best high chair to travel with

Advertisement

• Baby and kid

The Best High Chairs

By Jenni Gritters and Erica Pearson

A good high chair should be simple to use and, above all, easy to clean.

We tested 24 high chairs with infants and toddlers—including cleaning up dried smears of pureed sweet potato and smushed Goldfish crackers. And we’re confident that the IKEA Antilop  will make mealtimes easier than using high chairs costing 10 times as much.

Everything we recommend

IKEA Antilop

The best high chair.

This functional, compact, lightweight chair is easier to clean than models costing 10 times as much.

Buying Options

Upgrade pick.

Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair

A high chair you’ll keep around.

This wooden chair is harder to clean and much more expensive than our top pick. But it can truly grow with a child, and it’s especially suitable for preschoolers.

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat

A compact booster seat.

This versatile seat buckles to an adult chair, can work with or without a tray, and folds up for travel. But it’s tougher to clean and less comfy than our top pick.

Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair

A clip-on chair for travel.

This foldable clip-on chair is small enough to pack in a suitcase and sturdy enough to attach to a picnic table. Plus, the cloth cover zips off for (fairly) easy cleaning.

What we looked for

The most common high chair injuries involve falling. We looked for steady chairs with secure harnesses.

Many parents we spoke with who’d bought pricey high chairs ended up wishing they had something that was simpler to clean.

We considered how long a family would be able to use a chair, and we looked at its resale value.

Whether you’re packing a suitcase or headed to dinner at the local brewery, you might need a high chair you can take with you.

We also like the affordable and compact Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat , the Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair (for travel), and the adjustable, wooden Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair (which has a long life and great resale value).

At 7.9 pounds, the IKEA Antilop Chair is lighter, smaller, and easier to move around than most high chairs. Yet it’s also sturdy, durable, and comfortable to sit in. The smooth, plastic-and-steel construction is simple and functional, without the grime-collecting fabric or crumb-catching crevices that cause problems in other chairs. Compared with some competitors, the Antilop chair can accommodate slightly bigger children, but it’s not a chair that kids can continue to use as they hit preschool. Assembly is easy, but removing and reconnecting the tray can be a pain. And even though the price is impressively low, you’ll have to buy the chair in person at IKEA or pay extra for shipping.

If you want a high chair that blends in with adult furniture and can serve your kid well from 6 months through the end of childhood and beyond, we recommend the Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair . Compared with our top pick, this 15.5-pound chair is a lot pricier and more complicated—the baseline model requires add-on purchases for use with infants, and it takes some effort to assemble and adjust. (You could also just go with a bundled version .) But this chair is far easier for bigger kids to climb into by themselves. It’s also an unusually attractive piece of furniture, something you may want to keep forever, and, if not, it should be easy to sell secondhand.

The compact, 6-pound Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat buckles to an adult chair, and it’s a versatile spare to keep at the grandparents’ house. It can work as either a high chair with a tray or as a booster pulled up to the table. It isn’t as comfy to sit in or as simple to clean as our top pick (it has buttons and seams that can collect grime or allow spills to reach the adult chair underneath). Compared with other chairs of its type, however, this one is easier to clean and less expensive.

Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair is small and lightweight (about 4 pounds), so it’s easy to fold up and pack into a suitcase—or even to wedge into a diaper bag when you’re on the go. Yet it’s also sturdy enough that it feels safe for use at a restaurant, regardless of the construction of the table it clips onto.

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: ikea antilop, upgrade pick: stokke tripp trapp chair, also great: fisher-price healthy care deluxe booster seat, also great: phil&teds lobster clip-on highchair, other good high chairs, the competition, high chair safety.

We consulted various experts , including pediatricians, occupational and physical therapists, and product designers.

We spent several hours researching high chair safety online, using the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission ’s database to see which chairs had been recalled recently and why.

We also surveyed over three-dozen parents from across the country to determine which high chair features were most important, as well as to learn about chairs that people loved and hated.

Erica Pearson, this guide’s original author, is a former newspaper reporter with more than 15 years of experience interviewing experts in countless fields, including health, parenting, and safety. She’s also a mom of two. Jenni Gritters updated this guide in 2023 and again in 2024. She’s also a mom of two, and she has a decade of experience writing about parenting, purchasing, and psychology.

High chairs are among the few baby-gear items that are pretty much a necessity. Most babies begin eating solid food at around 5 or 6 months , and they start using a high chair at the same time. Some families put the high chair away before a child turns 2, while others continue to use the chair through toddlerhood and sometimes beyond (if it’s a booster or a convertible model). In all cases, a high chair will help keep the child—and the child’s food—in place and contained.

Our research and interviews led us to conclude that a great high chair has several attributes:

Safe and stable: A high chair should not feel wobbly at all. Some chairs have three-point safety harnesses, which buckle just around the legs and at the waist; others have five-point harnesses, which include shoulder straps. The safety harness type doesn’t necessarily make a chair safe or unsafe, said Heather Felton, a pediatrician and injury-prevention expert. She added, however, that “all of the straps that come with a high chair should be used.”

Simple to clean: Ease of cleaning is the thing that causes most people to love or hate a high chair. Tiny diners love smearing hands full of sticky puree everywhere they can reach. And, more often than not, toddlers are notorious for overturning entire bowls of Cheerios and milk. A high chair has the potential to drive a parent crazy if it has too many crevices where crumbs can collect, spaces under the seat where liquids can pool undetected, or a seat cover that can’t be easily thrown in the washing machine after a diaper leak.

Compact and manageable: Those who have limited space will likely appreciate a high chair with a smaller footprint. A chair that’s easy to fold or disassemble for long-term storage may also be a plus, as is a chair that’s easy to pack into the car or even into a suitcase for travel.

Designed to make meals easier and more pleasant: A great chair should also be reasonably simple to use. Due to their design, some chairs are easy to trip over, even if they’re not huge. The seat should be comfortable enough to keep a baby happy through mealtime. And, ideally, the chair should not be a total eyesore.

Also, in a comfy chair, a child will be able to sit with their hips, knees, and ankles at a 90-degree angle. Over the past few years, the occupational therapist who runs Feeding Littles (the popular baby-led-weaning education company) has recommended that everyone buy a high chair with a footrest. But the experts we spoke with were split on the issue. Carrie Pagliano, PT, told us kids move so much that they’re unlikely to use a footrest. Occupational therapist Julie Barnes said that when kids have their feet resting flat on a solid surface, this “provides the best postural support, which is the basis for stability of the neck and jaw during eating.”

In short, you can buy a high chair without a footrest, and everyone will get by just fine. But a footrest may help your child to use their energy for eating (a novel motor action for infants), rather than for maintaining their posture. (Many parents wrap an exercise band around our top pick , as a hack to give kids a place to rest their feet.)

We carefully considered about 30 popular models during our first round of testing, 12 during our second round (in 2023), and four more in 2024. We eliminated the chairs with many negative customer reviews that specifically described how difficult they were to clean. This process left us with a lineup of 13 high chairs to test the first time around, eight in 2023, and three in 2024.

Jenni and Erica tested the high chairs with their infants and toddlers. They timed the assembly of each of the 24 high chairs, noting any particular difficulties or frustrations. They measured each chair’s footprint, and they considered how easy a chair was to fold, roll, or lift out of the way between meals.

Then they used each chair with their children (who, over the years of testing, ranged in age from 7 months to 4 years old). Jenni and Erica focused on how difficult it was to get their kids in and out of the chairs, and they noted any cleaning challenges.

The IKEA Antilop has a smooth, rounded plastic seat and tray. It’s easier to clean, simpler to use, and less expensive than every other high chair we tested.

Although this model is lightweight, it’s also sturdy, and its neutral, white-and-silver design and clean lines look presentable in just about any decor. This high chair stacks easily with the tray removed (great for parents with twins or closely spaced kids, or for use at day care), and it’s simple to take apart for storage or travel. Although the Antilop chair has none of the extra features that many high chair designers consider to be standard—such as different height settings or a reclining seat back—we still preferred it over nearly every other chair.

IKEA Antilop Support Pillow

An add-on pillow.

This inexpensive back pillow is easy to attach, and it can be paired with a stain-resistant cover that you can throw in the wash.

IKEA Baby Footrest

An add-on footrest.

If you’re concerned about ergonomics, you might want to get this add-on footrest. It’s tough to install yet sturdy once in place, and it’s height-adjustable.

It’s the easiest to clean. The Antilop high chair is just one piece of plastic, with no hard-to-reach areas where liquids can pool, and there are no crannies, cracks, or seams where grime can hide. There’s also no fabric (unless you spring for the optional support pillow, which has an also-optional stain-resistant cover ). This chair’s tray fits in the dishwasher, and the safety straps are relatively easy to remove and toss in the washing machine. We love that you can bring the entire chair outside and spray it down with a hose.

The attached tray is easy to use, but it is designed to stay in place most of the time. We’ve found that this makes starting mealtimes simpler and easier, and it reduces clutter around the kitchen and dining room. And the tray’s 1-centimeter raised edge prevents many (but definitely not all) spills from ending up on the floor. When you do need to remove the tray, though, it can be a pain.

The 7.9-pound chair is lightweight, sturdy, and simple. And when the tray is removed, the high chair is easily stackable. It is very easy to assemble—we clocked two minutes. All you have to do is slide the chair’s legs into place and click on the tray. The Antilop chair has a smaller-than-most, 22-by-24-inch footprint and a three-point safety harness, so there are no shoulder straps to get messy. (We’ve found that the three-point harness is tight enough across a kid’s hips to keep them from being able to climb out, despite the lack of shoulder straps.) This chair doesn’t have wheels, but it doesn’t need them because it’s light enough to easily pick up and move around. (Many of the other chairs we tested weighed 25 pounds or more—we could easily see why the designers added wheels.)

The Antilop chair has a plain but attractive look. Though the chair is about as basic as can be, you can modify it in two important ways. First, the optional support pillow gives babies who are first learning to eat solids a little boost up to the tray (though the cushion quickly becomes unnecessary for many). Second, the high chair can also work without the tray, if you prefer to push it close to the table so your baby or toddler can eat there with the rest of the family; note, however, that the tray is not as easy to take off and put back on as using our upgrade pick , the Stokke Tripp Trapp . (To make cleanup even simpler, you can add a silicone placemat from Etsy that fits perfectly inside the tray. Or consider adding handmade, wipeable cushion covers in cute fabrics .)

Jenni has been using the Antilop since her son was born, four years ago. It’s a bit scratched up, but it remains entirely functional. She has taken it on road trips, moved it into four rental homes, and is now using it with her second child. For the price, this chair’s durability is something to behold.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The most common complaints about the Antilop chair tend to be about the tray. When parents remove the tray for the first time, many will be left wondering whether it’s actually intended to come off. This is a common question posted to online forums, and there are YouTube videos showing how to do it: Using one hand, you push down on the center of the seat, and then you yank the outer edge of the tray upward, with force (this is harder than you might think).

Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy enough to remove the tray and then snap it back in after washing it by hand or running it through the dishwasher. (It also loosens up over time.) It is dangerous, however, to try and remove the tray when a baby is in the chair, and IKEA warns against this behavior, with stickers on the tray itself. Jenni removes the tray to wash it every evening (and has done so for the past four years).

The tray does not adjust to move closer to or farther from the baby’s tummy, so more food may fall onto the seat than if you were using a chair with an adjustable tray. (IKEA’s optional back cushion helps with this problem, and it can bring smaller babies closer to the tray and allow them to sit up straight.) The seat puts no padding under a baby’s bottom, but it was comfortable enough for our littlest testers. This model also does not include a footrest, but you can add an aftermarket footrest or strap an exercise band across the legs , to give your child some extra support.

Parents of older babies and toddlers will also find that the Antilop chair requires some cooperation, especially with a heavier toddler (you’ll have to lift them way up and slide them in, similar to using a typical wooden high chair in a restaurant). IKEA does not provide a specific age or weight limit for its chair, but Jenni used it with her son until he was 4 years old.

It does not fold or adjust in any way. This high chair stands at a fixed height that allows you to pull it up to a dining table (the tray sits at the 29-inch mark). However, it’s too low for eating at a breakfast bar or taller counter.

To get this chair for $20, you have to take a trip to IKEA . You can also buy it through IKEA’s website , but shipping fees vary. Many IKEA products (here are some of our favorites ) are now also available through Amazon, but often at an absurdly inflated price. The chair has no warranty.

The solid-beech Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair is the only high chair we tested that’s truly comfortable and easy to use—both for infants and for preschoolers who are ready to climb into a chair by themselves.

It’s also the only high chair we tested that has been part of an exhibition at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art , thanks to its iconic 1972 design, by Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik. The aesthetics are clearly a draw, and they’re inseparable from this chair’s value. Unlike the IKEA Antilop and the vast majority of other high chairs, the Tripp Trapp is a piece of furniture you might keep forever: With its five configurations, it can grow from a first high chair for a 6-month-old to a toddler seat to a chair appropriate for most teens and even adults.

Among all of the high chairs we tested, the Tripp Trapp works for the widest range of ages. It was extremely comfortable for Erica’s 7-month-old, and it was even better for her preschooler, who could climb into it herself. The safety gliders (which attach to the legs) allow bigger kids to push away from the table without tipping and to get down on their own. Overall, this high chair seemed the sturdiest of the two-dozen models we tested, and it’s even designed to hold teenagers or adults up to 242 pounds.

It’s reasonably easy to clean. The simple-to-secure Baby Set attachment can go right in the dishwasher for cleanup (you can choose to purchase it separately or as a bundle from the get-go, which we recommend if you’re buying this seat for a baby under 2). You need a screwdriver to remove the safety harness, and the screw is tough to reach without taking the chair’s seat out, so it takes some effort to keep that grime-free. However, during our testing, the safety straps and buckle did scrub free of all stickiness and stains.

It can be used at the family table. Opsvik’s intent with the high chair (which he designed for his 2-year-old son) was to bring little ones right up to the table, so they could eat with the rest of the family. “On a Tripp Trapp chair, smaller children sit on a higher seat than the taller ones, and these reduced height differences have improved the interaction between children and grown-ups around the same table,” he wrote in an email. “Mealtimes have become more relaxed, and children find it easier to concentrate on the activities taking place around the table when the physical environment has been adapted to their size and needs.” Erica’s little tester loved being at the table with her parents and her big sister. Without a tray, though, all of the mess ends up on the tabletop, but a placemat can help with that.

In 2023, Jenni tested the new, less-expensive Stokke Steps , a plastic seat that mimics the Tripp Trapp’s design, and she found that her toddler liked its family-table friendliness as well. He loved the chair’s design so much that he declared it his “special seat” and refused to eat on anything else.

It has great resale value. The resale potential for used Tripp Trapp chairs is strong, and that may help justify the investment. For example, in New York City, they often sell on Craigslist for more than $150 .

It comes in 10 colors (brights and neutrals). It also comes in lighter “natural” and darker “walnut” wood finishes (all of the chairs are made of beech).

When you register this chair, it has a seven-year warranty .

The add-ons are expensive. This chair can be purchased as a preschooler, kid, or adult chair for $240. But if you’re looking for a high chair for a baby, you’ll want the version including the high chair set , which consists of a plastic seat and back that attach to the chair’s wooden slats.

Parents who want their baby to eat apart from the table can buy an optional Stokke plastic tray ; it’s lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and easy to attach to the Baby Set. There are also optional fabric cushions for the chair’s seat. (You can purchase this set as a bundle with the chair and the high chair set.)

Stokke also has a newborn seat attachment , which you can buy for an additional $150. The Stokke newborn seat, which we haven’t tested, can be used from birth up to a maximum weight of 19.8 pounds (most kids will probably want to sit up well before then).

At about 15 pounds, the Tripp Trapp is heavier to move around than its plastic-and-steel or plastic-and-wood counterparts. It also has a longer assembly time (36 minutes) than many other chairs we tested, but we found it was easier to put together and adjust than similar all-wood competitors.

The Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat , which buckles to an adult chair, is smaller, lighter (4.7 pounds), and easier to travel with than our top pick . So it’s a great second chair to keep at the grandparents’ house. This inexpensive model cleverly folds into a compact little package with its own carry strap, and it can work either as a high chair with a tray or as a booster seat pulled up to the table. But it’s not as comfortable to sit in or as easy to clean as our top pick , which we prefer for everyday use.

It’s relatively easy to clean. We studied the half-dozen readily available chairs of this type, and we concluded that the Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat would be the easiest to clean (many similar chairs have large, often ruffle-lined fabric components). The tray insert goes right in the dishwasher—though we did find that it stains easily—and the seat itself is small enough to clean in the sink.

The design is simple but versatile. It took us two minutes to put this chair together. It can adjust to three heights; this is helpful when you’re using it as a booster seat, since some kids need a higher boost to reach the table than others. The tray also has three positions. We tested the Deluxe booster, which includes a snap-on lid, so the tray stays clean when stored away. But the booster is also available without the tray cover (for $5 less).

It’s a convenient spare seat. This chair can work with or without the tray, either as a booster seat pulled right up to the table or as a space-saver high chair. That flexibility makes this chair appropriate for 6-month-olds, toddlers, and preschoolers. Erica’s preschooler liked to have it pulled right up to the table during a visit to Grandpa’s house. And longtime Wirecutter editor Courtney Schley has taken it on trips, to the homes of friends, and to restaurants, in addition to using it in her own home . After their children outgrow this chair, many parents will keep it in a closet to bring out when a baby visits.

And though this seat won’t win any beauty contests, if the tray isn’t attached, you can push the adult chair right up to the table and hide the booster from sight. As with other chairs designed for use next to a table, with this one, parents need to make sure babies aren’t able to kick or push on anything that might cause them to tip over.

This seat does not come with a warranty.

It’s not as easy to clean as our top pick. This chair makes more of a mess than the IKEA Antilop, primarily because food and liquid tend to fall through the booster seat to the adult chair below. The seat also has some buttons, grooves, and other parts that collect grime.

If you’re looking for a high chair that can be packed in a suitcase or even slipped into a diaper bag, the Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair is the best choice. It weighs about 4 pounds, is smaller than a MacBook Air, and attaches more easily to more tables than other chairs of this type.

It’s compatible with more tables than other models we tested. The Lobster chair works just like any other clip-on chair: The arms slot onto a table, and then you use a tension rod to screw the clamps into place. This chair stands out because it fits on tables that are between 0.8 and 3.75 inches thick—a broader range than for other, similar seats.

It has a washable cover. The chair comes assembled, but you’ll need an Allen wrench to remove several of the parts, if you want to zip off the fabric cover for cleaning (you slide it over a few panels to fully remove it). The padded shoulder straps can also be removed for cleaning. Though the Phil&teds site recommends hand-washing, a company rep told us machine-washing is also okay. We machine-washed the cloth seat and the straps multiple times without incident.

Unlike other clip-on chairs we tried, this one has a slide-on, dishwasher-safe tray. This is a good idea in theory (less mess!), but it’s less useful in practice at a restaurant. Jenni’s daughter kept pushing the tray away from her, and it didn’t stay solidly attached to the chair.

Phil&teds products have a one-year warranty.

The Lobster is a bit more shallow than other clip-on chairs. At 10 months old, Jenni’s daughter was chunky, and her stomach was almost pressed against the table. Although the company says the Lobster chair can fit kids up to 37 pounds, we doubt that a bigger child would fit into the smaller frame.

We don’t recommend it for everyday use. The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against everyday use of chairs that clip to a tabletop, since this type of chair involves so many variables: The table must be stable and heavy enough to hold the weight of the baby and the chair; the caregiver needs to lock it on properly; and the baby may be able to kick and push, if they can reach the table with their legs. Be sure to test the table’s stability before you clip your baby on.

If you want the ergonomics of the Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair at a lower price point: The Mockingbird High Chair is a great option to consider. It’s made with hardwood and sturdy plastic. And, like the Tripp Trapp, it’s highly adjustable: The chair’s footrest can be adjusted to four different baby footrest heights, its seat has three widths, and the chair can also be converted into a toddler chair (which is ideal for a growing kiddo). Note, however, that the toddler footrest is not adjustable. This chair can hold 150 pounds, and it comes with the additions that the Stokke Tripp Trapp doesn’t, so it’s less expensive overall. The Mockingbird chair is also the narrowest of any model we tested, by nearly 2 inches. This chair was easy to clean, but it was tough to build, so you’ll want to follow the company’s emailed instructions closely.

If you like the Stokke brand, but you want a slightly less expensive option: The Stokke Steps chair is worth considering. This chair is similar to the Tripp Trapp chair, but it’s made with plastic, which is (arguably) easier to clean. Like the Tripp Trapp chair, the Steps chair requires multiple add-ons for use with an infant or a baby. But it has a long life and holds up to 187 pounds, and the resale value for any Stokke product is quite good.

If you’re looking for a more stylish and versatile chair: You might like Lalo’s The Chair , which, with added attachments, converts to a booster seat as well as a play chair . This chair’s plastic material is easy to clean (though we didn’t like having to wash the optional-use cloth cover), and its bucket shape kept Jenni’s daughter upright. It’s also lightweight, and it has a reversible footrest and removable tray. But the ribbon-like harness straps are tough to clean, the footrest is adjustable to only two positions, and the tray is difficult to remove. The company also makes an attractive and useful set of dishes .

If you want a clip-on chair, and you don’t mind a slightly larger size: The Inglesina Fast Table Chair is more padded than either the Lobster chair or the Chicco Caddy , and it accommodates slightly larger children. The machine-washable cover unzips, and it’s easier to remove than the covers of its competitors. But this chair is a bit bigger and heavier than the Lobster chair. So the Inglesina chair is tough to pack in a suitcase, and it has a ramp-like effect that pushed Jenni’s daughter toward the table. Its clamp system is just as secure as the Lobster’s, though.

With several ergonomic seating configurations and the ability to hold up to 220 pounds, the Bugaboo Giraffe offers a similar set-up to that of the Stokke Tripp Trapp , Lalo’s The Chair , and the Mockingbird High Chair . It has an easily adjustable footrest and seat, both of which slide up and down with the push of two buttons. It also has an easy-to-remove tray—though reviewers have noted that the white tray stains easily. As with the Stokke Tripp Trapp and the Stokke Steps chairs, with the Giraffe chair you can add an infant attachment (for $110), to bring your 0-to-6-month-old baby close to you while your family sits at the table. And for another $110, you can get the rocker frame , to use the high chair’s infant attachment as a rocker on the floor. We haven’t yet tested these additions, but we plan to this year.

