high chair, and it’s important to find a proper fit. Your baby’s high chair should also have good safety straps, to keep them securely in place. Five point safety harnesses are the best, in comparison to a three point harness.
Next, the chair should be durable and provide good stability. The general rule of thumb is that the wider the base, the more stable the chair will be. As your baby gets older, they will likely begin moving and grooving, and the last thing you want is a rocking high chair!
You also want to make sure your baby’s high chair is made of durable materials that are easy to clean. Some other cleanliness tips to keep in mind include:
- What material is the chair fabric made of?
- Does it have a removable, machine washable cover?
- Is the tray safe to be put in the dishwasher?
- What will be the best way to clean the chair?
Finally, if you have a small space and are planning on storing your high chair away when you’re not using it, you’ll want to choose one that folds up well. A compact folding high chair can make all the difference when it comes to providing more space.
Many chairs included in this list fold up thinly and can be easily stored in a closet, or small spaces such as beside the refrigerator. Decide where you will likely be storing the high chair, and then buy accordingly.
In short, the best folding high chairs are ones that are SAFE, comfortable, durable, portable, and can be used for many years of your baby’s life.
Why You May Need A High Chair That Folds
Foldable high chairs can help provide extra space in your home. If you live in a smaller space (or just don’t like the look of a clunky high chair out in your space), then a good folding high chair will allow you to store it away, when you’re not using it.
Folding high chairs can also be more portable than traditional high chairs, and therefore are easier to travel with. If you need a high chair you can take along to grandma’s house, folding high chairs are probably the best option for you.
There’s no doubt that folding high chairs are great for families with small spaces, or one’s who want to take it on the go, but the truth is- everyone can benefit from one! A good folding high chair makes it simple for you to move the chair around the house.
Generally they are very lightweight and can easily be leaned against any flat surface, should you need to move it out of the way. Traditional high chairs just don’t offer that same level of versatility.
By the way, if you live in a small apartment and are looking for space-saving baby gear, I recommend you to check out our list of the best bassinets for small spaces, as well as ranking of the best mini cribs.
Article By Macy Tollefson
Macy Tollefson is a full spectrum doula, breastfeeding specialist and prenatal yoga teacher. She is passionate about guiding the modern mama on her journey through the beautiful (and wild) transformation of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Macy envisions a world where every mother has access to the resources she needs, and follows her intuition to make the best decisions about what is right for her and her baby.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. This article contains affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase through those links I may get a small commission, at no extra cost to you! This helps me run this website, so thank you!
References:
Pictures of Evolve 3in1 belong to Ergobaby Brand. Source: https://ergobaby.com/ (pictures of this chair with LittleBabyGear logo belong to the websites owner and all copy-right protected)
Pictures of Cozy Tot Deluxe belong to Primo Baby Brand. Source: https://www.primobaby.com/
Pictures of Nook belong to Joovy Brand. Source: https://joovy.com/
Pictures of Polly belong to Chicco Brand. Source: https://www.chiccousa.com/
Pictures of Jeep Classic Convertible High Chair belong to Delta Children Brand. Source: https://www.deltachildren.com/
Pictures of City Bistro belong to Baby Jogger Brand. Source: https://www.babyjogger.com
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