The Chicco Caddy Portable Hook-On Chair uses the same clamp system as the Lobster chair , but the Chicco material is tougher to clean. (It buttons on, rather than unzipping; Jenni has used this chair for years, and she finds herself just leaving it dirty, versus taking the time to clean it, because disassembling it is annoying.) The Caddy’s clamp system is also harder to use than the Lobster chair’s, and the Caddy chair sometimes felt wobbly because it wasn’t clamped tightly enough. The Caddy is also bigger than the Lobster, and it won’t fit well in a suitcase, although it’s just fine for a road trip.

The Ergobaby Evolve is a high-quality chair made with thick pieces of wood, small pieces of plastic, and no metal. We liked the decently sized tray, which was easy to remove. It has a similar construction and look to both the Stokke Tripp Trapp and the Mockingbird chairs. And, like those chairs, the Evolve chair turns into a toddler seat. (It can also turn into a kitchen step stool, for an extra $50, if you bundle it with the high chair, or about $80 if purchased separately .) But turning the Evolve into a toddler chair requires quite a bit of deconstruction, and it holds only 100 pounds, less than the comparable chairs we recommend hold.

The Evenflo Eat & Grow 4-in-1 Convertible High Chair has a huge footprint, and it’s covered in fabric that’s machine-washable but a pain to remove. The tray is washable but tough to unsnap. And the materials feel cheap. This model converts to a toddler chair and a kid chair (as well as a table!), but we still prefer the IKEA Antilop .

The Graco EveryStep Slim 6-in-1 Highchair looks like a throne. But why, oh, why is it made with white pleather? We like that it’s adaptable, with possible configurations for infants, toddlers, and beyond. The tray comes off and is easy to throw into the dishwasher. And it rolls nicely (which is important, since it’s big and heavy). But the materials are hard to clean, and this chair is really huge. (We previously tested the Graco Blossom 4-in-1 Seating system , which was also tough to clean.)

The Graco DuoDiner LX Highchair is a modular chair that doesn’t try to turn into a youth seat at all; it works only as a regular high chair, a space-saver chair buckled to an adult chair, or a booster. That means there’s no hidden seat at the bottom to collect sticky liquid. On the other hand, the chair’s seat itself is much heavier and even more like a car seat than those of the other modular chairs. So this one is more difficult to take off and bring to the sink.

The Ingenuity Trio 3-in-1 High Chair was the least expensive modular chair Erica tested. But it also felt a little cheaper: The tray was tough to lock in, and the wheels had it sliding around the floor, even when they were locked. With misplaced footrests, it also didn’t transition well into a toddler chair. That said, it was the easiest modular chair to clean.

The best thing about the Joovy Nook is that its tray opens and swings out to one side, so the caregiver doesn’t need to take it off and then put it back on when seating a baby in the chair. The Nook also folds flat with one hand and leans nicely against the wall. The worst thing about the Nook is that removing the seat cushion for deep cleaning is extremely difficult.

The all-wood Keekaroo Height Right High Chair ’s system for adjusting the seat and footrest is similar to that for the Stokke Tripp Trapp. So this model can be used throughout childhood and as an adult chair. It will likely work just fine for kids ages 3 and up, but it doesn’t seem ideal for the youngest eaters. The wooden tray was very heavy and clunky to slide in and out. And the combination of the seat height, tray placement, and three-point harness allowed Erica’s 7-month-old to lunge forward in the chair (the Stokke chair and the other wooden chair we tested, the now-discontinued Svan Signet Complete, both have a five-point harness).

The Phil&teds Poppy High Chair looks like something out of The Jetsons . But underneath its Aerocore seat cover, there are many hidden gaps, crannies, and slots in the plastic seat frame; in our tests they collected spilled juice and were a big pain to clean. The Amazon listing suggests that the Aerocore seat cover can go in the dishwasher, but the instruction manual advises scrubbing with soap and water instead. And indeed it wasn’t a good idea to put the cover in the dishwasher—it warped when we did so.

The Skip Hop Eon 4-in-1 has a deep bucket seat, which affected Jenni’s daughter’s posture. She wasn’t comfortable in the seat, and she tended to fuss and slouch rather than eat. With a silicone material that we could wipe down quickly and a tray cover that easily snapped off for the dishwasher, this seat was not a problem to clean. And it can convert to a shorter seat for a toddler. But it has a large footprint, and the footrest was too low for an infant and too high for a toddler. For a fraction of the price, the IKEA Antilop is a similar but far better option.

Before testing, we ruled out a few other popular chairs, including Peg Perego’s Prima Pappa Diner and Siesta , because their seat covers were not machine-washable.

Falling is the most common high chair accident that lands children in the emergency room—usually because caregivers don’t fasten the safety straps that come with the chair, or they leave them too loose, explained Heather Felton, a pediatrician and injury-prevention expert in Louisville, Kentucky.

“Injuries from high chairs are fairly common in general. About 24 children are treated in the ER every day in the US, or about one per hour,” Felton wrote in an email. “Most falls happen when a child is climbing or standing on the chair. The most common types of injuries are to the head and neck, with closed head injuries, including concussions, being the most common.”

It’s important to follow the specific safety instructions that come with each chair. For example, it’s not safe to try to remove the IKEA Antilop chair’s tray while a baby is in the seat. The Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair’s manual explains that this high chair is not for use on rough surfaces and uneven floors—such as areas with rugs or tiles—because the chair needs to be able to slide backward. With both the Tripp Trapp and any booster, including the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe , in which a child is buckled to an adult chair, you need to watch for frames underneath the table that a child could push their legs against, causing themself to tilt backward.

This article was edited by Rachel Hurn and Kalee Thompson.

Heather Felton, MD, Louisville pediatrician, expert in safety and injury prevention, and spokesperson for the American Association of Pediatrics , email interview , May 16, 2017

Betsy Holman, brand marketing, Graco , phone interview , May 18, 2017

Domenic Gubitosi, director of product design for Fisher-Price, babygear division , phone interview , May 18, 2017

Bridgette Kovacevich, marketing manager for BabySwede, the licensed North American distributor for BabyBjörn , email interview , May 24, 2017

Peter Opsvik, designer of the Stokke Tripp Trapp and author of Rethinking Sitting , email interview , May 31, 2017

Howard Greenspan, owner of SCS Direct, maker of the Svan high chair , phone interview , May 15, 2017

Carrie Pagliano, physical therapist , email interview , March 1, 2023

Julie Barnes, occupational therapist, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, CBIS, CLT , email interview , March 10, 2023

Meet your guides

Jenni Gritters

Erica Pearson

Further reading

Going Places With Small Kids Is 90% Easier With This Clamp-On High Chair

by Lauren Sullivan

I’ve traveled regularly with some combination of my three children for almost a decade. The one baby essential I’ve never left behind is this clamp-on Lobster high chair .

The Best Baby Bouncers and Rockers

by Rachael Rifkin

For parents who want a safe place for their newborns and infants to sit, rock, and bounce, these are the best options.

The Best Baby Swings

by Dori Zinn

We spent 10 hours testing five baby swings and found that the space-efficient, relatively inexpensive Graco Glider LX Gliding Swing is the best one.

Things to Help Your Baby—and You—Sleep Better

by Winnie Yang

We compared dozens of cribs, mattresses, and monitors and talked to doctors Harvey Karp and Bill Sears to find the best bets for a good night's sleep.

The 11 Best Travel High Chairs If Your Take Your Kid Out for Meals Often

The portability will make feeding baby — sometimes a fraught endeavor to begin with — a bit easier.

If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?

If you've never bought one before, you're probably overwhelmed by all of the options and don't know how to determine which travel high chair is best for you — but don't worry, we have you covered. They're a great thing to add to your registry because of their more affordable price point, and they make a great gift for new parents if you're shopping.

The Best Travel High Chairs

• Best Overall: Cozy Seat Cover
• Best Budget Soft Seat: Nuby Travel Seat
• Easiest to Set Up: Chicco Travel Seat
• Great Silicone Placemat: PandaEar Travel Seat
• Most Stable for Baby: Ingenuity 2-in-1

What to Consider

Buying a travel high chair isn't a huge task, but there are a few things that you should look at when you're considering buying one. First and foremost, take into account portability , how easy it is to clean, and cost.

Portability

You want a travel high chair that's lightweight, easy to fold, and easy to stow away. If it doesn't travel well, is it even a travel high chair? We don't think so. Some come with a carrying bag, some have a strap for easy travel, and some fold up tight for small spaces.

Cleanability

Cleaning fabric on high chairs can be a pain. Is it machine-washable ? Thankfully, most travel high chairs are a cinch to clean. The more parts involved, obviously, the trickier cleaning it is, so keep that in mind if you're going to be using it a lot.

You could go with a classic high chair that attaches directly to a table, with arms that serve as cantilevers to hold the baby up safely. You can also opt for booster-style seats that strap onto a regular chair at a restaurant or someone's home.

Another option is pop-out foldable boosters, which are suited best for older children who don't need as much lift to get to the table. Rounding out the list are travel high chairs that are compact versions of the real deal. These are generally made with rugged nylon and aluminum posts and conveniently fold up like an umbrella.

How We Chose

We chose these high chairs based on extensive testing and real-parent reviews. We compared prices, materials, and overall quality to determine usefulness, durability, and value. We put them through their paces with several young and messy humans, and these are the best. Check out these picks if you're shopping for travel high chairs.

Cozy Cover The Original Easy Seat Portable High Chair

Have a washing machine? Have a baby over six months or a toddler up to 35 pounds who wiggles a ton? Like to eat out and need a place to keep them contained? Meet the Cozy Cover Easy Seat.

It has a five-point removable harness for babies and a three-point strap for toddlers, and it just slides over a chair, secures at the bottom, and then you're off to the races. It comes with its own cover that is machine-washable (which is the biggest benefit that parents love about it), but they also remark on how durable it is. This chair can really take some abuse.

The only downside is that it doesn't work on all seats. Our tester noted that low backs on chairs or chairs of odd shapes don't work as well.

More: The Best Suitcases for Kids

Nuby Easy Go Safety Lightweight Travel High Chair Booster Seat

This is a toddler seat designed for kids from nine months to 55 pounds. It can be secured to most chairs, but it doesn't fold as compactly as a slip model. That's not to say it's not compact —you can easily fit this in a standard Skip Hop diaper bag — but it's just a little bit bulkier.

Another great little option is that the high-density foam seat can be removed for comfort. It features a wipe-clean oil and water-resistant fabric, and a three-point harness. It’s a great travel high chair and it’s nice to have “just in case” in your trunk or under your stroller.

Even when we repeatedly used Lysol wipes on this chair while testing it out, the slick finish of the seat remained strong and unwarped. Lysol wipes can deteriorate finishes — and they didn't on this one.

Summer Infant Pop ‘n Sit Portable Travel High Chair

We get that a camp-style chair just doesn't cut it sometimes — so if you're on the hunt for one with a hard tray, this is the one for you.

It's good for babies six months or up to 35 pounds, and the fabric is removable and machine-washable.

It all folds up into a carrying case just slightly larger than an umbrella, save the tray. This chair has a fun zippered pocket on the side to hold whatever you want like plastic cutlery and wipes.

Parents love how much legroom this model has. It's good for chunky baby thighs or bulky sweatsuits. Plus, pretty much everyone loves the cheerful fabric and the grippy bottoms of the feet for stability.

PandaEar Portable Baby Seat Travel High Chair

This product came as a personal recommendation from a few parents. It's a great option because it folds up tiny when you're not using it.

The chair itself is made of typical camp chair material that's easy to clean off. The tray has this wonderful silicone placemat that fits inside that you throw in your dishwasher. You could even throw the entire thing on the porch and hose it down with some dish soap.

Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 Booster Feeding and Floor Travel High Chair

You get a lot of mileage out of this travel high chair that also happens to double as a baby floor seat . It's a soft seat molded to help keep the baby in a comfortable seated position with a removable dining tray and straps to affix it to the seat at a restaurant or home.

It has a luxe feel and keeps babies from wiggling around so much while they eat. It's sort of like a hug around the lower torso and legs, rooting them into the seat. Think of any assisted-sitting chair, and this is a little like that, but not quite as high-backed.

It's easy to clean thanks to the non-porous surface, and though it would be better if it were easier to carry around, it's overall a great product.

Ciao! Baby Camping Travel High Chair

If you go camping, spend a lot of time outside, or just want an ultra-light, collapsible high chair that doesn't need a table and chairs, this is our favorite .

This chair has a five-point harness, so it can be used for babies as soon as they can sit up on their own. It's made of a vinyl-coated canvas, which means it can easily be sprayed off with a hose, wiped clean with a cloth, or sprayed down with your favorite cleaning spray. It also has a cup holder for babies, which may not completely prevent them from flinging their bottle, but it may help. It collapses into a small bag and only weighs about eight pounds.

Users note that this is the perfect choice for the beach, the woods, or the backyard, thanks to the fabric's ease of cleanup and durability. It's an outdoor fabric, and it can take a beating.

Baby Delight Go with Me Venture Travel High Chair

Your child can start using this chair starting at 3 months of age, and they can use it virtually until second or third grade or until they reach 75 pounds. It’s not just a high chair or camp chair with a canopy — it’s also a beach chair for kids .

It has a five-point harness, removable tray, and cup holder, but the sneaky part is that the whole top piece and footrest come off to make it into a shaded chair for your kids.

Even better, the entire thing fits into a sling bag, and the extremely durable polyester can be hosed or wiped off easily.

Wiggly-butt babies have something to push against with the footrest, and you can rest easy knowing it’s safe and stable because they’re so close to the ground.

Chicco QuickSeat Hook-On Travel High Chair

Chicco is good at making it easy for parents to remove their product covers for washing — and the Quick Seat is no different. With the unsnapping of just a few snaps, it's off and ready for the machine in a jiff.

It's suitable for babies from six months or up to 37 pounds, and the generously sized tray is also super easy to clean.

But that's not even the best part. Most claw-style chairs use some sort of twist or crank to attach them to the table. Not the Chicco — it does it with just a pull of a cinch in the back, making it the easiest travel high chair to set up by a mile.

And that's the biggest reason people love this chair: There's no guesswork. Users note they can hold the baby in one hand and easily get the seat attached using their other hand and their hip. (Your hip becomes a third hand when you're parenting a baby, it's true.)

Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat Travel High Chair

You can be on the go or just in your dining room with this Pocket snack booster seat from Chicco. It folds completely flat, and it has a carrying strap. So no matter where you are or where you're going, you'll have a place for your baby.

Chicco made this utterly washable, multi-height position chair with a removable tray so that it works as a booster as well. Suitable for babies from when they can sit up unassisted to 50 pounds. And the easy 3-point harness? It takes a ton of effort to get it gunked up. (Our testers said not even grits could take it down!

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Washable Booster Seat Travel High Chair

If you are a major fan of Lysol or Clorox wipes , this is the travel high chair for you.

It's not as compact as some of the others, though it does fold up. But the whole thing can be wiped down easily. The straps are even easy to clean. Plus, it stays clean, thanks to having such few spaces for food to get trapped in.

And it is meant for the long haul. Two different tray options click together for storage: One is plain and flat and the other is portioned out. It goes from a high back travel high chair and also transforms into a booster, giving it a second life. It can be used for babies from six months old until they no longer need it.

Phil & Teds Lobster Clip-On Travel High Chair

More than a few parents use this narrow travel high chair as their everyday high chair. It's suitable for use from six months or up to 37 pounds, and because it takes up such little room, it can be a great option for smaller spaces.

The chair itself is extremely durable. The cover is machine-washable and the tray is dishwasher-safe. The only drawback of this chair is that it doesn't work with round tables or glass.

Parents love how small it is, fitting well in tight kitchens. They also love how easy it is to attach, noting that the clasps are simple and durable.

Baby Essentials

Nuna vs. UppaBaby Strollers

The Best Lightweight Umbrella Strollers Around

The Best Baby Carriers of 2024

The Best Rotating Car Seats for Squirmy Kids

The 9 Best Travel Bottle Warmers

The Best Stretch Mark Removal Creams

The Best Double Strollers for Growing Families

The 15 Best Pacifiers to Soothe Your Baby

13 Best Jogging Strollers for Every Type of Runner

The Best Baby Gates for Safety and Style

The Best Baby Swings to Soothe Your Little Ones

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 15 Best Portable Travel High Chairs and Booster Seats [2023]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3189 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

The different types of travel high chairs, things to consider with a travel high chair or booster seats, the 8 best travel high chairs and booster seats under $30, the 5 best travel high chairs and booster seats under $60, the 2 best travel high chairs and booster seats under $90, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Feeding on the go can be a messy business if you aren’t able to seat your little one at the table with you. A travel high chair or booster seat can make mealtimes far less stressful.

Don’t rely on restaurants, cafes, and other eateries to be able to seat your baby — take your own portable high chair with you instead.

Hook-on High Chairs

Perfect for babies 6 months or older, hook-on high chairs attach to the side of any table using rubber handles that can be securely tightened to remain stable and safe.

Your child will sit close to the table at the right height to enjoy eating and communing with you as you enjoy a family meal together. There are no folding trays to worry about or straps to attach to chairs. Although there is a maximum weight restriction of around 40 pounds depending on the chair, these are the most convenient way to seat your child when traveling.

Bottom Line: Collapsible and lightweight, you can take your hook-on high chair virtually anywhere.

Booster Seats

Booster seats do just that — raise the seat height of your child’s chair to enable them to reach the table. Compact enough to fit into their very own carry bags in transit, these easy-to-clean high chair alternatives are a popular choice for children 12 months or older.

The only thing you need to ensure the success of your booster seat at dinner time is a stable dining chair with a back to tie it to.

Bottom Line: Designed for children weighing up to 50 pounds, booster seats are a highly portable addition to your child-friendly vacation kit.

Made entirely from fabric, chair wraps are just about the most portable feeding devices ever made. Small enough to fit in any purse or carry-on , these oversized scarves are designed to harness your toddler to an adult chair.

While your inner hippie may be happy that you have chosen a natural and traditional way to help your child eat with the grown-ups, you need to be very adept at attaching the wrap to the chair by pulling a cover over the back and tightening the ends to secure your baby.

Bottom Line: Fantastic for those who know how to use them, a huge amount of stress for those that don’t.

When choosing the right travel high chair or booster seat for your next vacation, consider the following:

Keeping your baby safe while sitting at the table is a crucial concern for every parent. While high chairs with straps and large plastic trays feel somehow more secure and sturdy, a child can still fall out if not securely strapped in.

When using a travel high chair or booster seat, be sure that it offers a durable and robust harness , and that the one you choose has enough support to suit the developmental age of your baby.

Hot Tip: To reduce the risk of falling, your child should not exceed the suggested maximum weight for the product.

Wipe-clean fabrics and plastic cushions are best suited to the messy business of babies, and your travel high chair should be just as easy to clean. Foldable booster seats are incredibly easy to clean, and their flexible design makes it possible for you to reach all the tiny seams and creases where crumbs tend to gather.

Hot Tip: Hook-on high chairs with washable, fabric covers are pretty low maintenance as long as you can throw it in the machine.

Size and Portability

Portability is the key to traveling light with a baby, so big, bulky folding high chairs are best left at home on this occasion. You should, however, look beyond the dimensions of any potential travel high chair, and instead focus on a combination of size, weight, and portability.

While wraps are the most lightweight and portable option out there, a compact booster chair that folds up small and weighs very little is still a good alternative. A hook-on that can be folded and kept in a carry bag should also be considered, especially if you are traveling by car or public transport where weight is less of an issue.

Ease of Use

Feeding time with your children can be stressful enough without having to worry about shoehorning your 1-year old into an overly complicated high chair harness. Likewise, holding a baby in your arms while you try to attach a wrap to a chair without any success is also likely to put you off taking your little one out to eat with you.

Whatever type of travel high chair or booster seat you decide to go for, make sure that it’s easy for you to use. Hook-on chairs are more fiddly as you need to screw the handles onto the table to ensure that they are safe, and wraps take some getting used to.

Bottom Line: Booster seats are straightforward to use and easy to insert your child into.

1. Find the Right Position for Your Baby With This Adjustable Booster Seat

Summer infant deluxe comfort folding booster seat.

The Summer Infant Deluxe Comfort Folding Booster Seat is a convenient addition to your baby travel gear and one that will allow them to safely eat their food at the same level as you. Weighing just 3.66 pounds, this booster seat is suitable for children from 6 months to 33 pounds.  The compact folding mechanism makes it small enough to take anywhere with you.

Your little one will be safe in the 3-point harness, and you will be able to find the right height setting with 2 different levels of height adjustment. Use it without the feeding tray for a toddler booster seat at the table, or let your younger baby use the tray. Simple to use and highly portable, this little booster seat is brilliant.

What We Like

• Has 2 height levels

What We Don’t Like

• The chair cover isn’t great

2. A Foldable Travel Chair With its Very Own Carry Case

Hiccapop omniboost travel booster seat with tray.

This very useful little travel chair is perfect for letting your little one eat with you wherever you may be. The folding frame pops open to form a low-level camping chair complete with a food tray that toddlers and small children will be happy to sit, eat, or play in. Wide, stable feet help to keep the chair balanced at all times, and the tray is removable so your child can join you at the table.

The 3-point adjustable harness will keep your little one safe as they eat, and when you are finished, simply fold the chair back down and pop it back into the carry bag . To ensure that the chair is always clean and hygienic, the cover can be machine washed and the tray is made from dishwasher-safe, BPA-free material.

Cute and completely portable, this is the perfect camping chair for junior diners.

• Has a removable and washable cover
• Tray table can be difficult to get on and off

3. High Chair Complete With Wipeable Food Tray and Cute Looks

Summer infant pop and sit portable booster.

Looking every bit as cute as a tiny camping chair, this incredibly portable booster chair from Summer Infant is a little bit different from the rest. Designed to be used on the floor, or a chair, your little one can eat independently or with you.

Featuring a lightweight, folding frame that can be erected in sections , this little booster seat even comes with its own carry case. The detachable, dishwasher-safe BPA-free tray is perfect for playing or snacking, and the 3-point safety harness will keep your precious little one safe and secure. By using the built-in safety straps to attach the seat to an adult chair, you and your child (ages 6 months and older) can eat and play together, everywhere you go.

• Folds up small to save space
• Harness straps sit very low

4. A Fabulous, Full-Height Folding High Chair for Meals on the Go

Summer infant pop and sit portable high chair.

With its lightweight design and full-height feeding chair, the Summer Infant Pop N’ Sit Portable High Chair is perfect for families on the go. Easy to fold down into its very own compact carry bag, this is an easy-to-use travel high chair for your baby.

Suitable from 6 months onwards, the chair comes complete with a removable, BPA-free tray that can be popped into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. The non-slip rubber feet will grip to most surfaces, making this a stable and safe place to feed your children. The easy pop-up unfolding mechanism makes it a dream to use on vacation, at Grandma’s house, or even just at home.

• Has a rear storage pocket
• Leg holes might be restrictive for some children

5. An Award-winning Booster Seat From Chicco

• Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat

Having already been awarded 5 stars in the “Best Baby and Toddler Gear Awards,” this easy-to-fold portable high chair will transform the way you and your little one eat out. Your baby will be able to sit right at the table and join you for a meal using this easy-to-secure, super-safe booster seat from Chicco.

With 3 tray positions, your child can also enjoy a snack or meal independently, and the harness straps will keep them safe while seated. With a wide padded seat and an easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe food tray, you can be sure that this booster seat remains hygienic at all times. The Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat is an excellent value for money.

• Adjustable to 3 heights
• Securing chair straps are quite short

6. Compact Storage on a Wrap-style Booster Seat

• liuliuby Travel Harness Seat

So portable it can roll up to the size of an umbrella, the liuliuby Travel Harness Seat is a functional fabric booster seat. Designed with safety in mind, this may look lightweight and unsupportive, but it incorporates a 5-point harness and comfortable straps for added reassurance and unrivaled strength and durability.

Suitable for babies approximately 6 months and older that can sit up unassisted, the simple design hooks over the back of an adult chair and supports your baby while they join you to eat at the table. Machine washable, wipeable, and incredibly stylish, this is the perfect compact travel seat for eating on the go.

• Anti-slip pads mean your child will stay put
• Doesn’t fit all chairs

7. Slip Over Adult Dining Chairs for Relaxed Meals

Cozy cover easy seat portable high chair.

Suitable for babies from 6 months old up to 33 pounds, the portable Easy Seat is a convenient companion for families on the go. You and your child can avoid the questionable hygiene of restaurant high chairs and have your little one eat at the table with you.

Compact enough to carry in your bag (in its own matching carry bag), the Easy Seat simply slides over the top of your adult dining chair, and with just a quick click of the straps, your child is secured in a 5-point harness . The 100% polyester material is easy to clean in the washing machine, and the brightly-colored design helps this fabulous petite seat stand out from the rest. A great buy for busy parents.

• Comes with a matching carry bag
• Doesn’t include a tray for eating

8. Inflatable Booster Seat That Keeps Your Child Close By

The first years on-the-go booster sea t.

Quite unlike any of the other high chairs and booster seats on our list, the On-The-Go Booster Seat inflates to keep your child comfy and ensures that they can always reach the table.

Simply pull out the valve and watch it self-inflate into a full-size booster seat,  then press out the air and fold back into its carry pack when the meal is over. This seat comes with an adjustable safety belt with a T-restraint to help hold your child securely and even has its own carry bag for taking it everywhere with you. A perfect addition to your baby kit.

• Portable and inflates quickly
• Not suited for extensive use

1. Let Your Little One Eat With You Using This Portable Booster Seat

Fisher-price healthy care deluxe booster seat.

Designed to fit at the table so that your little one can eat with the grown-ups, this foldable and incredibly portable booster seat secures to most dining chairs, both at home and away.

With a snap-on feeding tray and cup holder that is completely removable and dishwasher safe, you can let your child eat at the table or eat independently. The 3 height adjustments and super-secure 3-point harness will help you to find the safest position for your baby while they eat.

With a shoulder strap for ease of mobility and a simple, ergonomic design made from easy-to-clean and durable materials, this is a clear winner for moms and dads on the go.

• No crevices to trap crumbs
• Tray table comes off too easily (infant may remove it)

2. A Stand-alone High Chair That Feels Just Like Home

Ciao baby portable high chair with tray.

This stand-alone high chair is an excellent option for anyone who wants their child to feel totally at home in their high chair. Mimicking the height and feel of a regular full-size high chair , this little beauty folds up into a compact size, making it perfect for camping, keeping as a spare, or taking on vacation with you.

Made from highly durable nylon, this high chair is built to last, and the clear vinyl food tray is wipeable and easy to keep clean. There is also a built-in cup holder for your little one’s bottle or cup. Suitable from infant to toddler (your child must be able to sit unaided to use this high chair), your baby will stay safe and secure with the lap belt and 5-point safety harness.

Easy to use and transport, this is the perfect portable high chair for children who want to be reminded of the one they have at home.

• 5-point safety harness
• The opening for the child is a bit of a squeeze

3. A Hook-on High Chair for Discerning Little Diners

Chicco caddy hook-on chair.

In theory, this sturdy and durable hook-on high chair has plenty to offer both you and your baby. It folds down to take anywhere with you, it is made from high-quality materials, and the twist-and-tighten design fastens securely to most tables. In reality, it is very bulky and weighs a lot more than most portable high chairs, at a whopping 7 pounds, even without its carry bag.

That said, the rubberized arms are well-designed and will firmly grip any table without scratching , making it an excellent choice for parents who want their baby to eat with them. The seat cover is removable for easy cleaning and the cushioned back support adds comfort for your little one.

Suitable for 6 months onwards, we are not sure if the pure size and weight of this one prevents it from truly being a travel high chair, but it would still make a useful extra if you have room to transport it.

• Attaches directly to a table
• Not suitable for fidgety children

4. This Reclining High Chair Is Great for Toddlers

• Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair

Offering easy-to-clean, customizable seating for your little one, the Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair is an affordable, reliable, and well-made travel booster seat that will make eating out a breeze.

Offering full-size seating dimensions in a portable package that folds up super small, this seat fits on most adult high back chairs. Suitable from around 6 months, this booster offers 2 height adjustments and 3 recline positions . The removable and dishwasher-safe feeding tray is easy to clean, and the cushioned seat will keep your little one comfy at all times.

Designed to grow with your child, the tray can be removed, and the secure strap attachments are designed to stay safely affixed to your adult chair.

• Has a machine-washable seat pad
• Doesn’t slot under the table at certain heights

5. Store Your Infant’s Extra Items in the Base of This Booster Seat

Brica goboost travel booster seat.

Perfect for dining on the go, the Brica GoBoost Booster Seat folds up small and comes complete with its own convenient carry strap. Stable and secure with a robust internal frame and wipeable, easy-to-clean material, this is the perfect booster seat for older infants on the go.

There is no 5-point harness on this seat, and it has a fixed position backrest, but with a built-in storage unit that can hold your bottles, wipes, cups, and even diapers. Xtra-Grip traction pads offer a non-slip grip on adult chairs.

• Includes storage for bottles, diapers, or other items
• Not machine washable

1. Best Hook-on Travel Seat for Curved Tables and Hungry Babies

Inglesina fast table chair  .

Incredibly versatile and perfect for use at curved dining tables, this hook-on high chair really is one of the best on the market. With twist-tight couplings that secure the chair to virtually any table and a deep seat with an adjustable 3-point harness, this high chair is also incredibly secure to keep your little one safe while snacking.

With a deeply padded seat, high backrest, waist harness, and easy-to-clean, breathable polyester material , your little one will be super comfortable. With an additional storage pocket on the rear side of the seat for a pacifier and other essentials, and a carry case for journeys away from home, this is an excellent hook-on high chair that is well-suited to families who like to dine out often.

• Comes in a range of colors
• Not the easiest material to clean

2. Award-winning High Chair for Those in the Know

Phil&teds lobster clip-on high chair .

Fans of the phil&teds stroller brand will already be familiar with their unique, high-quality designs, and the Lobster high chair is no exception. Super lightweight and incredibly compact, the Lobster has a first-class aluminum frame with padded support and a shoulder harness system that won’t let you down.

Suitable for infants 3 months old up to 3 years, or a maximum weight of 37 pounds, this high chair is still compact enough to fit into your travel bag for families on vacation. With stylish good looks and award-winning design, the world is your oyster with this high chair.

• Quick to set up and pack down
• Not compatible with all table types

Travel high chairs need to be portable, stable, and easy to clean. Younger babies need a secure harness, while older toddlers need a seat that won’t wobble about when they do.

From the simplicity of a sling-style high chair to hanging out in a hook-on, your next travel high chair or booster seat needs to be small enough to take with you, yet strong enough to hold your child safely. Make more of family mealtimes on your travels with any of the high chairs and booster seats on our list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hook-on high chairs safe.

Hook-on high chairs are safe as long as you adhere to the manufacturer’s maximum weight restrictions. Some other tips are:

• Make sure that the clamp is securely fastened
• Don’t use a hook-on high chair on glass tables
• Ensure all straps are securely fastened

What age can a baby sit in restaurant high chair?

Babies can use a high chair when they are able to sit up unassisted. For most babies, this will happen around the 6-month mark but can happen as early as 4 months.

What are the best travel high chairs?

Some of the best travel high chairs and booster seats include:

• Summer Deluxe Comfort Folding Booster Seat
• hiccapop Omniboost Travel Booster Seat
• Summer Infant Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster Chair
• Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Highchair
• The Original Easy Seat Portable High Chair
• The First Years On-The-Go Booster Seat
• Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat
• ciao! baby Portable High Chair
• Chicco Caddy Hook On Chair
• Munchkin Brica GoBoost Travel Booster Seat
• Inglesina Fast Table Chair
• phil&teds Lobster Clip-On Highchair

Are travel high chairs portable?

While wraps are the most lightweight and portable option out there, a compact booster chair that folds up small and weighs very little is still a good alternative.

Was this page helpful?

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Best High Chairs of 2024

It's time for your baby to pull up a seat at the table., by jen labracio | medically reviewed by holly peretz ot.

You know what those adorable pics of babies with chubby cheeks and mashed fruit and veggies plastered all over their faces have in common? There’s a high chair (and a mess) in every single one.

When it’s time to start solids , it’s important to have a safe spot for your little one to eat. But a lot goes into choosing the right high chair for your baby and your family. Most parents consider factors like cost, size, longevity, safety and—of course—how easy it is to clean. We polled thousands of Babylist parents and tested dozens of high chairs ourselves for our list of best picks.

Babylist’s Top Picks for the Best High Chairs

• Best Convertible: Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
• Best More Modern Convertible: Bugaboo Giraffe Complete High Chair
• Best Affordable: IKEA Antilop
• Best Modern: Skip Hop EON 4-in-1 Multi-Stage High Chair
• Another Modern Pick: Lalo High Chair
• Most Versatile: Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7-in-1 Highchair
• Best Portable: Inglesina Fast Table High Chair
• Best for Small Spaces: Fisher-Price Space-Saver High Chair
• Best for Baby-Led Weaning: Stokke Nomi High Chair Bundle
• Best Foldable: Baby Jogger City Bistro Highchair
• Best Easy to Clean: Boon Grub Dishwasher Safe Adjustable Baby High Chair
• Best for Travel: Bombol Pop-Up Booster
• Best for Camping: Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Chair
• Best Rotating: Munchkin 360 Cloud Baby High Chair

In This Article

How we chose the best high chairs.

• Our Top Picks
• High Chairs We’re Keeping an Eye On

Types of High Chairs

When can baby sit in a high chair, how to pick the best high chair, frequently asked questions, babylist’s picks for the best high chairs, best convertible high chair.

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair - Natural

• A classic since 1972
• Grows with your little one; converts to an adult chair that holds up to 242 pounds
• Pulls right up to dining table
• Expensive, especially with add-ons

What Our Experts Think

We’re not going to lie—we have a major soft spot for this Scandinavian classic that’s been around since 1972 and is still going strong.

The Stokke Tripp Trapp checks all the right boxes: it’s stylish, ergonomic, durable, safe and lasts for years. Called a “chair for life,” it really can take you from the baby days all the way through the big kid years and beyond, eventually converting to a regular seat that holds up to 272 pounds. The simple beechwood design doesn’t scream “baby gear” and fits seamlessly into your home decor. It’s also really easy to keep clean. And unlike many high chairs, the Tripp Trapp is intended to be pulled right up to the table so everyone can eat together. (You can also purchase a tray separately if you’d like.)

What’s Worth Considering

There’s no getting around the Tripp Trapp’s biggest flaw: cost. The seat itself is expensive, then once you start throwing in extras like the Baby Set , tray or cushion , things can really start to add up. (If you want a package deal, check out the Complete set; it comes with the high chair, Baby Set, Cushion and Tray already bundled togetether.) The straps on the Tripp Trapp are also notoriously hard to adjust.

If you like the look and convertible aspect of the Tripp Trapp but want to spend less, our two favorite more affordable alternatives are the Keekaroo Height Right High Chair and the Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair with Tray .

What Babylist Parents Think

“Having three children at home, and having used multiple highchairs over the past 6 years, I can honestly say I wish I had tried the Stokke TrippTrapp sooner. This highchair is simply perfect. The attention to detail from design and aesthetics, to ergonomics, to how it will function practically for incorporating baby into family meals, it really is in a league of its own.” -Amanda

Additional Specs

Best Modern Convertible High Chair

Bugaboo Giraffe Complete High Chair - Natural Wood

• Easy to assemble and clean
• Adjustable seat and footrest, no tools needed
• Grows from baby through big kid and beyond

Just when we thought nothing could come in the way of our love for the Stokke Tripp Trapp…enter Bugaboo’s Giraffe, a sleeker, more modern and slightly more compact take of one of our all-time favorite high chairs. This beautifully designed and very well-thought-out seat has everything you need (or might ever want) in a high chair. For starters, setup is incredibly easy; we put it together in minutes with no tools needed other than the small hex key wrench that’s included. Any adjustments you may need to make to the Giraffe are similarly simple. Both the seat and the footrest slide up and down in seconds with the squeeze of a button, a feature we love as it assures your little one is in a safe and ergonomic position for eating.

Other features to rave about include ease of cleaning (zero nooks or crannies to worry about), a super stable base and a dishwasher-safe tray that’s effortless to get on and off. We also love that the chair pulls right up to the table and grows with your child. There’s an easy-to-attach Newborn Set available for the six-months-and-under crowd and a baby set with a five-point harness for your toddler that you can use until your little one is about three years old, at which point the Giraffe turns into a chair that can be used up to 220 pounds.

If you’re dealing with a wiggly toddler, the shoulder straps on the Giraffe are apt to slide down if they’re not perfectly centered and tightened enough. (We found removing the strap cushions to be helpful.) The Giraffe doesn’t fold for storage. The high chair is also really expensive, especially if you add on extras like the Newborn Set or the Junior Pillow .

Best Affordable High Chair

ANTILOP - Highchair

• Ultra affordable
• Easy to clean
• No footrest
• Not supportive for younger infants

There’s no denying the beautiful simplicity and unbelievable affordability of this IKEA high chair. At just under $30, this no-frills chair is sturdy, compact and a breeze to clean thanks to the molded plastic surface. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to move around. Lots of families keep one of these at grandma’s house since it’s easy on the wallet and easy to store.

There are a few major drawbacks of this seat. There’s no footrest and the tray is difficult to remove, so many parents just leave it on. The chair doesn’t fold for storage. (Although the legs do pop off fairly easily.) The safety buckle clips at the waist, which may not offer enough support for younger infants compared to a five-point harness. To add more comfort to the basic surface, buy IKEA’s support cushion and cover or find other cushions and a footrest at Yeah Baby Goods .

If you don’t mind spending a bit more, Evenflo’s 4-in-1 Eat & Grow Convertible High Chair is another popular, budget-friendly pick among Babylist parents. The design is similar to the IKEA high chair with a few extras: a four-in-one design (the high chair converts from an infant chair to a toddler dining chair and tray to a standalone toddler chair and eventually into a big kid table and chair), an included seat pad and a five-point harness.

“Our IKEA high chair is stylish, easy-to-clean, and cheap. You. Can’t. Beat. That.” -Katie

Best Modern High Chair

Skip Hop EON 4-In-1 Multi-Stage High Chair - Slate Blue

• 4 ways to use
• Babylist-exclusive color
• Large footprint

This Skip Hop Eon is a popular Babylist parent pick and a high chair you’ll definitely want to consider if you’re looking for a modern, multifunction seat. The streamlined chair is more than just good looks—it’s also almost effortless to keep clean thanks to the smooth, crevice-free surface. The other perk is the seat’s many functions. The Eon grows with your little one from a high chair to a dining booster, tableside booster and finally to a toddler chair.

Two more features to love: an adjustable two-position footrest (so you’ll be able to position baby safely for eating) and a tray that’s both easy to get on and off and dishwasher-safe.

Just like the Lalo (and many other similarly designed high chairs currently on the market), the splayed leg style of this seat means that it takes up a good amount of floor space and that it’s easily tripped over. And due to the shape and size of the seat, it’s not ideal for younger eaters; you’ll want your baby to be able to sit up completely independently and have excellent head and neck control before using it.

“Pros: Extremely easy to set-up; did so without instructions. Easy to clean with a removable tray cover. Love that it will grow with our baby. Maybe Con: No cushions included or even sold separately, but that allows for easy clean-up post feeding. No complaints!” -Nick & Akiko H.

Another Modern, Versatile Pick

Lalo High Chair - Coconut

• Modern, minimalist and fun design that’s easy to clean
• Converts to a booster and a toddler chair
• Not much support for younger babies

What Our Experts Think:

The look of the Lalo stands out from a lot of what’s out there in the high chair market, and that’s one of the things we love the most about it. The modern, minimalist design accents any space rather than detracting from it. The smooth surface (including the large tray) is easy to wipe clean and assembly is really simple and takes only a few minutes. There’s also a two-position footrest, a supportive feature we always look for in a high chair.

The other cool feature of this chair is its versatility. You can purchase Play Legs (sold separately) to convert the high chair into a toddler chair that can pull up to Lalo’s Play Table and most other play tables. You can also buy the Booster Conversion Kit to convert your Lalo into a booster seat for babies four months to three years old.

The Lalo isn’t great for supporting younger babies, even with the seat cushion added. (And speaking of the seat cushion, some parents don’t love that food gets stuck underneath it after a meal.) The splayed design of the high chair’s legs means the footprint is fairly large and it’s easy to trip on if you’re not paying attention.

One more modern high chair worth a look: the Maxi-Cosi Moa 8-in-1 . It has eight different modes (infant chair, toddler chair, stool, booster and more), a three-level adjustable footrest, a water-repellent and machine washable cushion, tool-free setup and a contemporary design.

“This modern-looking chair doesn’t stick out in my home like so many other baby gear items. And I love that I’ll be able to use it as a toddler chair once my baby gets a bit older.” -Kristin

Most Versatile High Chair

Graco table2table premier fold 7-in-1 high chair - myles.

• 7 growing stages
• Grows with baby and can be used for two children at once
• Lots of height, recline positions and footrest adjustments
• Large footprint, tough to clean

Versatility is the name of the game with the Graco Table2Table. It has just the right setup for each stage of your child’s development, from infant to bigger kiddo. It works as a traditional high chair, an infant booster, a toddler booster and a youth chair, and also converts to a toddler-sized table and chair set.

It’s designed with lots of thoughtful features like a convertible three- and five-point harness, a reclining seat, plenty of height and footrest adjustment options and one-handed tray removal. We also love that this chair can be used for two kids simultaneously; the included booster seat can be used for the big sibling while the high chair can be used with your little one at the same time.

The Table2Table has a fairly large footprint when it’s open (although it does fold pretty compactly for easy storage), so it may not be a good choice if you’re short on space and want to leave the chair open all the time. (If that’s the case, check out the Slim Snacker , another popular and much lower profile seat from Graco that features a one-handed fold.)

And although the seat pad can be wiped down or put in the washing machine, some parents report that the small nooks and crannies are tough to clean and that there’s a lot of space between the tray and your baby where food can fall through.

If you like the versatility of the Table2Table but prefer a high chair with a sleeker look (and don’t mind spending a bit more money), take a look at Maxi-Cosi’s Minla 6-in-1 Adjustable High Chair . The modern design features neutral colors and the high chair can be used for years thanks to five recline positions, four tray positions, eight heights and the ability to convert from an infant seat to a tableside booster seat.

“Great high chair. Bought for my own home for the grandbabies visits. I spent time researching and comparing several high chairs. This was super easy to put together, easy to clean, has great functionality and portability. Love that it folds up for storage and more than 1 child can use simultaneously with the toddler booster/infant recliner high chair. Definitely recommend.” -NJ Grandma

Best Portable High Chair

Inglesina fast table chair - mineral gray melange.

• Hooks directly to most counters or tables
• Removable, washable cover
• Works for babies 6+ months and up to 37 pounds

If you travel or go out to eat a lot, or simply don’t have the space for a traditional high chair, the Inglesina Fast Table Chair is a great option. This 4.2-pound parent favorite clamps right to the end of most tables and countertops. Although it’s small, it still boasts features that provide maximum comfort, like a high backrest and padded seat. Use it at home, at restaurants, on vacation or anywhere your child needs to eat food you’ve lovingly cut into small pieces that they undoubtedly will throw on the floor.

This chair doesn’t have a footrest, so we don’t recommend it as your child’s primary high chair for everyday use. You’ll also want to keep an eye on weight. This seat maxes out at 37 pounds, which is fairly high but not quite as high as most full-sized high chairs on the market.

“I think this chair should be on every parent’s registry! I love how easy it is to wash and travel with!” -Nora

Best High Chair for Small Spaces

Fisher-price spacesaver high chair - windmill,.

• Compact and attaches to most dining chairs
• Converts to a booster
• Hard to clean

If your living space can’t accomodate a full-size high chair, this space-saving chair that attaches onto most dining chairs is a good, really affordable choice. There are lots of features that mimic a full-size seat like a three-position recline feature (which comes in handy for younger babies) and two height adjustments. The tray is easy to remove with one hand and features a deep dish to help prevent food from flying off of it. We also like that it lasts through the toddler years by converting into a booster seat.

Keeping this seat clean is the major complaint here. The seat fabric is machine washable, but removing it to throw in the wash all the time isn’t ideal because of all the straps you have to undo. (And you’ll need to wash it pretty frequently since it’s not the type of fabric that can easily be wiped clean). Another common complaint is the seat’s angle; some parents say that despite the recline angles, the pitch seems off and their little ones just don’t seem comfy in it.

“Best thing ever! We use this high chair multiple times a day, everyday. She loves her chair so much!” -Holly

Ready to Add a High Chair to Your Registry?

With Babylist, you can add any item from any store onto ONE registry. Start your registry today and get a Hello Baby Box full of free (amazing!) goodies.

Best High Chair for Baby Led Weaning

Stokke nomi high chair bundle - natural / white.

• Ergonomically designed
• Adjustable seat and footrest

If you’re planning on doing baby-led weaning (a way of introducing solids that skips over purées and spoon-feeding and focuses instead on self-feeding and finger foods), you’ll want to pay extra attention to the ergonomics of the high chair you choose and the proper positioning of your baby while eating. The Nomi, created by the same designer who invented the Stokke Tripp Trapp in 1972, was created with exactly these things in mind. Based on the idea that children need a safe and stable platform from which to move, it features a supportive base, an adjustable footrest and pulls right up to the table. Other pros: it’s super easy to clean and doesn’t trap food (a must-have for baby-led weaning!) and converts to a regular seat that holds up to 330 pounds. This bundle comes with the Baby Set so you can use the high chair once your little one hits six months.

The Nomi is really expensive, especially if you purchase any add-ons (all sold separately) like the tray or the cushion .

“I debated for a long time whether to go with the Nomi high chair or the Stokke Tripp Trapp. I am so glad I ended up choosing the Nomi! I have so many great things to say about it - mainly how easy it is to adjust the seat/footrest height, and how incredibly easy it is to clean. I also love how light it is and that it can hang on my table when I am cleaning up the floor.” -Rebekah

Best Foldable High Chair

Baby jogger city bistro high chair - graphite.

• Most compact folding high chair on market
• Stands when folded
• 4 height positions
• Fairly large footprint when unfolded

What Our Experts Say

Lots of parents like the idea of a full-size high chair but don’t have the kitchen or dining space to accommodate one at all times. The City Bistro solves for this—it folds down to 80% of its size than when it’s unfolded, making it super compact and easy to tuck away next to a counter or even in a closet.

Other than the fold, which is definitely this seat’s standout feature, there are a few other things to love about the City Bistro. The seat is covered by a really comfy pad that’s stain-resistant and machine washable. There’s calf support, a dishwasher-safe tray and a five-point harness. Two other unique things we loved are the tray storage on the back (the tray clips right onto the back of the high chair when folded, keeping everything organized) and that the chair stands independently when folded.

Although this high chair does have an impressively small footprint when folded, it’s on the larger side when it’s unfolded; we found ourselves tripping over the back legs quite a bit. And the seat pad is removable (a huge plus), but we did find that food tended to get trapped beneath it, making it a bit of a pain to keep clean.

The Joovy Nook NB High Chair is another great option if you’re looking for a foldable seat, as is Graco’s Slim Snacker . Just note that while the cushion on the Slim Snacker is technically removable, parents complain that it’s really hard to get off—which results in a high chair that’s difficult to keep clean.

What Babylist Parents Say

“I love the having the convenience of a full-size high chair combined with something so compact that it barely takes up any room when folded. It’s really durable and easy to clean, too.” -Jen

Best Easy to Clean High Chair

Boon grub dishwasher safe adjustable baby high chair - white.

• Tray and seat are dishwasher safe
• Converts to a toddler seat

Ever wish you could simply toss your entire high chair right into the dishwasher? (You will after only a few weeks of introducing your baby to solids, trust us.) Meet the Boon Grub. Both the tray and the seat are dishwasher safe, and we could not be happier about that.

Other things we love include the adjustable tray and a five-position footrest and that you can use this high chair either at table- or counter-height, a valuable feature that’s not common in many other seats. The Grub converts from a high chair to a toddler seat and will work until your little one hits 50 pounds.

This high chair has wide, splayed-out legs, so it requires a pretty big footprint. You’ll also need two hands to remove the tray, a feature parents don’t love.

“Love this high chair! I live in the city & needed a bar height high chair because that’s our only table option. I was surprised there were NO options to add to my registry at the time. But, the Boon Grub high chair came out right when my babe started solids, so I was excited! It’s super easy to clean.” -Amanda

Best Travel High Chair

Bombol pop-up booster - pebble grey.

• Folds flat and weighs 2.5 lbs
• Holds up to 75 lbs
• Fits almost all adult chairs

Nope, the Bombol isn’t a cool piece of origami art—it’s (an also very cool) travel high chair! This 3D seat just might be the way of the future when it comes to traveling and eating out with your baby in tow. It’s incredibly light, weighing in at two and a half pounds, so carrying it around is super convenient. It holds a child up to 75 pounds and the seat’s fabric is stain, abrasion and odor-proof. And the coolest part? It folds flat to about the size of a large book. You can easily slip it into a diaper bag or a tote and be on your way. When it’s time to eat, simply pop it open, lock it in place, secure it to your chair and you’re good to go. (And yes, it’s incredibly sturdy. We tried it!)

Although it’s approved for use with babies six months and up, we found it works best once your little one is a bit bigger and more stable. It’s also pretty pricey for a booster.

Best Baby Camping Chair

Baby delight go with me venture deluxe portable chair - grey.

• Outdoor or indoor use
• Grows with baby through three stages
• Folds flat, easy to pack and carry

If you’re a family who camps a lot or just enjoys a good adventure, you may want to consider purchasing a high chair designed specifically for outdoor use. Baby Delight’s Go With Me Venture Chair is one of our favorites. It boasts three stages that grow with your baby from about three months old up to 75 pounds. It’s also really stable, with a wide base that stays put even in grass and dirt. There’s a detachable canopy for shade and the whole chair folds up into the included carry bag quickly and easily.

Although the polyester fabric is resistant to fading, stains and mold, it’s wipe-clean only. If you’d prefer a seat with removable, washable fabric, check out the hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat . It won’t last you as long as the Venture and doesn’t include a canopy, but it’s a great outdoor high chair option that’s super portable and really easy to keep clean.

“Our three children have all been able to use this chair. They are 8, 5 and 1. It is mainly for our 1-year-old. I love being able to strap her in while we are having meals or around the campfire. The straps are incredibly important around the campfire. The material cleans up easily. The sunshade is great and covers completely. It folds easily and it’s so lightweight to move around. Our other kids have also sat in it and all fit comfortably. Even our 8-year-old, who is pretty tall, fits in it just fine. We’ve been really happy to have this chair. I would definitely recommend it.” -JLead

Best Rotating High Chair

Munchkin munchkin 360 cloud baby high chair.

• Unique swiveling seat design
• Clean, modern aesthetic
• Easy to wipe clean

Starting solids with your baby is about exposing them to lots of different foods, but it’s also about sharing the experience of mealtime together. The Munchkin 360 high chair has a unique swiveling seat that makes interacting with your baby during meals a lot easier. The other feature that sets the 360 apart is its sleek, modern design. The seat is completely clear, which not only looks cool but is pretty effortless to clean. (There’s a removable cushion if you’d like to add that on as well.)

The modern look of the clear seat appeals to lots of parents, but keep in mind that it will also show handprints, smudges and any residual mess. The 360 also has a wide base and a fairly large footprint. And the seat and footrest aren’t adjustable.

“I love the modern design of this high chair. I found it easy to assemble with minimal work. It’s easy to clean and keep clean looking. I like the fact that it swivels so you don’t need to keep moving the high chair to turn the baby. I do find that it’s a little wide but we still love it!” -Amanda

High Chairs We’re Keeping an Eye On…

The high chair space is exploding with new seats and new styles at what feels like every turn as of late. Here are a few we’re keeping our eye on.

• Versatile, low profile and super stylish, the Cybex LEMO 2 High Chair 3-in-1 Set ($349.95) is a seat you can use from day one through adulthood. We love the sleek, ergonomic design, the easy-to-clean finishes and the trendy colorways.
• Just like rotating car seats, high chairs with a rotating seat are quickly becoming a feature that brands are beginning to explore. The TruBliss 2-in-1 Turn-A-Tot High Chair ($169.99) is budget-friendly and has a swiveling seat that turns 360 degrees so you can find just the right angle for feeding or playing. It’s also easy to clean, always a plus.
• If a foldable high chair is a must for you, the Munchkin Float Easy Clean Foldable High Chair ($169.99) is one to consider. This compact seat collapses with the touch of a button and is super easy to clean (yay) thanks to zero nooks and crannies. Other pluses: tool-free assembly and an adjustable footrest.
• We analyzed results from Babylist’s Best Baby Products survey, which polled 6,000 Babylist users and asked them to share the baby products they love the most and why.
• We utilized insight from the Babylist editorial team, including Gear Editor Jen LaBracio, an expert in the baby space for over six years and a mom of two who has written hundreds of baby gear guides and personally researched and tested hundreds of baby products, including many high chairs.
• We reviewed customer reviews from hundreds of real Babylist parents.

While shopping for a high chair, you’ll find that most fit into a few basic categories:

• Full-size high chairs . Full-size high chairs are what most people think of when they picture a traditional high chair. Full-size high chairs can be made from wood or plastic and often have a large(ish) footprint. Features vary, but a few common ones you may find include things like wheels, an adjustable seat and/or footrest, recline options, an infant seat, safety straps, wheels or the option to fold for storage. Some full-size high chairs, called convertible high chairs, even convert to boosters or adult seats to extend the seat’s usability.
• Portable high chairs . Sometimes also called travel high chairs or clip-on chairs, portable high chairs are designed for on-the-go. (But that doesn’t mean you can’t use one at home if you’d like, so don’t worry.) Portable high chairs are lighter and much more compact that their traditional counterparts. Most feature clips that attach to a table or counter or pop-out legs that make the chair easy to set up and break down.
• Booster seats . Booster seats are designed for older toddlers and children who need less support at the table. A booster seat straps onto a regular chair to create extra space and for added convenience. Some also come with removable trays.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , there are several developmental signs to look out for that indicate your baby might be ready to start solids and it’s time for a high chair.

• Baby should be able to hold their head up and sit in a high chair with good head control.
• May open their mouth for food.
• Can move food from a spoon into their throat.
• Baby has doubled their birth weight.

All babies develop at different rates, but for most, they’re ready to start solids somewhere between four and six months of age, so you’ll want to be sure you have your high chair purchased, assembled and ready to go by then.

When positioning your baby in their high chair, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.

• Keep the phrase “90/90/90” in mind. That means you’ll want a 90-degree bend at the hips, knees and ankles and should only use a high chair with a footrest. This will ensure your baby is in the safest position for eating.
• If your child is leaning in their seat, consider adding support. A rolled-up towel or swaddle blanket behind their back or on either side often does the trick.
• Always feed your baby in your high chair’s most upright position; baby should never be leaning back while eating.

Before you choose a high chair, you’ll want to think a bit about your lifestyle, space and budget. Here’s what to consider.

• Space . Do you live in a smaller space and eat most of your meals around a tiny table? Then a booster-style seat that straps right onto a dining room chair or other existing seat or one that clips to a counter may be right for you. Do you have a larger table, or live in a home with multiple eating areas? Then a standalone seat that comes with its own tray and can easily be moved from room to room may be your best bet.
• Lifestyle . If you’re a family who’s often on the go, consider adding a portable high chair to your registry in addition to one that stays only at home.
• Cleaning . When it comes to cleaning, some parents don’t mind sacrificing form for function and choose whatever high chair best fits their favorite aesthetic. But if you know constant scrubbing or getting into nooks and crannies is going to drive you nuts, you may want to stick with a basic, plastic model or one with wipeable fabric.
• Foldability . If space is an issue, you may want to consider a full-size chair that can be folded down and stored or a portable high chair.
• Durability and longevity . Planning on a large family and passing your high chair down from kid to kid? Although they’re on the pricier side, investing in a well-made wooden seat might be the best choice for you. You also need to think about how long you’re hoping to keep your little one in a high chair. There are several chairs that grow with your child, either by converting to a booster seat or even to an adult-sized chair, so pay attention to weight limits too.
• Safety . Always consider your child’s safety when buying any piece of baby gear, but especially when it comes to choosing the best high chair. You’ll want to look for safety features such as a restraint system like a three- or five-point harness, good stability (if the chair has wheels, make sure they lock in place), a footrest to ensure your child is properly supported while eating, a crotch post and nothing that’s going to pinch or catch on baby’s tiny fingers and toes—or on yours.

For even more info on choosing the right high chair for your family, check out our how-to video:

Are high chairs worth it?

High chairs can be worth it for parents who want a safe and convenient way to feed their baby or toddler. They provide a dedicated space for children to sit and eat, and many models are adjustable to accommodate growing children. The more important question to ask yourself when shopping for a high chair is, “Is this the right high chair for my family and my lifestyle?” High chairs are expensive and can take up a lot of space, so you’ll want to be sure you’re considering your individual needs and preferences when shopping.

How to clean high chairs

It’s always best to consult your high chair’s manual for specific cleaning instructions, as they vary by make and model. In general, to clean a high chair, first, remove any loose food or debris. Then, wipe down the chair with a damp cloth and mild soap, paying extra attention to any spots or stains. Rinse the chair with a clean, damp cloth and let it air dry. If the high chair has a removable tray, take it off and wash it separately in warm soapy water or in the dishwasher if the tray is dishwasher safe. If your high chair has cushions that are machine washable, follow the manufacturer’s directions and wash as needed. 

When to stop using a high chair

Many parents choose to keep their children in a high chair for at least several years, up until two or three years old or beyond. And depending on the model of high chair you use, you may be able to use it much longer—some convertible high chairs hold the weight of an adult.

Do high chairs have weight limits?

Yes, like many baby products, high chairs have weight limits. They vary wildly depending on the brand and model, ranging anywhere from around 30 pounds up to over 200—so it’s always best to check your particular manufacturer’s guidelines.

Do high chairs expire?

Yes, high chairs can expire due to wear and tear, safety concerns and changes in industry standards. It is important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations and expiration date before using a high chair.

About Babylist

Looking for the best items for your growing family? Add all your favorite baby products to ONE registry with Babylist.

Jen LaBracio

Senior gear editor.

Jen LaBracio is Babylist’s Senior Gear Editor, a role that perfectly combines her love of all things baby gear with her love of (obsessive) research. When she’s not testing out a new high chair or pushing the latest stroller model around her neighborhood, she likes to run, spin, listen to podcasts, read and spend time at the beach. In her past life, she worked for over a decade in children’s publishing. She lives outside of Chicago with her husband and their two boys, Will and Ben.

The 9 Best High Chairs for Babies and Toddlers, According to Testers and Safety Experts

Medical review policy, latest update:, quick summary, how we chose the best high chairs, why trust us, best overall high chair, chicco polly, best basic high chair, ikea antilop, best splurge high chair, stokke tripp trapp high chair, best affordable high chair, cosco simple fold high chair, best transitional high chair, maxi-cosi 6-in-1 minla high chair, best high chair for small spaces, fisher-price healthy care deluxe booster seat, best high chair for travel, phil & teds lobster clip-on high chair, best easy-to-clean high chair, lalo the chair, best luxury high chair, 4moms connect high chair, our research, when can a baby start using a high chair, when should a toddler stop using a high chair, what do babies use after a high chair, how do you clean a high chair, how do i know if a high chair is safe.

WhatToExpect.com, Introducing Solid Foods to Your Baby , December 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 6 Quick High Chair Safety Tips , March 2017.  American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Starting Solid Foods , August 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods , June 2023.

Explore the Best Products for Moms and Babies

Trending on what to expect, best baby deals happening right now, how to get your registry's free welcome gift, ⚠️ you can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled., 17 of the best baby bottle and breast milk storage solutions you can buy on amazon, best toddler water tables, best stroller fans.

FindYourMomTribe » Mom picks » For kids

18 Best Travel High Chairs Of 2022 Ranked

By Author Ivana Davies

Posted on Last updated: January 27, 2022

The baby high chair is a staple of every parent’s kitchen and the place where all the spaghetti sauce spilling happens! But, when you’re on the road, packing your bulky high chair simply isn’t an option. Enter the travel high chair !

With a travel-friendly high chair, you can make spending the weekend at grandma’s house or your annual summer camping trip easier than ever. These models are lightweight, compact, and fold easily. What else could you need?

But, the features don’t stop there. Many portable high chairs include trays for snacks or food, in addition to a safety harness to prevent your little Houdini from climbing out when you’re not looking.

Some brands make travel-friendly high chairs with height adjustments so you can modify the high chair as your child grows and keep him comfortable and secure.

A high chair for travel isn’t only perfect for holidays or restaurant outings. If you have a small kitchen with minimal floor space, or just want to avoid buying a giant high chair, some of the suggestions on my list will be right up your alley.

The best part is – travel high chairs are generally more affordable than the standard ones, so you’ll be saving money, too.

1. Graco Swivi Seat 3-In-1 Booster

• Booster is designed to grow with your child from infant feedings to up to table toddler booster meals
• The unique swiveling booster rotates, conveniently positioning baby for mealtimes and for bonding interaction with the whole family
• The only highchair featuring true infant cradle recline design, for baby’s earliest feedings
• Infant recline cradles baby perfectly for early feedings or as an early seat right at the table with the rest of the family
• Plush head and body support keeps baby comfy for early feedings and removes as your growing child needs more room

Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Although this chair cannot be collapsed which makes it more difficult to transport, it’s still worth your consideration because it’s rather compact (it doesn’t have any legs) and you can pack it in your car and easily take it to grandpa and grandma’s house for the weekend.

Plus, it includes all the functionality of a standard high chair, without taking up all that space in your kitchen. Simply hook it to a dining chair and your baby will be able to take part in family meals from day one. There is a tray included but you can remove it once your kiddo gets big enough to eat at the table.

Even better is that you only need to use one hand to remove the tray which is a really neat feature for any high chair, not just the portable ones.

The chair can be converted into a booster and there are 3-point and 5-point harnesses for your child’s safety. 

One of my favorite features of the Graco Swivi Seat is that you can rotate it in different directions, so you don’t have to move the entire chair for feedings or to be closer to your baby. This also means that it’s super easy for the other parent or caregiver to take over feeding duties during the meal.

You’ll love that the seat pad can be washed in the washing machine and you can even remove the infant insert which provides extra support to little munchkins .

The high chair can be used by kids up to 40 pounds but the booster can be used until your kiddo is 50 pounds.

2. Ingenuity Baby Base 2-In-1 Seat

• Wipeable feeding seat and washable tray for easier cleaning
• Safe & secure baby seat for sitting up. Age Minimum (months) - 6 months
• Converts from baby booster to toddler seat
• Removable tray stores neatly under the booster seat
• 3-point harness & safety strap keep baby s

A seat that’s perfect for both meals and playtime, the Ingenuity Baby Base will suit all your traveling needs as it’s very lightweight and compact. I love that the feeding tray can be detached and stored below the seat. And although the tray is on the smaller side, it still includes a cupholder .

You can pick from a handful of bright colors, making this one of the most stylish high chair boosters around.

For the safety of your child, there is a 3-point harness .

This seat can be used from 6 months of age until your child reaches 50 pounds, so it’s going to stay in your family for a while – good thing that durability is an important feature of the Ingenuity Baby Base.

What’s more, it doesn’t necessarily only need to be used when you’re on the road – this can be the high chair that you use on a daily basis and save plenty of space in your kitchen.

I love that there is no fabric on this seat that could potentially get stained and need cleaning. In case of spills, simply wipe the seat down and you’re good to go.

Finally, the Ingenuity Baby Base is quite affordable, especially when compared to standard high chairs that aren’t as portable and compact as this one.

3. Baby Delight Go With Me Chair

• Portable chair seats from baby (approximately 3 months) to 75 lb. child. Patented feature: as the baby grows, the seat can unvelcro to reveal two leg holes perfect for letting baby stand with support. Easy to set up.
• 5 point removable harness keeps baby secure and comfortable.
• Removable snack tray, sun canopy and carry bag included.
• Great for all outdoor activities: camping, sporting events, beach, etc. Indoor/outdoor polyester fabric is resistant to fading, stains, and mold.
• Dimensions: 24.5 tall x 23 wide x 22.75 deep Weight: 4.9 lbs. Folds to: 8 x 8 x 2

With an included sun canopy, the Go With Me chair by Baby Delight is one of the best baby high chairs for outdoor activities and traveling. You can go to the beach or spend a weekend in the outdoors and not have to worry about sun exposure.

Apart from that, the Go With Me chair is made to last, with an age and weight range that far surpasses any other model on this list as it can be used by babies who are at least 3 months old until they reach 75 pounds. As your baby grows, the seat will transform from a traditional high chair into a mini camping chair for your kiddo.

There is a detachable tray for food or toys and the canopy can be removed, as well, giving you room to customize the chair to your needs. Your baby will be kept safe and protected by the 5-point harness and the seat is padded to keep him comfortable and in an upright position.

When your munchkin gets bigger, you can even remove the seat and allow your baby to stand up in the chair (there are leg holes placed specifically for this purpose) and be more active. The holes for the legs are covered with netting, keeping them protected.

As your baby grows into a toddler and then into a big kid, you can permanently remove the tray or keep it for lunches or playtime. With the chair, you’ll also receive a travel bag to make packing easy. 

Unfortunately, the material of the chair isn’t machine washable but it’s fairly easy to wipe down, so I wouldn’t consider this to be a dealbreaker.

4. Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair

• All the features of a full-size high chair in half the space!
• Infant high chair & toddler booster in one: customize with 2 height adjustments & 3 recline positions
• Dishwasher-safe seat, tray & bonus tray insert for easy cleanup
• Machine-washable seat pad & 5-point harness
• Deep-dish tray design helps keep your little one from pushing food off the t

Although this Fisher-Price travel high chair is certainly more expensive than other portable booster seats and high chairs, it offers plenty of functionality and quality in return. First of all, it can fit kiddos up to 50 pounds so your baby will be using it for a long time. And it’s lightweight, so you can carry it anywhere.

The detachable feeding tray includes a cupholder and a small handle that you can use to hang a bib or a kitchen towel. You can recline the seat in 3 ways and it even transforms into a toddler booster seat . The high chair isn’t the only part that is adjustable – the harness, for example, can be modified from a 5-point to a 3-point harness .

The seat pad is washing machine -friendly and durable against all sorts of spills and stains but you can also purchase extra seat pads to always have a clean one ready.

Even though the SpaceSaver is a compact and travel-friendly model, it’s also a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an affordable high chair for everyday use that won’t take up too much floor space. 

5. Inglesina Fast Table Chair

• EASY & SECURE SETUP - Inglesinas Fast Table Chair fits tables up to 3.3 thick and is perfect for use at home or while traveling. The easy twist-tight coupling is fast and secure and gives your baby a seat at the table.
• PORTABLE, COLLAPSIBLE DESIGN - Complete with an integrated travel-friendly carry bag, the Fast Table Chair is easy to pack and always within reach.
• DURABLE & WASHABLE MATERIALS - Ideal for babies & toddlers between 6 and 36 months, and up to 37 pounds, the durable & washable design ensures this product will serve for years.
• HANDY STORAGE POCKET - The functional design includes a convenient storage pocket to ensure immediate access to wipes, toys, snacks and more.
• ITALIAN DESIGN - Inspired by the elegant carriages seen in British Court, Inglesina has been designing quality strollers, highchairs and table chairs since 1963, with a focus on safety, practicality, and utilizing the finest materia

Although models that look like camping chairs are perfect for outdoor trips with the whole family, there are instances when you don’t need to take an entire chair with you, such as when you’re going to a restaurant.

In this case, the Inglesina chair will be your new best friend. It weighs a little over 4 pounds and is foldable, so you’ll easily be able to travel with it. In addition, you don’t have to think about table height as this chair fits most tables, regardless of height.

As for the weight limit , your baby will be able to eat in the Inglesina chair until he reaches a weight of 37 pounds. The minimum age limit, however, is 6 months.

The back of the chair includes a nifty pocket to store toys, snacks, or whatever else you might need during your meal. But, my favorite feature of the Inglesina chair is that it allows your little one to eat together with the entire family just like in a regular chair , instead of sitting separately from everyone else.

This model comes in 9 colors, so you can take your pick of bright and bold colors, or simply go with classic black. You can also purchase additional accessories, such as their table tray.

Although this model is slightly pricier than some of the chairs below, you can rest assured you’ll be getting a high-quality piece of baby gear that will last you in the years to come – even for a second child!

6. Chicco Caddy Hook-On Chair

• Twist-to-tighten design fastens securely to most tables
• Soft-grip arms firmly clamp onto table without scratching
• Compact fold for travel and storage convenience
• Removable seat cover for easy cleaning and care
• High-back cushioned support for added comf

The hook-on high chair by Chicco is another option for you to consider, especially if you’d like to be more mindful of your budget . It comes in 2 colors – red and grey, making both choices a great gender-neutral baby shower present.

Like the model above, this chair attaches to your dining table, allowing your little one to eat alongside the rest of the family. It includes a compact fold feature, allowing you to take the chair when you’re traveling, going on holiday, or simply going out to eat but would rather avoid using the restaurant’s chairs.

Along with the 3-point harness , the backrest includes a cushion to make sitting down and eating more comfortable for your child.

I love that the cover of the seat can be removed for a more thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, this chair doesn’t come with a feeding tray but I wouldn’t consider that to be a dealbreaker, especially if you’re only planning on using it periodically.

Your baby will be able to eat in this chair until he’s 37 pounds.

7. Summer Infant Pop ‘n Sit SE High Chair

• INDOOR/OUTDOOR DINING – Whether you’re indoors or out, eating, snacking or just playing, every parent knows a baby high chair is a must have. The Summer Pop ‘n Sit SE highchair is for use from 6 months – 45 pounds.
• COMPACT FOLD – With an innovative pop and fold design plus a fast, easy and compact fold, you can have a space saver high chair and even use the Pop ‘n Sit as a travel high chair!
• EASY CLEANUP – Things can get messy with high chairs for babies and toddlers, but cleanup is a breeze with the Pop ‘n Sit high chairs. They have a removable, machine-washable fabric and include a removable and dishwasher-safe tray with cup holder.
• WET / DRY BAG - This wipe-clean bag easily detaches from the baby and toddler high chair, allowing you to take it with you on-the-go.
• INCLUDES – The Summer Pop ‘n Sit SE Highchair also includes a storage pocket, 3-point safety harness, and a carry b

The Summer Infant Pop ‘n Sit chair is one of the best portable high chairs around as it works great indoors and outdoors without sacrificing functionality and comfort.

The first thing you should know about this chair is that the seat cover is machine washable , so there’s no need to waste time trying to wipe off any food stains. But keep in mind that this model only has a 3-point harness , instead of a 5-point one.

You can rest assured that your little one won’t be able to tip the chair over as the legs flare out, adding extra stability.

What sets this model apart from many others is the neat little pocket on the side of the chair where you can store snacks, toys, wet wipes, or anything else you need on your trip. Even better, you can unzip it from the chair and use it separately.

You can detach the removable tray and wash it in the dishwasher and there is a cupholder for your baby’s drink, too.

As for the weight and age limit, this chair is suitable for kids from 6 months of age until they reach a weight of 45 pounds. When you’re traveling, you’ll like that the chair folds up easily and you can use the included travel bag to store it.

And even though this is an affordable travel high chair, it has a very cute black and white stripe design and you can pick between two colors – pink and blue.

8. Munchkin Brica GoBoost Travel Booster Seat

• Ultra portable with a strong and stable internal frame
• Includes storage for bottles, diapers and more
• Durable and easy to clean materials
• Xtra-Grip traction pads provide a no-slip grip on chairs for increased stability
• Folds neatly and includes a convenient carrying st

This Munchkin booster is made with older kiddos in mind, from 12 months to 3 years of age (or up to 50 pounds). It’s foldable and lightweight but what really sets it apart from the other boosters and high chairs on this list is the storage space below the seat.

You can use it to store extra diapers, toys, wipes, or anything else you might need during mealtime at your favorite restaurant. The bottom of the seat is equipped with special pads to prevent the seat from sliding off the chair, especially useful if you have an active tot.

Once it’s folded, you can throw it over your shoulder like a messenger bag and go about your day – it only weighs a little over 2 pounds!

9. Summer Infant Pop ‘n Sit Portable Booster Chair

• INDOOR/OUTDOOR USE – The Summer Pop ‘n Sit Booster Baby Seat is an activity floor seat and booster all in one, and can be used both indoors and outside! For 6 months – 4 years (up to 37 pounds).
• ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION – Whether you need booster seats at a restaurant, a chair at the park or even a floor seat for activity time at home, this portable booster seat can do it all! Plus, the compact fold and included carry bag makes storage simple.
• COMPACT FOLD – With an innovative pop and fold design plus a fast, easy and compact fold, you can have a space saver high chair and even use the Pop ‘n Sit booster as a travel high chair at restaurants and more.
• EASY CLEANUP – Things can get messy with booster seats, but cleanup is a breeze with the Pop ‘n Sit high back booster seat. It has a removable dishwasher-safe, BPA free tray.
• INCLUDES – The Summer Pop ‘n Sit Booster Seat includes a storage pocket, 3-point safety harness, chair straps, and carry b

This is an adorable little high chair by Summer Infant, designed with both indoor and outdoor use in mind. With a limit of 37 pounds, it comes in 4 different colors.

There is a small tray (without a cupholder ) for toys and food that can be washed in the dishwasher. Its compact design allows you to fold the chair up and put it in the carry bag for storage or when you’re on the go.

It only has a 3-point harness , however, so keep this in mind if this is a big concern for you.

10. Ciao ! Baby Portable High Chair For Babies And Toddlers

• THE CIAO BABY DIFFERENCE - Having a baby can mean a big change to the way we enjoy our favorite outdoor activities. Lightweight and foldable, ciao! baby highchairs make it easy to enjoy life on the go and bring your little ones along for the ride.
• SLIM & FOLDABLE - The ultimate space-saver, this high chair unfolds easily, locks into place, and folds back up in seconds. No assembly required. With its slim design, you can easily store one in your car for easy access.
• EASY TO CLEAN FEEDING TRAY - Portable and compact enough for travel, beach days, picnics, camping, vacations, tailgating, and more. This collapsible highchair includes a built-in feeding tray and cup holder. The chair is made of durable nylon fabric and the tray is covered in clear vinyl that easily wipes clean with water.
• FIVE POINT SAFETY HARNESS - Meets US American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and EU European high chair safety standards and all Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) guidelines including lead, phthalates and flammability. Keep your little ones safe and secure!
• HOLDS UP TO 35 POUNDS- ciao! baby high chairs meet the highest safety standards, fold and lock in seconds, clean easily, and grow with your baby from infant to toddler. This chair comes with a convenient carrying bag and holds up to 35 pounds. Make life easier with ciao! ba

Parents that love traveling, and especially camping, shouldn’t need to say goodbye to their outdoor adventures just because they now have a baby. And the Ciao ! Baby chair was designed with just that in mind – allowing active parents to take their little one with on all of their outings in nature.

A key feature of this model is that it’s foldable . This means you can easily keep it in your car or garage without the chair taking up plenty of space and simply unfold it when it’s mealtime . With the chair, you’ll get a neat carry bag , too. Another bonus is that it doesn’t need any assembly which comes in handy when you’re busy setting up the tent.

The chair also comes with a tray for your baby’s food and a small cup holder . The tray is covered with a see-through material that’s easy to clean.

The 5-point harness will keep your little one sitting firmly in place during dinner, no matter how wriggly he gets!

The Ciao ! Baby travel high chair has a maximum weight limit of 35 pounds but weighs 8 pounds, so portability won’t be an issue.

11. Baby Delight Go With Me Uplift Deluxe Portable High Chair

• PORTABLE HIGH CHAIR // Provides a quick and convenient spot for your little one to eat or play, from 3-36 months.
• DURABLE FABRIC // The Uplift is standard table height and is made of durable indoor/outdoor fabric that can be easily wiped clean.
• FULLY REMOVABLE TRAY // Includes a convenient cup holder for sippy cups or bottles and is wide enough for a plate. Tray is also dishwasher safe.
• ADDED SAFETY // The five-point harness, along with a stable flared leg system provides added safety for your baby.
• QUICK AND MOBILE // Simply lift up on each latch to fold and fit into the included carrying bag. The Uplift is easy to carry wherever you go.
• JPMA Certif

There are a number of similarities between this Baby Delight travel high chair and the Ciao ! Baby one above. First off, it can be folded, allowing you to set it up quickly. It’s also great for outdoor use and the fabric is designed in a way that makes cleaning quick and easy. The tray includes a cup holder , too.

I love that the tray is made from a sturdy plastic material so food will stay where it’s supposed to and won’t slide off. You’ll also be happy to know that the tray can be removed and is dishwasher safe . This makes it a great option for eating indoors, too, whether you’re visiting family or going to a restaurant.

This model also comes with a neat bag for storage and travel.

For the safety of your little munchkin , there is a 5-point safety harness . In addition, the legs of the chair flare out, which minimizes the chances of the chair tipping over and hurting your child.

Unfortunately, you can’t wash the seat cover in the washing machine , so you’ll need to wipe it down if your baby makes a mess.

This chair is a great option for parents who are looking for a model that will grow with their child, as it’s appropriate for babies from 6 months to 3 years of age.

12. Phil&Teds Lobster Clip-On High Chair

• SUPER LIGHT & COMPACT - Aluminum frame with padded back support and a shoulder harness system weighing in under 4 pounds
• ADAPTABLE - Robust aluminum clamps with non slip grip pads fit tables from 0.8 up to 3.75 thick and suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• SAFE & SECURE - Globally safety certified design can accommodate a child 3 months to 3 years up to a max weight of 37 pounds
• HYGIENIC - Includes a dishwasher safe tray and travel bag that fits easily into diaper bags, purses, and stroller gear baskets
• STYLISH - so stylish you’ll be turning heads at every table you clip on

An alternative to the Inglesina chair is this model by Phil&Teds. And if you’re only interested in a clip-on chair, you’ll be really happy with all the extra accessories that are already included with the Lobster model.

One such accessory is the tray that allows you to keep the baby food separate from the surface of the table, which is perfect for restaurants. And with the travel bag , you can take the chair anywhere you go. Since it weighs a little under 4 pounds, you won’t even notice that you’re carrying it over your shoulder.

It’s so compact that you can pop it in the storage basket of your baby stroller !

The frame of the chair is made from stainless steel, making for a sturdy and durable seat for your little one so you don’t need to worry about whether the seat will hold up.

Another great feature of the Lobster is the 4- point harness to keep your baby firmly in place. What’s more, the shoulder straps are padded to make sitting in the chair as comfy as possible.

The chair is suitable for babies up to 37 pounds. It’s a great choice not just for when you’re on-the-go but also to use at home, especially if you’re not a fan of the bulkier models or have a smaller kitchen or dining room.

13. Regalo My Chair 2-in-1 Portable Travel Booster Seat & Activity Chair

• 2-IN-1 DESIGN: perfect travel booster with oversized removable tray for extra space. Great for use as an activity chair, on-go, at the park, camping, beach or Grandmas house
• PORTABLE: designed with a simple fold and go deign. Lightweight and no set up required
• INDOOR AND OUTDOOR: Includes a carry case with arm strap for travel, on the go or storage. Great for indoor or outdoor use
• EASY CLEAN: Designed with a ventilating mesh walls and a nylon bottom for easy clean up. Simply hand wash and wipe down with a damp cloth and soap to keep it fresh and sanitary
• SAFETY: Made with an all-steel frame and reinforced stitching. Includes safety-lock feature and meets all safety standard. Perfect for children 9-36 months and up to 37 pou

The Regalo chair is a fantastic choice if you’re a family that likes to go camping or spends a lot of time outdoors. It includes a detachable tray, complete with a small cupholder .

You can place it on the ground and use it as a mini camping chair or attach it to a dining chair , allowing your baby to eat together with the rest of the family. The material the seat is made from (nylon) is easy to clean off in case of spills.

Regalo gets another bonus point when it comes to ease of use with the foldable feature, and you can use the included carry bag to make traveling easier. As the chair weighs only a little over 3 pounds, this is definitely going to be one of your favorite baby products to carry around.

Although this chair probably won’t be your first choice for everyday indoor use, it’s ultra -practical when it comes to outdoor use. And it’s super affordable, too!

14. Chicco Pocket Snack Boost e r Seat

• Quick set-up; easy and compact fold
• Sturdy metal legs adjust to three height positions
• Removable tray adjusts to three positions
• Three-point harness. Suitable for a child 6-36 months and weighing up to 50 pounds
• Anti-slip, non-marking feet
• Removable tray adjusts to three positi

If you’re looking for a versatile travel high chair that won’t break the bank, look no further than this Chicco chair. Both the tray and the chair’s legs have 3 height adjustments , so you can adjust the level as your baby grows and make sure that the chair is comfortable and safe.

This model is only supposed to be used on a chair and not on its own – you can use the straps to fasten it to the chair. You don’t need to assemble it prior to use as the chair is foldable , just snap the tray into place and you’re good to go.

No need to worry that the feet of the chair will slide off and cause an accident since they are designed to prevent slippage and not scratch your precious furniture.

What’s more, this chair can seat a child up to 50 pounds which gives it a big advantage over many other models with much lower weight limitations. There is a 3-point safety harness included to keep your child secure in his seat.

Although it’s clear that the Pocket Snack chair isn’t as stylish as some of the other booster seats and portable high chairs , it’s lightweight and folds up quickly, which are two key features of every travel-friendly high chair. 

Plus, your child will be able to use it for much longer than other high chairs whose weight limit falls within the 30 to 40-pound range.

15. The First Years On-The-Go Booster Seat

• Full-Size Booster Seat: On-The-Go Booster Seat Self-inflates with an adjustable height up to 4 inches with easy inflating valve.
• Secure : Adjustable safety belt of the booster seat with T-restraint helps hold your child securely
• Convenient Carrying Handle: Booster seat is lightweight and compact - perfect for travel
• SUITABLE FOR: Ages 9 months and up
• Note: Item does not defl

For parents who want a very light and travel-friendly high chair they can throw into a diaper bag and always have it at the ready, this First Years booster is an excellent choice. Your baby can use it from 9 months of age but don’t be fooled by its compact appearance – it can handle kids up to 50 pounds, so you’ll get plenty of use from it.

What sets this seat apart from other models on my list is the fact that it’s inflatable , so when it’s folded up, it’s much lighter and more portable than other seats. You can inflate it by pulling open a plug on the seat and then closing it once it’s fully inflated. To deflate it, simply pull the plug again.

Equipped with a small handle, you can carry it like a tiny messenger bag. There is even a mesh pocket on the side for small accessories.

When it comes to safety features, there is a 3-point harness you can adjust to your baby’s growth. Unfortunately, if any food gets on the seat, it might be difficult to clean as it’s covered with fabric. However, you’re likely to only use it for restaurant outings or when visiting friends and family, so it shouldn’t be a big issue.

If you’re looking for a portable chair for your baby that you can also use at home on an everyday basis, then this is probably not the best choice. But, if you only need something to avoid using the boosters at restaurants, then it’s a great and affordable option.

16. Smart N Comfy 3-In-1 Portable High Chair + Toddler Safety Harness + Shopping Cart Safety Strap

• MULTIPLE USE 3 IN 1 - This is a multipurpose safety harness for toddlers that can be used as a portable/travel high chair, shopping cart safety strap and walking harness/leash.
• CONVENIENT TO CARRY AROUND - Being lightweight and compact, this harness can be easily stored without taking up much space. You can use it at home, restaurant and also when traveling.
• SUPERIOR QUALITY FABRIC - The Toddler safety harness is made with high quality fabric to ensure softness and durability. It is equipped with breathable inner lining for sufficient air flow.
• VERSATILE - The harness is easily adjustable with the growing age of children. Also, the strap is 33 inches long to accommodate parents with above-average height. It also feature a front pocket to keep a pacifier or hanky clean and handy.
• EASY TO CLEAN - It is really easy to clean the harness. Light stains can be easily removed by wiping. The harness can be washed for tougher stains and spil

The Smart N Comfy toddler harness can be used both as a safety strap for shopping carts and as a high chair for babies who are at least 6 months of age and can hold their own head up. It’s compact and you won’t have any trouble fitting it into your luggage when you’re packing for your next trip.

It’s made from a machine washable fabric so any food stains or spills can be handled quickly and it’s comfortable enough for a baby to sit in.

You might not need to use it as a toddler safety harness but if you do, you should know that the strap measures 33 inches in length, so it can be used by parents of different heights.

17. Summer Infant Sit ‘n Style Compact Folding Booster Seat

• Removable, dishwasher safe tray
• 3-point restraint system and chair straps to secure booster to chair
• Tray folds underneath seat creating storage space
• Compact fold for storage and portability
• One-hand, easy carry han

A portable and easy to clean booster, the Summer Infant Sit ‘n Style booster is a model worth considering. It includes a tray for food and toys that you can pop in the dishwasher without a second thought and when you’re not using it, simply fold it below the chair until you need it again.

Most importantly, this booster is foldable and even comes with a handle, making it easy to carry from point A to point B. What’s more, it weighs just a little over 4 pounds.

As for safety features, there is a 3-point harness .

The Sit ‘n Style chair comes in a very stylish white and green color and you can bet everyone will be asking where you got it!

18. The Original Easy Seat

• PORTABLE HIGH CHAIR - It’s your High Chair that you can take with you anywhere. Whether you are heading over to a friend’s house or out to dinner with the family, your portable easy seat makes it easy to take your baby with you & makes feeding time effortless.
• FITS OVER THE TOP OF A CHAIR - To use, simply slide the reinforced hood over the top of the chair wherever you are. You will find it’s fast and convenient to setup.
• JUST ONE CLICK TO SECURE - Once you have your Easy Seat over the top of the chair all you need to do is pull the strap around to the back of the chair and secure it. From there it’s just ‘One Click’ to join the two ends together and pull to tighten as required.
• 5-POINT SAFETY HARNESS FOR BABY - It takes just seconds to slide your little one safely into your Easy Seat. You then secure him/her in place with the two shoulder straps. With just two more clicks on the shoulder straps you will have a baby that is happy, secure, safe and involved as part of the group’. All safety straps and stitch points are reinforced for added safety.
• MACHINE WASHABLE + CARRY BAG - With its matching carry bag, the Easy Seat fits conveniently in your diaper bag or purse, so you always have it with you when you are out and about with baby. We have babies ourselves, so we understand that little ones can make a mess. For this reason, we have designed it to be ‘Machine Washable’. If it gets dirty simply pop it in the wash. Many Moms like us, have two Easy Seats, so that one can be in the wash and one on the go alwa

An affordable and stylish option, the Easy Seat is a favorite of moms everywhere who want a simple and lightweight option they can use at home and on the go. In fact, you’ll find it hard to find a model that’s easier to fold because the Easy Seat is made from polyester fabric (which is machine washable , by the way) so you can easily throw it in your bag.

And, because it’s so budget-friendly, you can get more than one to always have a clean Easy Seat at the ready.

To use it, just place the hood of the seat onto the back of the chair, secure it, and then place the baby into the seat. Make sure your baby is safely strapped in with the 5-point harness and voila! You’re good to go. 

The Easy Seat is safe to use for babies who are at least 6 months old and can hold their own head up until they reach a weight of 35 pounds. Granted, this is not a big weight range but considering the price, it’s more than acceptable.

How To Pick The Best Portable Travel High Chair For You

With so many different travel-friendly high chairs available, how can you possibly know which one is best for you? Here are some key factors you should take into account while shopping for a high chair to take with you on the go.

Where you’re planning on using it

This is a key question you should ask yourself before purchasing any kind of high chair. There are clip-on chairs, boosters, foldable high chairs… Each is useful in its own right but if you already have a standard high chair at home that’s taking up space, you probably want something compact that you’ll only use when you’re out and about.

But, if you’re pregnant or have a baby who isn’t old enough to use a high chair yet (and you haven’t purchased one already) then you might want to explore the option of getting a model similar to the Inglesina Fast chair that you can easily transport wherever you’re going.

If you’re a nature-loving family, you’ll probably find models that look like camping chairs most useful as you can set them up anywhere and don’t have to rely on tables or chairs.

By weight, I mean the weight of the chair and not your baby, although this is important, too. Some portable chairs for kids are lighter than others, and you can even pack them in your luggage when you’re going on holiday – others, not so much. 

If you’re fairly certain you’ll only be using the high chair when visiting friends, family, or while eating out, then having a heavier or bulkier high chair won’t be an issue as you can keep it in the trunk of your car.

For parents who like to be on the go and travel a lot, I definitely recommend fabric models that you can fold up and keep in your bag with your other baby things .

Ease of use

When you’re hungry at the end of a long day, the last thing you need is a high chair with gimmicky straps that take ages to snap into place, frustrating both you and your child. And since high chairs can be dangerous when not used properly, you need one that will give you peace of mind.

What’s more, you’ll also need to factor in cleaning time. Babies spill food and often have diaper accidents while sitting in a high chair, making it necessary for the chair to be covered in a machine washable material. If it isn’t, it should be easy to wipe down and get all the crumbs out.

Boosters are generally easier to clean than other high chairs but they’re not always safe for babies so you might need to wait until your munchkin is big enough for a booster.

Final Thoughts

With a travel high chair , you’ll no longer have to use bacteria-covered high chairs at restaurants, nor pack up your big high chair whenever you’re visiting family for a few days. Simply fold it up and pop it in the trunk of your car until you’re ready to eat.

What’s more, you don’t have to settle for a cheap and wobbly model that looks like it could fold under your baby’s weight at any moment. In fact, you might love your new high chair so much that you’ll be using it every day as many of these travel models are a great option if you don’t have a lot of floor space.

When trying to decide on the best high chair to go with, don’t forget to pay attention to the weight limit as some portable high chairs have a much bigger range than others, meaning that your baby will be able to use it for a longer period of time, saving you money.

Versatile high chairs are a great option, too, especially if they can be transformed into a booster seat once your kiddo outgrows his high chair.

I hope you were able to find the perfect high chair for all your traveling needs!

Like this post? Please share or pin it for later. You can also stay in the loop and follow us on Facebook , Instagram or Pinterest .

We love honesty! Find Your Mom Tribe is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please see our full Amazon Affiliate disclosure for more information.

• Living In Croatia
• Croatian Recipes
• Balkan Recipes

Home > Guide To The Best Travel Products > Best Travel High Chair: 11 Portable High Chairs And Boosters

Best Travel High Chair: 11 Portable High Chairs And Boosters

Traveling with a little one in tow brings a unique set of challenges and necessities, especially when considering mealtime on the go. High chairs are bulky, hard to transport, and critical for your child’s comfort and safety during feeding.

Enter the portable high chair—a lightweight, collapsible, and travel-friendly solution to your child’s dining needs when away from home. In my guide, I share with you my list of the best portable travel chair options for kids on the move.

These chairs are designed with the traveling family in mind, striking a balance between the conveniences of home and the demands of being on the road. When shopping for the best portable high chair for travel, several factors should be considered.

Durability is key, as you’ll want a product that withstands the rigors of travel without sacrificing comfort or safety. Another important aspect is the chair’s weight and foldability because every ounce and inch counts when packing.

You’ll also need to consider the chair’s ease of cleaning because let’s face it—you’re going to encounter some messes. Lastly, compatibility with various table types and seat adjustments can make a significant difference in how well the chair works while you’re out and about.

As you scan the market for a travel high chair, it’s essential to weigh these functionalities against one another and find the model that suits your family’s specific needs.

Whether you’re planning a dinner at a fancy restaurant or gearing up for a family picnic, the right high chair can make all the difference.

With the aim to narrow down the choices and help guide you to the best option, what follows is a look at some leading portable high chairs tailored for life on the move.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Portable High Chairs For On-The-Go Parents

Heading out with your little one can mean packing as if you’re outfitting a small army, but choosing the right portable high chair can lighten your load considerably.

Whether you’re visiting grandma, dining out, or enjoying a family picnic, the convenience of a secure, comfy spot for your tot to chow down can’t be overstated.

The best portable high chairs are designed to be swiftly folded down, easy to clean, and compact enough to stash in your trunk or even carry-on.

Get ready to feed your youngster with ease, wherever your adventures take you, with these top-notch options.

1. hiccapop OmniBoost Portable Booster Seat – My Favorite Portable High Chair

If you’re looking for a travel-friendly chair that offers both convenience and stability, the Hiccapop OmniBoost could be your go-to option.

• It folds down for travel and is complete with a carrying bag.
• The cover is removable and machine washable.
• Detachable and dishwasher-safe tray for easy cleanup.
• Stability is less on uneven surfaces without ‘duck feet’ attached.
• It only supports small children up to 30 pounds.
• Fabric may not be as durable as other materials over time.

For parents on the go, handling mealtime with young children can be quite the juggling act.

The hiccapop OmniBoost, Travel Booster Seat, simplifies dining away from home, coupling portability with the comforts of a high chair.

Compact in design, it folds effortlessly, perfect for fitting into your travel plans without occupying too much space.

The convenience of a machine-washable cover cannot be overstated. It is an undeniable lifesaver for those inevitable mealtime messes, ensuring that the aftermath of your little one’s eating adventures is not a permanent stain on your day.

Just slide off the cover, toss it in the wash, and you’re ready for the next meal.

Couple those features with a tray that not only swivels for stress-free seating but also pops off to be cleaned in the dishwasher, and it’s clear why this chair stands out.

Its thoughtful design removes much of the hassle associated with feeding time when one is not in the comfort of one’s own kitchen.

And let’s not forget the exceptional stability provided by the special duck feet, which give you peace of mind even when you’re dining on a soft park lawn or sandy beach .

2. Liuliuby Travel High Chair – Easy To Clean Chair

If you’re looking for a portable high chair that simplifies mealtime during travel, the Liuliuby Travel High Chair is worth considering.

• Quickly transforms a standard chair into a secure high chair
• The ultra-compact design integrates seamlessly with your travel gear
• Suitable for a wide age range with an adjustable height harness
• Limited to chair availability at your destination
• Not suitable for infants who can’t sit unassisted
• May not fit uniquely designed or oversized chairs

Taking your baby out and about shouldn’t mean a compromise on comfort and safety during meal times.

The Liuliuby Travel High Chair offers an ingenious solution: turning any regular chair into a baby-friendly seat.

Its light weight and compact nature makes it an essential travel companion that fits effortlessly into your carry-on or diaper bag.

Imagine dining out at a restaurant or visiting relatives without the hassle of a bulky high chair.

This innovative product attaches to most chairs with ease thanks to adjustable safety straps, ensuring your little one is part of the gathering at table height.

Plus, it comes with the added benefit of being machine washable, saving you from the headache of messy mealtimes.

For parents who prioritize convenience without sacrificing their baby’s comfort, this travel high chair underscores its utility with soft, cushioned fabric and a non-slip design.

It’s adjustable to grow with your child, suitable from around 6 months up to toddlerhood.

However, verify chair compatibility for your travels, as some chair designs might not fit, and be prepared to offer alternative seating if necessary.

3. Regalo My Chair Boost & Go

If you’re looking for convenience on the move, this adaptable booster seat meets your child’s needs, transforming mealtime into an effortless, secure, and tidy affair.

• Versatile 2-in-1 design that serves multiple purposes
• Foldable and lightweight for travel ease
• Easy cleaning due to mesh and nylon materials
• It may feel snug for bigger toddlers
• Some users find the buckle mechanism tricky
• No carry bag is included for transportation

When traveling with young ones, keeping them safe and comfortable during mealtime is a priority, and the Regalo My Chair Boost & Go can seamlessly fit into this role.

Its design includes a removable tray, securing your little one in place while offering ample room for their snacks and toys.

Ideal for on-the-go families, this chair is designed to be incredibly portable.

It folds down quickly, is light enough to carry with ease, and is a cinch to set up anywhere – from beach to park to grandma’s dining room.

The simplicity of the design encourages more spontaneous adventures with your child.

Cleaning up is a breeze, an essential feature for any parent.

The chair’s mesh walls and nylon bottom are meant to endure spills and crumbs, easily wiped down with a cloth and some soap.

However, keep in mind that as your child grows, they may find the fit a bit snug.

The buckle system is safe and sturdy, but it may require a bit of fiddling to secure.

It’s also worth noting that it doesn’t come with a separate carrying case, but its compact foldability makes it simple to slip into the car or stow away.

Brands We Use And Trust

4. inglesina fast table chair + dining tray.

If simplicity and convenience top your list, this high chair makes dining out or small-space living a breeze.

• It easily attaches to most tables
• Lightweight and collapsible for travel
• Includes carry bag for portability
• Maximum table thickness limit
• Higher price point than some alternatives
• The tray may sit a bit high for smaller infants

Traveling with children involves enough gear as it is, and dining options shouldn’t add to your load.

The Inglesina Fast Table Chair provides a secure spot for your little one right at the dinner table.

With a straightforward twist-tight coupling, it’s compatible with most tables, making meals away from home less of a hassle.

Compact living has its challenges, and saving space becomes a priority.

This high chair’s collapsible design is perfect for tight spaces, and the included carry bag means you can stow it away neatly or bring it along for the ride without it being cumbersome.

Meals should be enjoyable, not a cause for concern.

The safety and comfort provided by the high backrest, padded seat, and included 3-point safety harness mean you can relax a little while your baby joins mealtime.

The ease of setup and BPA-free materials also show that function and safety don’t have to compromise convenience or well-being.

5. Lulunemo Clip-On Chair

If you’re on the go and need a reliable seating solution for your little one, this high chair’s ease of use and portability might be ideal.

• Simplified setup on a variety of tables
• Strong safety features ensure the baby’s security
• Not compatible with certain table types
• A weight limit of 15kg may not suit older toddlers
• A storage bag is helpful but adds an extra item to carry

Ease of use is front and center with this chair. It’s designed to install on an extensive range of table thicknesses, meaning less fuss for you when it’s mealtime away from home.

Its compatibility with most tabletops is a definite plus, making it a versatile piece of gear in your travel arsenal.

The fold-flat design shines in terms of convenience and portability, making it a no-brainer for storage or those trips where space conservation is vital. The addition of a storage bag is thoughtful, ensuring that the chair remains clean and ready for action at a moment’s notice.

When it comes to your baby’s well-being, safety is non-negotiable. Fortunately, with its sturdy metal clamps and a 3-point harness, you can dine out with the confidence that your little one is snug and secure. Moreover, cleaning is effortless—take off the seat cover and toss it in the washing machine, so it’s one less hassle for you after a family meal.

6. Summer Infant Pop ‘N Sit

Consider the Summer Infant Pop ‘N Sit if you’re looking for a travel-friendly and versatile high chair for your little one.

• Multipurpose and highly portable design
• Incredibly user-friendly with an easy-to-clean surface
• Offers a reliable three-point safety harness
• Limited weight capacity of up to 37 pounds
• It may not be as sturdy as fixed-high chairs
• The compact design might not suit older children

Versatility makes the Summer Infant Pop ‘N Sit a standout product, suitable for various activities, whether you’re indoors or out. Transitioning from a floor seat to a booster effortlessly supports your changing needs as your child grows. Equipped with a tray, the chair caters to feeding sessions and playtime alike.

Ease of use is another key feature due to its simple foldability, which fits into the included carry bag and is ideal for the on-the-go family. Its cleaning process is hassle-free, with a dishwasher-safe tray and wipeable seat, saving you the stress of messes and spills.

However, the Summer Infant Pop ‘N Sit prioritizes portability and might not have the same sturdiness you would expect from a permanent high chair fixture. Furthermore, the weight limit and size mean your child might outgrow it faster than other chairs.

7. Summer Pop ‘n Sit

The Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Highchair is a versatile pick you should consider for its ease of use and maintenance when traveling with your little one.

• Folds compactly for ease of transport
• Machine-washable fabric for simple cleaning
• Sturdy design with a secure tray for feeding
• The tray might be too small for some preferences
• Only suitable for children up to 45 pounds
• Limited to a three-point harness rather than a five-point

Finding a highchair that can keep up with the pace of your travels can be as essential as the journey itself. The Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Highchair shines with a pop-and-fold design that allows for a swift setup, making mealtime manageable no matter where you find yourself.

The chair’s compact fold means it can be moved from the dining room to the car trunk in a snap, keeping the rhythm of your day uninterrupted.

Spills and messes are part and parcel of feeding toddlers, and this highchair acknowledges that reality. Thankfully, the removable and machine-washable fabric turns what could be a tedious clean-up into a hassle-free task. After meals, strip the seat and pop it into the washer. For quick on-the-go cleaning, the fabric is also easy to spot clean, keeping the chair fresh for the subsequent use.

Durability is a key factor when choosing a travel highchair, and the Summer Pop ‘n Sit doesn’t disappoint. The hard plastic tray provides a stable surface for your child’s meals and playtime, ensuring snacks stay within easy reach.

While the chair’s tray might be smaller compared to some alternatives, it’s substantial enough to handle the feeding needs of most traveling tots. Keep in mind, though, that the chair accommodates children up to 45 pounds—so larger toddlers may outgrow it. The usage of a three-point harness over a five-point might be a drawback for those seeking added security. Nonetheless, this highchair is a strong contender for your child’s travel needs.

8. YOLEO Travel High Chair

For those who need a space-saving and travel-friendly high chair, the YOLEO Travel High Chair is a solid choice. It offers comfort and adaptability for your baby.

• Adjustable height for table compatibility
• Folds flat for easy transport and storage
• Simple to clean design
• Small tray size may not fit larger plates
• Limited cushioning compared to some models
• Harness could be more robust for active children

Traveling with little ones often means having to compromise on everyday comforts, but the YOLEO Travel High Chair lets you maintain a semblance of your home routine. Its compact design means it won’t take up much space in your luggage or car, and its foldable nature ensures that setup and breakdown are a breeze.

Eating out with a baby can sometimes be challenging, but this high chair turns any regular dining chair into a safe spot for your child to enjoy their meals. The adjustable

straps provide a secure fit, ensuring peace of mind during use. You’ll also find the ease of cleaning to be a significant plus; a quick wipe is all it takes to keep things hygienic.

Balance is essential when considering convenience and comfort. The YOLEO High Chair offers several levels of height adjustment, accommodating your child’s growth and various table heights.

However, while it is easy to install, the tray’s size may limit the use of some plates, and the cushioning is basic, so you might want to add extra padding for extended meal times. The safety harness is functional, but those with particularly wriggly children may seek additional security features.

9. Ciao! Baby Portable Seat

If you’re on the move with your little one, this chair fits the bill for easy dining anywhere.

• Unfolds and collapses within seconds
• Lightweight design for effortless transport
• Easy-to-clean materials for mess-free meals
• The tray may slant toward the child
• Not suitable for older toddlers
• Requires two people to strap in an active baby

Dining out with your baby can be a hassle. That’s where the Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair shines—its effortless setup makes mealtime a breeze, even when you’re far from home. Collapsibility is a core feature, reducing the chair to a manageable size, akin to a camp chair, that you can stow in your car, ready for your next adventure.

Portability is a key concern when traveling with babies. This chair’s lightweight build means you won’t have to carry extra weight, allowing for spontaneous picnics or seaside snacks without the strain.

Safety is paramount, and while this chair ticks the box with its harness, it’s important to note the tray’s angle, which might cause dishes to slide. It’s also tailored to the younger audience; your growing toddler may outgrow it faster than you’d hope.

Securing the wriggly ones alone can be challenging, but once they’re in, you are all set for a relaxed meal with a view.

10. Chicco FastLock Hook-On Chair

This Chicco FastLock Hook-On Chair is a great addition for families on the move, combining portability, ease of cleaning, and the eco-friendly approach you value.

• Attachable to a wide range of tables and counters with secure grip to stay in place
• Fabric is made from recycled plastics, making it an eco-conscious choice
• Folds flat, facilitating storage and making it very travel-friendly
• Might not fit every table design, especially thicker ones
• Rubberized feet and clamps could potentially mark delicate surfaces without proper care
• At 5 pounds, it might be slightly heavy for some to carry around frequently

When you’re out and about, it can be a hassle to find a safe, clean spot for your little one to enjoy a meal. This is where the Chicco FastLock Hook-On Chair shines. It latches onto most tables in seconds, ensuring your child is snug and right up against the table with the rest of the family.

Its smart design caters to the needs of busy parents who yearn for convenience without compromising on safety.

Eco-friendly initiatives are increasingly important, and the Chair aligns with this vision. It offers an environmentally responsible choice by opting for fabrics derived from recycled plastics.

The simplicity of maintenance, with a wipeable and machine-washable seat pad, adds to its practicality. Post-mealtime spills won’t become a permanent feature of your day.

The ease in which it collapses down to a compact form factor makes the Chair ideal for storage at home or in a car. You’ll appreciate how straightforward it is to bring along to restaurants, visits to family, or even vacations.

Affordable, sturdy, and with a thoughtful design, this hook-on high chair supports your dynamic lifestyle seamlessly.

11. Fader Baby High Chair

If convenience and safety are top priorities for your little one’s dining experiences while traveling, the Fader Baby High Chair could be your go-to option.

• Strong weight-bearing capacity suitable for ages 6-36 months
• Foldable and portable, ideal for on-the-go families
• Equipped with a secure 5-point safety belt
• Material may not be as soft as some desire
• Not suitable for glass or uneven tables
• Dry clean only, which could be inconvenient

When it comes to feeding your baby while away from home, comfort and safety are key. This high chair attaches firmly to a variety of table surfaces, ensuring a secure seat for your child.

It’s also designed with portability in mind, folding down conveniently for travel or storage. Its sturdy alloy steel construction can support children weighing up to 40 pounds, lending peace of mind to you during meal times.

Equipped with a 5-point safety belt, this chair keeps your little one safely in place, which is essential in any busy household or restaurant.

Also, the water-resistant fabric makes clean-up from inevitable spills a breeze. Moreover, this chair is easy to assemble, saving precious time for parents who are already juggling a million tasks.

An important factor to consider is the chair’s compatibility with your dining setting. It’s not designed for use with glass or uneven table surfaces, so make sure your typical dining spots can accommodate this seat.

Additionally, the fabric, while durable, is not the softest against baby’s skin and requires dry cleaning, which might be a factor if you’re after convenience or have a particularly messy eater.

In sum, the Fader Baby High Chair is a robust, portable option for families who are often on the move. It blends the practical need for a safe, washable space for your child to eat with the convenience of portability, providing a reliable dining solution for parents and comfort for your child.

Move This Adventure To Your Inbox & Get An Instant Freebie

No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Which Type Of Portable Chair Is For You?

I have compiled the most common portable kids’ travel chair questions and will give you the answers! First things first, there are a few different  types of travel chairs to take into consideration

1. Travel High Chair

This is the part of a highchair that the child sits in without the legs. It sits on the top of a chair with your child strapped in.

2. Foldable Booster Seat

This type of travel baby chair also attaches to a seat; It can also be used as a general seat and for eating. The booster conveniently folds down for travel ease.

3. Clamp-On Seat

This type of chair bolts onto the table’s edge, with the seat in mid-air. Totally safe, of course!

High Chair Safety & Aspects To Look For

Safety features.

Your child’s safety is paramount. Look for a sturdy build and a strong harness system—ideally a five-point harness—and check for stability to prevent tipping.

Portability & Size

Consider how easy it is to carry the chair when folded. Lightness and compactness are key for travel.

Ease of Cleaning

You’ll want a high chair that is easy to clean. Look for smooth surfaces with fewer crevices and, if possible, removable and machine-washable covers.

Adjustability

Opt for a chair with adjustable trays and height settings to accommodate your growing child and varying table heights.

Compatibility

Make sure the portable high chair fits various table types and sizes. It should attach securely to most dining surfaces.

High Chairs And Boosters FAQs

When you’re planning to dine out with your little one, having the right portable high chair can make all the difference. Find answers to common questions below to pick the perfect travel companion for your infant or toddler’s mealtime.

What are the top-rated portable high chairs for infants when dining out?

The Ciao! Baby Portable Travel High Chair and the Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable Highchair are highly praised by parents. They offer reliability and convenience, making them top picks for dining on the go.

How do hook-on high chairs compare to traditional travel high chairs?

Hook-on high chairs attach directly to the table, saving floor space and encouraging family dining experiences. They tend to be more compact than traditional travel high chairs, but always ensure the table is sturdy enough to support them.

Are there portable high chair options suitable for older toddlers?

Yes, there are portable high chairs designed to grow with your child, such as the Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat. They often have adjustable height settings to accommodate older toddlers.

What should I look for in a travel high chair to ensure it’s safe and comfortable?

Prioritize a travel high chair with a sturdy frame, secure harness, and ample padding. Also, look for one with easy-to-clean surfaces for a hygienic dining experience for your child.

Can compact foldable high chairs be as sturdy and reliable as full-sized ones?

Absolutely. Many compact foldable high chairs are designed with strong materials and stable designs. The Joovy Nook High Chair is one example known for combining compact folding with sturdiness.

What are some lightweight high chair alternatives for on-the-go meal times?

For something even lighter, consider the My Little Seat Travel Highchair or a fabric seat harness that can attach to regular chairs. These options are not only featherlight but also fold down, small enough to fit in your diaper bag.

There you have it. Now, you have the best high chair options for your upcoming travels.

• Comfortable Flat Shoes For Travel Reviews
• Best Family Passport Holder
• Best Spinner Luggage
• Ultimate Guide to Buying Packing Cubes
• Best Toddler Travel Bed Reviews (aka Travel Crib)
• Best Baby Carrier For Travel Review
• Long Haul Flight Essentials Carry on Packing List to Travel Lighter
• Best Travel Pillow for Long Haul Flights:
• Travel Cross Body Bag: The Best Cross Body Bags For Travel
• Best Travel Pants For Women
• Best Shoes For Travel
• Our Guide to Travel Necessities
• Smart Luggage Tracker Tags
• Best Noise-Canceling Headphones For Kids
• Best Luggage Scale Reviews & Comparison Chart
• Zipperless Luggage Reviews
• Best Umbrella Stroller

Subscribe To Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List & All Our Best Tips!

Unlock Your FREE Customizable Travel Packing List!

Subscribe Now For Instant Access To Stress-Free Packing

The Best High Chairs for Babies and Toddlers, Tested & Reviewed

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

For many parents, sharing a meal with their child and catching up on the day is a way to connect and enjoy time together. While babies don’t exactly say too much—that’s coherent anyway—introducing new foods is a fun experience. And a messy one!

Luckily, most high chairs are easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing, and can grow as your baby blooms into a toddler. When shopping, it’s essential to read reviews and check dimensions—but perhaps most importantly, to hear from other parents. We interviewed eight moms who dished about their selected high chairs.

How to choose the best high chair

There are some safety components to keep in mind when shopping for high chairs. To better understand what’s vital in a high chair, we chatted with Dr. Jaime Friedman , a pediatrician at the Children’s Primary Care Medical Group and a spokesperson for the San Diego Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Look for one that is sturdy and has a five-point harness. These are similar restraints to a car seat and will hold your baby in the best.
• Look for a high chair with a reclining seat. This will help support babies who are ready to eat baby food but may not be fully sitting yet.
• Make sure your high chair locks into place and isn’t difficult to tip over.
• An adjustable footrest is a big bonus for digestion since it allows your child to sit in an upright 90-degree position as they eat.
• A removable tray is also a perk since it makes clean-up easier.

Our top high chair picks

Best modern high chair: lalo the chair.

For mom of three Roxanne Truesdell, Lalo The Chair is a mainstay in her home. There’s plenty she raves about, but the biggest benefit is how easy it is to clean. Considering toddlers tend to be messy eaters as they learn how to feed themselves, Truesdell removes the tray and takes it straight to the trash to dump big stuff. Then, she scrubs it down in the sink. To clean the seat—where plenty of food accumulates—she sprays an all-purpose cleaner and wipes it down with a wet sponge.

The straps can be removed and machine-washed. The chair comes with removable cushions that Truesdell removed early on because they would become really dirty.

Another benefit of Lalo The Chair is the adjustable footrest that allows her toddler to grow and sit in the best alignment for digestion. “As he gets taller, we can flip the footrest over to keep that safe eating environment going,” she says. “You can also buy a conversion kit to transform it into a booster seat.”

For compact spaces, it’s important to note the chair doesn’t easily fold to be stored but the legs come off fairly easy to transport. However, given the super-stylish, modern and sleek design, you might not see it as an eye sore. “The aesthetic is so complementary to my kitchen and dining area that I don't ever put it away,” Truesdell says. “It’s the same height as the kitchen table,so we pull it nice and close so the baby can see and interact with us as if he's sitting at the same table. After all, mealtime is our favorite family time.”

All-and-all, Truesdell says it checks off the major things like creating a safe eating environment, easy-to-clean and beautiful to look at. If she could change anything, it could be the angle of the legs. “Maybe I'm just clumsy, but sometimes I stub my toe on one of the legs,” she adds.

• Easy assembly
• Made from non-toxic plastic
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Can’t fold it
• White straps get dirty quickly
• Height is not adjustable

Specifications:

• Weight: 10 pounds
• Dimensions: 24.5 inches x 24.5 inches x 33 inches
• Age Recommendations: For use when the child can sit up unaided (approximately 4-6 months) and up to 3 years old (supports up to 30 pounds).
• Warranty: The family warranty covers Lalo The Chair for 18 months after purchase. This applies to wooden legs, seats, trays, straps, cushions, mats, and any hardware critical to your product's use and safety.
• Adjustable footrest: Yes
• Removable tray: Yes
• Back support: Yes
• Price: $235

The Chair unique 3-in-1 design

Best travel high chair: inglesina fast table chair.

Mom of three Emma Kozlowski started using this table chair beginning from 12 months up until her kiddos turned two and a half years old. Unlike a traditional high chair, this one attaches to a sturdy countertop or heavy table, almost like a booster-like seat but with added support. It doesn’t include a footrest, but it does allow toddlers to “sit” with the rest of the family.

Kozlowski says her kids are, ahem, creative eaters, and the removable tray is super-fast to clean once mealtime is over. “The mess is quickly gone in the sink rather than left on your counter, and the fabric that the child sits on wipes clean or can be hand washed or washed in the washing machine,” she adds.

The most significant benefit of this pint-sized high chair is how easy it is to bring with you wherever your family adventures take you. “For parents on the go, it folds up flat, so it is very portable and also easy to set up so you can bring it to a restaurant or a friend’s house,” Kozlowski says. While it might be intended as more of a transitional high chair or something you use when you travel, it could be an innovative solution for parents with limited space. It comes in ten colors and is a steal at $80.

“We used another high chair when our kids were younger, but it took up a lot of floor space, was bulky, not very nice looking, and didn't seem necessary once our children could sit up on their own,” Kozlowski adds. “The only thing I wish they offered was an ‘infant insert’ so you could put a younger child in there without them wobbling around.”

• Lightweight
• Great for travel
• Can’t attach to every table
• There’s a gap between the table and the seat
• Tightening the chair to the table can be time-consuming
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 11 inches (length) x 14 inches (width) x 17 inches (height)
• Age Recommendations: for children between 6 and 36 months up to 37 pounds
• Warranty: Inglesina says this high chair will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 24 months when properly used and maintained. The limited warranty includes repair or replacement at Inglesina’s discretion.
• Adjustable footrest: No
• Back support: Low back support; best for kids who can easily sit up on their own.

Inglesina Fast Table Chair in Black

Best convertible high chair: maxi-cosi minla 6-in-1 high chair.

Lauren Rae Levy Vigneron initially used a different high chair, but when her child was 18 months, she discovered this Maxi-Cosi six-in-one best seller—and never looked back. She says there’s plenty to love, but for a busy mom with a never-ending to-do list, the ability to clean the fabric and remove the tray with a sponge and water is key.

While she might need a bit of soap here and there, she says most of the time, a quick wash does the trick. The seat covers are machine-washable, so if a deeper clean is needed, it’s a fast process. Did we mention the tray is also dishwasher-safe?! The only cleaning setback is the straps, which may be trickier to clean thoroughly. To avoid food waste build-up, try to wipe clean after each meal.

The high chair also grows with your toddler, hence the name. It comes with an infant insert pad for extra support in the early days, then offers five recline and nine height positions. If you don’t want the high chair on display, Vigneron says it folds up small and stores away. However, the sleek design with four color combinations makes it a chic addition to your dining room. For Vigneron, the biggest win is her son loves it and it’s comfortable.

• Grows with baby
• Dishwasher-safe tray
• Legs take up a lot of room when in use
• Straps can be hard to clean
• Seats are fabric instead of wipeable material like vinyl
• Weight: 24.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 34 inches x 22 inches x 42 inches
• Age Recommendations: Accommodates children from newborn to six years of age.
• Warranty: Includes a two-year warranty. Should the product contain defects in material or workmanship, they will repair or replace the product.
• Price: $199

Maxi-Cosi Minla 6-In-1 High Chair, Essential Graphite

Best affordable high chair: fisher price healthy care booster.

Reva Minkoff is the proud mama of a 16-month-old son, and instead of going the traditional tall high chair route, she found and loved this booster seat. Affordable—under $50!—and portable, it’s been able to grow with her son. Since all moms care about clean-up, Minkoff says this seat makes it fast and effortless. Since it’s made of plastic, the removable tray pops off and can be placed directly in the sink after each meal.

She’s never had an issue with difficult-to-remove food and has had zero issues with mold or smell. “Because the chair is solid plastic, it is very easy to wipe down and/or vacuum messes,” she continues. “There are no nooks and crannies for things to get stuck in, which is helpful.”

Originally, Minkoff used it on the floor by itself, and as her son has grown, she changed it to a booster seat so he has legroom. “It is so flexible that other babies and toddlers have been able to use it when we have company”, she says. “I love how easily it fits everyone, and it makes me feel confident we'll be able to use it for a long time.”

In fact, she’s bought one set for each of her son’s grandparents, so when they visit, they can easily settle into their at-home routine. Want to have dinner al fresco? Hop in the car and have a picnic? Wherever you go, this chair can go, too, Minkoff says. “I feel like it integrates into our busy lives the best—if we are in the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, grandma's house, outside, anywhere.”

• Easy to clean
• Relatively small size
• No footrest for digestion
• Five-point harness would be more secure than just the three (could use shoulder straps)
• Weight: 4.15 pounds
• Dimensions: 9.06 inches (depth) x 13.9 inches (width) x 15.94 inches (height)
• Age Recommendations: Up to 50 pounds
• Warranty: No. If you are not satisfied with an item you purchased, you may return the item within 30 days of delivery for a full refund of the purchase price, excluding the shipping, handling, gift wrap, and other charges.

Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat

Best for long term use high chair: abiiee beyond junior y high chair.

Katrina, a mom of two, started using this high chair when her two daughters began eating at around six months old. When shopping for the right pick for her household, she loved the adjustable footrest that easily clicks in and out of the wooden grooves, the fact it was dishwasher-safe and free of harmful substances like BPA, phthalate, latex and PVC, and the five-point harness for peace of mind.

It’s also fairly easy to clean. Not only is the removable plastic tray dishwasher-safe, Katrina says you can do most of the heavy lifting with a multi-purpose cleaner and a warm, wet washcloth. “Every so often, I take out the cushions and harness straps and clean them in hot water with a mild dish soap,” she says.

Since most parents don’t want to invest in a high chair every few months as their baby grows into a toddler, Katrina says this chair accommodates different stages—and looks great in her home. You can choose from nine colors, and Katrina bought two: one for each of her daughters.

“The only downside to this product is that it is not mobile. The chair's base is about the same size as the base of the standard dining chair,” she adds. “We keep both high chairs up to the table for convenience.”

In addition to the features, Katrina says she’s been a big fan of the company. “Customer service has always been a dream anytime I've contacted them, and you can easily find and buy individual products to replace broken or lost ones, like the cushions, tray, or tray brackets,” she says. “It's obvious by the sheer amount of thought in the details that the folks who built this chair really care about not only where their materials come from but also the parents and the children who buy their product.”

• Five-point harness
• Easy to assemble
• Easy-to-clean
• Removing tray cover can be difficult
• Footrest is hard for youngest users to reach
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Dimensions: 21 inches (length) x 17.6 inches (width) x 34.5 inches (height)
• Age Recommendations: Designed to grow with your child from infancy (six months) to adulthood.
• Warranty: Yes, a three-year manufacturer warranty
• Price: $220

High Chairs | Beyond Junior Wooden Chair, Natural Black Pearl Abiie | Maisonette

Most versatile high chair: 4moms connect high chair.

Women’s health advocate and mom of two Lisa McCarty started using this high chair when her first child was six months old. She can manage the removable magnetic tray with one hand, which convinced her to choose this chair over all the others.

“As moms, we always want solutions to make our lives easier and our process for feeding our kids—and cleaning up—more efficient,” she says. “This definitely fits that requirement! We loved it, and my son loved it, too. As he got older, he could put the tray on by himself and let himself out when he was done. Another big plus.”

For clean-ups, the tray can go straight into the dishwasher or be wiped clean immediately after use. While it doesn’t have an adjustable footrest, it does have an adjustable height and recline option available to accommodate newborn, baby and toddler phases.

Regarding mobility, McCarty says you can slide it or lift it to carry, but it doesn’t fold up. “I found it worked well as a corner of the dining room chair that is tall and slim and not too wide,” she adds.

• Adjustable harness
• No footrest
• Doesn’t fold
• Doesn’t have wheels
• Weight: 18 pounds
• Dimensions: The high chair, when fully extended, measures 37 inches in height from the highest point on the back of the seat to the floor. In the middle position, it measures 35.25 inches, and in its lowest position, it measures 33.25 inches. The three corresponding tray heights are 30.75 inches, 29.25 inches, and 27 inches.
• Age Recommendations: The chair can be used for three stages, from six months until 60 months.
• Warranty: One-year warranty
• Price: $300

connect high chair®

Best splurge high chair: stokke tripp trapp® chair.

When mom of one Lindsay H. welcomed her first child, she couldn’t wait to start feeding her. Since she and her husband were foodies, she looked forward to introducing her daughter to that wonderful world. Though she wanted to present many meal options, there was only one high chair choice for her family: the classic Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair. Though it’s splurge-worthy, Tigar and her family knew it would stand the test of time.

Originally from Denmark, her husband grew up with Norwegian Stokke products. In fact, his mother still had his Tripp Trapp from when he was a toddler, more than 30 years ago.

This high chair lasts the longest of all on this list, meant to go from six months to adulthood, when the seat can be removed and it can serve as a stool. It also features a streamlined, Scandinavian design with a seven-year warranty. This chair has many benefits, including a removable tray that can easily be placed in the sink after use, an adjustable footrest that allows babies to grow into toddlers and still receive proper digestion and a supportive back.

(Keep in mind the tray and the newborn bundle are sold separately, which is why this high chair won the ‘splurge’ category. With all accessories, you could spend $500.)

The only downfall, according to Tigar, is the harness straps. They can be tricky to adjust as the child grows older and difficult to clean. You can remove them, but it’s a pain, and you need to soak them for a good amount of time.

Also, while it might not be a struggle for all parents, it can be time-consuming to put this high chair together. It’s also on the heavier side, and it doesn’t stow away easily. Even so… it’s pretty beautiful, so Tigar doesn’t mind seeing it daily in her kitchen.

• High-quality
• Not foldable
• Accessories sold separately
• Assembly can be difficult
• Weight: 15 pounds
• Dimensions: 19.29 inches (depth) x 18.11 inches (width) x 31.1 inches (height)
• Age Recommendations: Birth to adulthood
• Warranty: Seven years

Tripp Trapp® The Chair That Grows With The Child

Best high chair for small spaces: joovy nook high chair compact fold swing open tray.

Vicki W., a mom of two, started using the Joovy Nook from six months through two years for her four-year-old. And she’ll soon use it again when her second child starts eating solids in a few months. Since wrangling kiddos is no easy task, Vicki raves about the removable tray insert that’s dishwasher-safe, and the rest of the chair that’s fast to wipe down or vacuumed for a deep-clean. The leatherette on the seat is great and can be thrown in the wash, but it can’t be dried in a dryer.

Another bonus is the slightly-smaller base that doesn’t take up too much of a footprint in a smaller dining room. Plus, it folds down flat using only one hand, making it fast to store between meals—and take it with the family when they travel.

“Having lived in a small apartment with very little space when first shopping for a high chair the Joovy Nook hit every mark that we required,” she says. “It was small, lightweight and folded small enough to not take up too much space.”

• No adjustable footrest
• Can be difficult to clean with crevices for food to get stuck in
• No cup holder
• Dimensions: 41 inches (height) x 23.5 inches (width) x 32 inches (length)
• Age Recommendations: 6 months up to children weighing 50 pounds
• Warranty: Two-year warranty guarantee
• Removable tray: Tray swings open. It has a removable, dishwasher safe tray insert
• Price: $130

Joovy Nook Baby High Chair

How we tested and selected the best high chairs.

First, we interviewed pediatricians and parenting experts for the features to look for in a high chair and other factors that matter when making a purchase. Since first-hand experience is key, we interviewed parents who use each of these high chairs. We asked them about the durability, functionality, investment, ease of clean-up and the ability of the high chair to grow with the child.

When can babies sit in high chairs?

It’s an exciting day when your baby can try something other than breastmilk or formula. And for most, this is around six to eight months, according to Christine Hernandez, an early childhood and parenting expert and the founder of Allo Saratoga . To know if your little one is ready, make sure they can sit up unsupported. “Sitting unsupported puts your baby's body closest to a 90-degree angle when seated in their chair, which is ideal for both comfort and safety,” she says. “Sitting unsupported is also an indicator of readiness for starting solids, so by the time your baby is ready to start solids, they will be ready for their high chair.”

Types of high chairs

Not sure what type of high chair best fits your family? While most parents will go with a standard high chair, you might also consider having a travel-friendly high chair and, eventually, a booster seat. Hernandez explains the different types of high chairs you can choose from:

Full-size high chairs

They're designed for home use, feature a freestanding frame with a seat tray, and often have adjustable features. Full-size high chairs provide stability and durability and can grow with your child.

Portable/travel high chairs

Portable or travel high chairs are designed for on-the-go use or those with limited space. They are typically lightweight, compact, and foldable, making them easy to transport and store. Portable high chairs often attach to regular chairs or tabletops. They are usually more comfortable for a smaller baby than restaurant high chairs, so it’s worth having if you eat out frequently.

Booster high chairs

There will come a time when your baby or toddler is too big for their high chair but not quite big enough to sit in a regular chair. A booster seat is the perfect in-between option for toddlers who can sit independently without a five-point-harness to keep them secure. They normally attach to a regular chair and have a safety buckle to keep your child safe.

Convertible high chairs

Some high chairs can grow with your child, transforming from a full-size high chair into a toddler chair or a booster seat as your child grows. These options are more expensive but provide long-term use and are usually worth the investment. They also typically have a good resale value if you want to make some of your money back after your child outgrows it entirely.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do high chairs have weight limits.

Hernandez shares most high chairs have weight limits, and the specific capacity can vary depending on the brand. Generally speaking, it’s between 30 and 50 pounds. “Always check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure your child is within the suggested weight limits for their chair,” she adds.

When do toddlers stop using high chairs?

Hernandez says toddlers usually transition from high chairs around two to three, depending on their developmental readiness and personality. “As toddlers become more independent, they may associate their high chair with being a ‘baby’ and want to sit at the table with you,” she explains. “Moving from a high chair to a booster may cause some regression in eating behaviors as they adjust to having more freedom of movement in their seat. This is normal. Once your child gets used to their new seat and the novelty wears off, they should disappear.”

What is the standard height of a high chair?

Hernandez explains the standard height of a high chair can vary, but most models range between 32 to 36 inches in height. “Typically, your baby's high chair can be pulled up to the dinner table, and they'd be roughly at the same height as everyone else,” she says. “This allows parents to help feed their babies without bending over or reaching up.” In convertible high chairs, adjustable height features accommodate different table heights and growing children.

What do the different high chair sizes mean?

According to Hernandez, high chair sizes generally refer to the age range or weight capacity they are designed to accommodate. Manufacturers may designate high chairs as "infant," "toddler," or "child" size to provide a general guideline for parents.

“Infant-sized high chairs are typically designed for babies from 6 months to 3 years old, while toddler-sized high chairs are suitable for children from 1 to 3 years old,” she says. “As a rule of thumb, check the manufacturer's specifications for each high chair model you're considering, as sizes and weight limits can vary.”

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

8 Best High Chairs for Babies 2024

The best high chairs provide a safe and comfortable seat where babies and toddlers can explore and learn to eat a variety of foods. Some are designed to grow with children as they progress from bottle-feeding to enjoying meals around the table, while others are better suited for infants and younger babies.

As you compare the different options, you’ll notice that some high chairs may be more appropriate for different situations and needs, such as baby-led weaning, travel, tighter spaces, and different budgets. To help you narrow down the selection and find the ideal high chair for your little one, we’ve rounded up a list of the best models.

Table of Contents

• Best High Chairs
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair  »

Adjustable seat and footrest

Convertible for extended use

High weight limit

Doesn’t fold

Adding a tray costs extra

The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair offers an adjustable design, allowing it to adapt to the needs of babies, toddlers, and children. The chair’s design is ideal for parents who want their babies to learn to feed themselves. Kim Grenawitzke, an occupational therapist with Solid Starts , a resource for introducing solid foods to babies, explains, “If you want to let your baby feed themselves, look for a high chair with a completely upright seat, adjustable footrest, and removable tray so that baby can join you at the table.” The Stokke Tripp Trapp meets all of these criteria, keeping babies and toddlers in an ergonomic position.

This high chair is crafted from responsibly sourced beech and oak wood. It’s available in 15 different solid colors, including White, Black, Walnut, Serene Pink, Fjord Blue, and Sunflower Yellow. It can even be used with newborn babies. Add the Newborn Bundle to your purchase (available for an additional $50) to be able to position infants for bottle feeding or spending time around the table with the rest of the family. A high chair cushion and tray can also be added to your purchase for an additional $100.

IKEA Antilop High Chair  »

Inexpensive

Easy-to-clean material

Can be disassembled for travel

No five-point harness

Lower weight limit

If you’re on a tighter budget or are looking for a spare high chair to have when your child is at a family member’s or caregiver’s home, the IKEA Antilop High Chair might be the right fit for you. At just under $20, this is the least expensive option on our list, costing just a fraction of some of the more expensive models. The Antilop High Chair is designed to be easy to disassemble, making it possible to bring it with you when traveling or even to a restaurant. The removable tray has a raised edge to minimize messes and keep babies from pushing their food onto the floor.

While this high chair doesn’t offer as high of a weight limit as some of the other models on our list, it can support babies and toddlers up to 33 pounds. The absence of cushions or seat pads makes it easier to wipe it clean after your baby enjoys their meal.

Fisher-Price Baby SpaceSaver High Chair  »

Five-point harness for safety

Dishwasher-safe liner and tray

Integrated carry handle

Must attach to dining chair for use

Cannot adjust the height

Those with more limited space might want to take a look at the Fisher-Price Baby SpaceSaver High Chair. Compared to other stand-alone models, this high chair is designed to be secured to a standard dining chair, minimizing the amount of space it’ll take up in a kitchen or dining room. Simply use the integrated straps to connect it to a standard chair, and it’ll be ready for your baby to sit in. Choose from three adjustable recline positions for bottle-feeding or eating solid foods.

The Fisher-Price Baby SpaceSaver High Chair features a large, wrap-around tray that offers plenty of space to hold food for your little one. The tray can be easily removed using just one hand, and both the tray and liner are dishwasher-safe. As the baby gets older, you can remove the tray and convert the chair into a booster seat so that your little one can sit directly at the table with the rest of the family. It can support up to 50 pounds. Fisher-Price offers eight machine-washable seat cover choices for this model, all of which feature fun designs.

Inglesina Fast Table Chair  »

Hooks onto a variety of table types

Quick and easy to set up

Collapses for easy storage or transport

Only has a three-point harness

The design of the Inglesina Fast Table Chair makes it ideal for parents and caregivers looking for a portable high chair, though it could also be used right at home, too. The chair secures directly to tables using twist-tight couplings. Compatible with most tables, it takes just a few seconds to attach and comes off without leaving any marks. Once the chair is in place, you can position your baby in it, and they’ll be sitting right at the table with the rest of the group.

When you’re ready to leave or need to store the high chair, simply untwist it to release it. Then, you can collapse it flat and place it in the carry bag (included with each order). The Inglesina Fast Table Chair offers an integrated back pocket for storing bibs, spoons, and other feeding essentials. You can purchase this portable high chair in 11 different solid color options, including Stone Gray Melange, Slate Blue Melange, Red, Dark Green, and Lime.

Maxi-Cosi Minla 6-in-1 High Chair  »

Converts to grow with child

Folds for compact storage

Machine-washable seat pad

Relatively expensive

Not very travel-friendly

The Maxi-Cosi Minla High Chair converts to adapt to the changing needs of your baby or toddler. It offers a six-in-one design with nine different height options, five recline settings, and four different tray positions. With all of these options, it can be used for feeding infants, as a stand-alone high chair for a baby, a feeding booster, a dining booster, a dining high chair, a stool, or a comfy cushion.

This Maxi-Cosi high chair is designed to be easy to clean. The snack tray comes off and can be washed in the dishwasher, and the cushioned seat pad unzips for cleaning in the washing machine. When not in use, you can fold the chair to conserve space in the kitchen or dining room. Maxi-Cosi offers seven different fabric color combinations for this high chair, including three “EcoCare” options that are made using recycled plastic bottles.

Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible High Chair  »

Converts for toddler and youth use

Between the 60-pound weight limit and numerous seating options, the Graco Blossom is a good pick for those who want a high chair that can support their baby into toddlerhood. It offers several different settings: infant high chair, traditional high chair, infant booster, toddler booster, and youth chair. Users can also adjust the height between six different positions, adjust the footrest between three different positions (or remove it entirely), and choose from three different recline options. The safety harness converts between a five-point harness and a three-point harness to match the needs of each child and seating position.

While the Graco Blossom doesn’t fold for more compact storage, it does have front wheels and rear casters to make it easy to move about your space. The rear casters lock to keep the chair more stable and secure when feeding a baby. Additionally, this model features a leatherette seat pad that can easily be wiped down or even cleaned in the washing machine when necessary.

Boon Grub Dishwasher-Safe Adjustable Baby High Chair  »

Dishwasher-safe tray and seat

Adjustable tray and footrest

Large footprint

Cleaning a high chair doesn’t have to be a chore, and the Boon Grub is designed to keep cleanup time to a minimum. In addition to having a removable and machine-washable seat pad, it also features a dishwasher-safe tray and a dishwasher-safe seat. Simply toss the mess your baby or toddler left from enjoying their meal in the dishwasher, and move on to everything else you need to take care of.

The Boon Grub is designed for use with babies around 6 months to children up to 6 years. It can support up to 50 pounds, has a five-position footrest, and features an adjustable tray. Plus, you can adjust the height of the high chair to match your table and lifestyle. Choose from table- or counter-height options. As your child grows older, the legs can be shortened and the tray can be removed, transforming the high chair into a toddler seat.

Abiie Beyond Junior Y High Chair  »

Converts for use through adulthood

Dishwasher-safe tray cover

Not foldable

Not as easy to bring when traveling

If you’re looking to use baby-led weaning and want to teach your little one to feed themself from a very early age, consider the Abiie Beyond Junior Y High Chair. This model is one that Judy Delaware, occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and co-owner of Feeding Littles , which offers online courses for parents on baby-led weaning and feeding picky eaters, recommends for baby-led weaning. She explains that “the footrest can be brought up to reach most 6-month-olds’ feet, and the baby can lean forward in the (ideal) positive tilt position to reach food.” This European-cultivated beachwood high chair converts for continued use through the toddler years, and even into adulthood. It takes only seconds to transform it from a high chair into a standard dining chair.

Delaware points out a few other benefits of the Abiie Beyond Junior Y High Chair. She says that it is “super easy to clean, slide up the table to avoid needing a booster, and comes in multiple colors (bonus)!” The chair comes in nine different wood and cushion color combinations.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing the best high chair, there’s no single product that will be the right fit for every family or every baby. To help you choose the right model, think about when you wish to start using the chair and how long you plan to continue using it. Additionally, consider whether or not you want your baby to eat right at the table with you, or if you prefer for them to be in a stand-alone high chair with a tray. Finally, the cost to purchase a high chair can vary widely, so be sure to keep your budget in mind as you shop.

Things To Consider When Buying High Chairs

Size and Weight: As you consider the various high chair options on the market, think about the size and weight of each model before making a final decision. Depending on how much space you have in your dining room or kitchen, some chairs will likely be a better fit than others. Consider where you will place the high chair for most feedings, but also keep in mind that you might want to be able to move it to other areas of the home as well. For example, if you are preparing dinner, you might decide to have your older babysit in the high chair to watch you in the kitchen. Or, you might choose to bring the baby into the living room to have a snack while you entertain guests.

The amount of space you have and how much you plan to move the high chair around your home can lead you to choose one with an appropriate size and weight. Some high chairs have a more portable or compact design. Models that strap onto a dining chair, for example, might be a better option if you want to be able to bring the high chair with you when traveling or visiting friends or family.

Foldability: Foldable high chairs can help conserve space, while still allowing you to purchase a full-size model for your baby. As the name suggests, these models fold down, reducing the amount of space they’ll take up when not in use. If you’re interested in a folding high chair, you’ll also want to keep safety and stability in mind. Choose a model that can stand upright on its own so that it doesn’t slide down or get pulled down as your baby gets older and begins moving around more on their own.

Convertibility: Many parents shop for a high chair when they are pregnant or have a very young baby. During this stage, it may feel like it's going to be an eternity before you have a toddler or an older child, but that time will come more quickly than you realize. As you’re choosing the right high chair for a baby, think about whether or not you want it to be able to grow with your little one.

Delaware explains that convertibility and adjustability are two important features to look for when shopping for a high chair. She says, “We recommend high chairs that have adjustability, so that as the baby grows, so can the chair. And that high chair can go from a child using a tray to removing the tray and the child is pushed right up to the family table to enjoy meals with the entire family.” A convertible high chair may be more expensive, but it can save you money in the long run since you won’t need to purchase a separate booster seat for your toddler.

Weight Limit: Take note of the weight limit for each high chair as you’re shopping. High chairs are tested by the manufacturer to support the specified weight, but may not be safe to use with babies or toddlers who exceed the limit. To avoid a potential safety hazard, don’t place a child in a high chair if they weigh more than what the manufacturer recommends.

You’ll notice that weight limits vary rather significantly between some chairs. Some high chairs may only be tested to support up to 30 pounds, while others are designed to accommodate larger children or even adults weighing 200 pounds or more. If you’re looking for a high chair that you can continue to use with a toddler or even an older child, then it will be especially important to choose one with a higher weight limit.

Safety: Grenawitzke highlights safety as something everyone should consider when shopping for a high chair. She says to “look for a stable chair that won’t tip over easily and won’t trip you or other caregivers walking around it.” She adds that “Every year, more than 5,000 infants are evaluated in ERs after falling from a highchair in the U.S.” Heavier chairs are more likely to remain upright than lighter-weight chairs. While wheels can make it easier to move a high chair around the home, make sure the wheels can be locked to keep the chair more stable.

In addition to choosing a sturdy chair that won’t tip over easily, consider the chair’s restraint system, or harness. While a three-point harness is the minimum required by ASTM International’s safety standards, a five-point harness that goes over the baby’s shoulders in addition to going around their hips can help with positioning and prevent them from accidentally falling out of the chair. Once you have your high chair set up for your baby, it may be tempting to leave them unbuckled and use only the tray to keep them in place, but this could increase the chance of an injury. So, always use the restraint system to prevent an accidental fall.

Care and Maintenance: Babies and toddlers are just learning how to eat. They lack the coordination that older children and adults have. They’re also exploring different textures and tastes and learning about cause and effect. So, it should come as no surprise that they’re likely going to make a mess – and possibly a big mess – during meals. And, don’t forget, they’re going to be eating multiple times a day. For this reason, you might want to consider finding a high chair that’s easy to clean and care for.

James King, an operations manager of Deluxe Maid , a professional house cleaning service in Indianapolis, Indiana, says to “use bibs or trays during meals to prevent spills from reaching the cushion.” While bibs and trays will catch some debris, crumbs and sticky messes will still find their way to the seat itself.

Looking for high chairs with removable – or even dishwasher-safe – trays, machine-washable covers, and minimal crannies to hold crumbs can help make cleanup more manageable. Also, consider how easy the restraint system will be to wash since it will undoubtedly get covered with food at some point.

How We Chose the Best High Chairs

When selecting the best high chairs, we considered the input of two baby-feeding experts: Judy Delaware, an occupational therapist and feeding specialist and co-owner of Feeding Littles, and Kim Grenawitzke, an occupational therapist with Solid Starts. In addition to the insight they provided, we also consulted feedback from professional reviewers, looked at ratings from users, and made sure that our selections offered options to match a wide range of feeding needs, budgets, and other concerns. James King, the operations manager of Deluxe Maid, also helped us by providing information about cleaning and caring for high chairs.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Our contributors and editors have years of experience researching, testing, and reviewing products. Deirdre Mundorf , the author of this piece, has written extensively about a range of topics in the home and family niche. Her work has been featured in Bob Vila, Discover Magazine, House Digest, and USA Today, among other publications.

According to Grenawitzke, “Babies can be placed in an upright high chair as soon as they are able to sit with some support, a developmental milestone we typically see around 6 months of age.” Delaware notes that “Some readiness signals might include full head control, and the ability for the baby to sit on their own with some degree of strength and stability with ability and willingness to bring their hands and objects to their own mouths.”

In terms of how you should position your baby in a high chair, Delaware explains, “We are looking for 90 degrees at the hips, knees, and ankles and a support under the child’s foot.” Ensure that the baby is straight up, not leaning to one side. Delaware shares that a rolled-up towel can help ensure the correct position.

She also adds “If the child is leaning backwards in the chair, try to reposition the baby’s hips and get the baby to be leaning slightly forward into the 'positive tilt’ position, just like you would lean forward when eating your food. This position is also known as an anterior tilt and places the trunk into an ideal position with the shoulders directly over the hips.” As Delaware says, “‘If you get the hips, you get the lips.’ This means that your child’s mouth and jaw can work more effectively when they are well positioned.”

Before cleaning a high chair, always refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer; recommendations may vary based on material(s) and construction. King shares some general tips for cleaning high chairs: “After meals, a simple wipe with a damp cloth can help tidy up.” When a deeper clean is necessary, King says that you should start by removing any trays or padded cushions.

Next, he explains, “A dry brush can help remove dried food particles before cleaning with water. Wipe away visible mess with a damp cloth, then use a mild soap and water solution to clean the chair thoroughly.” Finish up by rinsing or wiping away any soapy residue, and allow the chair to dry thoroughly before putting it back together.

How long a high chair lasts will vary based on the quality of the construction and materials, frequency of use, and how well the chair is cared for. As for how long a baby or toddler can use a higher chair, it can vary based on the needs and readiness of the child. While some toddlers may be ready to transition to a chair with a booster at the table when they are around 18 months old, others might not be ready until they are closer to 3 years old. Keep in mind that some high chairs convert to booster seats or even youth stools/chairs.

About Our Team

Deirdre Mundorf

Contributor

Marlo Jappen Porto

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

kids department

• The Only Gift Guide for an 8-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Gift Guide for an 8-Year-Old Yo…
• The 12 Very Best Glider Rockers for Nursing The 12 Very Best Glider Rockers for Nurs…
• The 5 Very Best Hands-Free Pumping Bras The 5 Very Best Hands-Free Pumping Bras
• The Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds The Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds
• The Only Toy Gift Guide for a 3-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Toy Gift Guide for a 3-Year-Old…
• The Only Gift Guide for a 1-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Gift Guide for a 1-Year-Old You…
• The 7 Very Best Baby Bottles The 7 Very Best Baby Bottles
• The Very Best Jogging Strollers The Very Best Jogging Strollers
• This Sleek Humidifier Is Also the Easiest One to Clean This Sleek Humidifier Is Also the Easies…
• The 15 Very Best Car Seats for Kids The 15 Very Best Car Seats for Kids
• The Best Baby Bouncers, According to Experts The Best Baby Bouncers, According to Exp…
• The Very Best Washable Rugs The Very Best Washable Rugs
• The Very Best Strollers The Very Best Strollers
• This Telephone Water Bottle Is the Talk of Second Grade This Telephone Water Bottle Is the Talk…
• The Best Gifts for 12-Year-Olds, According to Experts The Best Gifts for 12-Year-Olds, Accordi…
• The 7 Best Baby Carriers The 7 Best Baby Carriers
• 61 Easter-Basket Ideas for Every Type of Kid 61 Easter-Basket Ideas for Every Type of…
• The Best Gifts for 11-Year-Olds, According to Experts The Best Gifts for 11-Year-Olds, Accordi…
• 21 Non-Junky Party Favors for Kids’ Birthdays 21 Non-Junky Party Favors for Kids’ Birt…
• The 12 Very Best Pregnancy Pillows The 12 Very Best Pregnancy Pillows
• The Only Toy Gift Guide for a 10-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Toy Gift Guide for a 10-Year-Ol…
• How I’d Redo My Baby Registry: With a Smoother Stroller How I’d Redo My Baby Registry: With a Sm…
• The Only Gift Guide for a 9-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Gift Guide for a 9-Year-Old You…
• How Hilary Swank Would Redo Her Baby Registry How Hilary Swank Would Redo Her Baby Reg…
• The Only Gift Guide for a 7-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Gift Guide for a 7-Year-Old You…
• The Only Gift Guide for a 6-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Gift Guide for a 6-Year-Old You…
• The 8 Very Best Baby Monitors The 8 Very Best Baby Monitors
• The 5 Very Best Baby-Food Makers The 5 Very Best Baby-Food Makers
• The 11 Best Bike Helmets for Kids The 11 Best Bike Helmets for Kids
• The 6 Very Best Baby Swings The 6 Very Best Baby Swings
• The 7 Very Best Face Masks for Kids The 7 Very Best Face Masks for Kids
• The 13 Very Best Play Mats for Babies and Kids The 13 Very Best Play Mats for Babies an…
• The 7 Very Best Baby Mattresses The 7 Very Best Baby Mattresses
• 30 (Non-Candy) Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids 30 (Non-Candy) Valentine’s Day Gifts for…
• The Only Gift Guide for a 5-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Gift Guide for a 5-Year-Old You…
• The Only Gift Guide for a 4-Year-Old You’ll Ever Need The Only Gift Guide for a 4-Year-Old You…
• The Best Kids’ Sneakers, According to Cool Parents The Best Kids’ Sneakers, According to Co…
• The 6 Very Best Baby Sound Machines The 6 Very Best Baby Sound Machines
• The Best Gifts for 6-Month-Olds, According to Experts The Best Gifts for 6-Month-Olds, Accordi…
• The Best Board Games for Kids, According to Experts The Best Board Games for Kids, According…
• 15 Things to Make Feeding Kids Feel Less Fraught 15 Things to Make Feeding Kids Feel Less…
• The Coolest, Weirdest, and Squishiest Toys of 2023 The Coolest, Weirdest, and Squishiest To…
• These Highly Coveted Toys Are Still in Stock for Christmas These Highly Coveted Toys Are Still in S…
• Strategist Editors on the Gifts They’re Getting Their Kids Strategist Editors on the Gifts They’re…
• I Want My Daughter to Look Like a ‘Haunted Victorian Doll’ I Want My Daughter to Look Like a ‘Haunt…
• My Son’s Travel Car Seat Fits in a Backpack My Son’s Travel Car Seat Fits in a Backp…
• 44 (Under-$20) Stocking Stuffers for Kids and Babies 44 (Under-$20) Stocking Stuffers for Kid…
• This Box of Surprise Squishmallows Is 25 Percent Off This Box of Surprise Squishmallows Is 25…
• The Best Cyber Monday Toy Deals The Best Cyber Monday Toy Deals
• These Are the Best Black Friday Toy Deals These Are the Best Black Friday Toy Deal…

The 8 Very Best High Chairs

To take you from the baby stage and beyond..

In this article

• Best overall
• Best for small spaces and travel
• Easiest to clean
• Most comfortable
• Best for infants
• Best all-in-one convertible
• Best folding

Starting your baby on solid foods is a milestone that’s both exciting and a little nerve-racking, but getting the right high chair can set you and your child up for success. Registered dietitian and founder of popular feeding resource Kids Eat in Color Jennifer Anderson recommends caregivers start solids when their child is able to sit up on their own or with assistance in a high chair (among other readiness signs like reaching for a food) “because that’s going to help them have proper positioning to help them manage the food and swallow it safely.” So what should parents look for when choosing a high chair? While a lot of it depends on personal preference, Anderson considers one question: “Is the child supported and able to sit up?” As Anderson explains, it requires so much energy for a baby to explore their food and focus on the task of eating that “we want to reduce the load of them having to figure out how to stabilize themselves,” which is why an upright seat and a footrest are key features Anderson looks for in a high chair.

Besides those two elements, everything else depends on what works best for your family in terms of space, budget, maintenance, and aesthetics. To find the best high chairs out there, whether you’re looking for a convertible chair to take your kid past the baby stage, one that folds up for easy storage, or one that’s a cinch to clean, I spoke to experts, a.k.a. parents who’ve had plenty of experience dealing with fussy eaters and food-throwers (including yours truly) about their favorites. And as Anderson notes, “You don’t have to buy something really expensive. You can absolutely make the $30 Ikea chair a supportive and perfectly healthy option for your child.”

What we’re looking for

Upright seat.

According to Anderson, it’s surprising to her just how many high chairs on the market have seats that have a reclining or sloping backrest, making the child sitting in it lean back. “Adults don’t usually eat like that, and that’s not how we want our babies to eat either,” she explains. The best way to figure out whether the seat is fully upright is to go to a physical store to look at all the options in person. That being said, if your only option is a chair that has a slight recline, Anderson recommends placing a rolled-up towel or blanket or a cushion behind the baby (and on the sides, if necessary) to give them extra support.

As Anderson mentioned above, a footrest can make a baby feel secure in their high chairs while eating, but not all of them have them. If your preferred high chair doesn’t come with one, Anderson says it’s easy enough to hack one by tying resistance bands around the legs of the chair so your baby has a place to put their feet. “It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can retrofit whatever high chair you have and that support is going to go a long way,” she says, or find some on Etsy , too.

Convertible

A lot of high chairs are designed to grow with your child, from the infant stage to their toddler years and even beyond. These convertible chairs are adjustable in height, have removable seats that turn into stools or boosters, or can be outfitted with accessories. If this sort of adaptability is important to you, just keep in mind that something that worked for your baby might not be a great fit when they get older even with the conversion.

Most high chairs on the market stand on four legs that are placed fairly far apart to ensure stability, so if you have limited space, you should take a look at the model’s footprint to make sure it fits in your home. (If you’re clumsy like me and are prone to tripping, the wide stance of these types of chairs won’t help.) Or you can look for a high chair that folds up so you can put it away when it’s not in use.

Easy to clean

High chairs can get filthy fast, depending on how good your kid is at putting food in their mouths (when they’re babies, they’re terrible at it) as opposed to everywhere else. You’ll be cleaning it after every meal, which becomes a huge drag, so one that’s easy to wipe down or wash is going to make your life a lot less stressful. Look for a high chair with a removable tray and a hard seat and frame made of wood or plastic, which will be the easiest to clean. Chairs that have padding, cushions, or cloth covers, especially if they don’t come off, will inevitably become stained and gross, no matter how good you are at spot-cleaning.

Best overall high chair

Upright seat: Baby seat insert has slight incline | Footrest: Yes | Convertible: Newborn to adulthood (all accessories sold separately) | Size: Smaller footprint | Easy to clean: Removable tray; optional removable cushions

With the caveat that it’s the most expensive option on this list by far, the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair was the most recommended chair among the experts I spoke to, including several Strategist staffers. (Senior editor Winnie Yang owns two, and senior editor Simone Kitchens and I also have it.) The Tripp Trapp is a versatile, convertible, grow-with-you high chair that works from infancy to adulthood (it has a weight capacity of 242 pounds). Designed in Norway in 1972, it’s also a very well-made, nice-looking piece of furniture that you won’t mind keeping around for years. Babylist senior gear editor Jen LaBracio told me that 20 percent of its surveyed users chose it as their favorite. It’s also the high chair she personally uses, as it checked all the boxes: Not only is it “ergonomic, stylish, durable, safe, and easy to use,” it also has a smaller footprint than most high chairs thanks to its Z-shaped frame, making it relatively compact. Co-founder of beauty brand Eadem , Marie Kouadio Amouzame, whose children are 3 and 5, also swears by the Tripp Trapp: “It’s super modular, comes in cool colors, and the entire family can use it.” Anderson also used Tripp Trapp chairs when her kids were older (without the inserts) and said that sitting in them with the footrests helped improve their ability to sit comfortably at the table.

The Tripp Trapp’s basic model comes with just the chair ($239), but you can add on a baby seat with straps (for 6 months and up) ($95), tray ($69), seat cushions ($65), and a newborn insert for newborns up to 20 pounds that brings them to table level, but isn’t meant for feeding ($149), all sold separately. (The bundle shown above includes the baby set.) While each accessory is pricey, you can choose what you need instead of going for a bundle, though Tripp Trapp sells bundles, too, depending on the stage of your child. When my older son was a baby, we used the chair with the baby seat (which has a slight slope but is still pretty upright), cushions, and tray. Removing those accessories was easy enough when he outgrew them, and now that he’s 4.5 years old, we pull the chair right up to the table. It’s easy to adjust the height of the seat and the footrest, allowing your child to sit comfortably, no matter their size or feeding stage. As LaBracio puts it, “I love how it supports any size baby or child in a safe and correct position for eating.”

Best (less expensive) high chair

Upright seat: Yes | Footrest: Yes | Convertible: High chair to toddler chair | Size: Folds up | Easy to clean: Dishwasher safe upper tray

Anderson reiterates that you can find solid high chairs with good support that aren’t high-end models like the Tripp Trapp, calling out the Primo Cozy Tot Deluxe, which she says “has a pretty good upright back to it and it’s not $300.” It also converts from a standard high chair to a toddler chair, no extra accessories required. It comes with an adjustable tray that has a detachable double tray that you can throw in the dishwasher and is generally easy to wipe down. Plus, the already compact high chair folds up, tray and all, to just ten inches, making it a breeze to stow. For $100, it hits all the marks, making it a great choice for families that are looking for the best support for their babies, the value of a two-in-one option, and the convenience of being able to store it.

Best high chair for small spaces and travel

Upright seat: Yes | Footrest: No | Convertible: No | Size: Attaches to table or counter; compact; good for travel | Easy to clean: Spot clean or remove cover and machine wash

The other high chair that got multiple recommendations from the parents I spoke to is the Inglesina Fast Table, which isn’t a traditional high chair but rather one you attach to a table or a counter. It’s ideal for small spaces, since it doesn’t take up any real estate on the floor, and it brings your baby right up to the table. It doesn’t require a separate tray, though there is the option to get one if you want to spare your dining tabletop of the inevitable mess. (The model listed here includes one.) No fewer than four Strategist staffers — Yang, Kitchens, senior editor Jen Trolio, and I — all used it with our children. It was also the one that Jennifer Saxton, founder of parenting support network Tot Squad , used the most with her kids. She loved being able to attach it to the counter so they could watch her cook and generally be part of the action. Trolio used it exclusively with her older daughter, and Kitchens and I used it when our babies were small before moving on to a full-size high chair. (Kitchens now keeps it in the trunk to pull out at restaurants or on road trips.) It has an upright backrest but no footrest, though you could probably find a way to DIY one, and a padded seat. Because it’s made out of fabric, the seat cover is a little harder to clean, but both Trolio and Yang say it’s easy enough to take off the cover and the padded inserts from the frame, scrub off dried-up food with a stiff brush, then throw it in the washing machine. “You hang it to dry, and it’s amazing how well it cleaned up,” says Trolio, “but a scrub brush was the crucial step to getting dried food out of the textured fabric.” Installing and removing the seat from the table is easy, too, and leaves no marks behind. One note is that it works only with tabletops without an underside lip and are less than 3.5 inches thick.

Easiest-to-clean high chair

Upright: Yes | Footrest: No | Convertible: No | Size: Wide four-legged stance | Easy to clean: Yes

Several experts told me that you simply cannot beat the $30 price tag of Ikea’s Antilop high chair, which, in addition to being a good value, is the easiest to clean. It’s also super lightweight, easy to assemble, stackable, and hackable. Yes, it’s no-frills — it’s not adjustable, doesn’t have a footrest, and it’s really difficult to remove the tray — but if you’re looking for something basic and affordable, this is it. Trolio used it with her second kid and says the biggest pro is that it’s easy to clean. Simply wipe the seat and chair down with a damp cloth, and everything comes off. I used it for a month when visiting my parents in California with our 16-month-old who is an incredibly messy, chaotic eater, and can attest to how quickly it cleans up. While the tray snaps in during assembly, it’s unclear whether it’s meant to be removed after each meal for cleaning, so I just kept it in there and used a cloth to wipe everything down. And while it doesn’t have a footrest, there are plenty of add-ons from Etsy you can buy (or use resistance bands, like Anderson suggested). Trolio says that you can also find other accessories to beef it up, like full-coverage silicone place mats for an even quicker cleanup session and cushion covers (Ikea sells a cushion if you need extra support or padding). LaBracio likes the footrest and cushion covers from Yeah Baby Goods , if you want to shop around.

Most comfortable high chair

Upright seat: Yes, with adjustable recline | Footrest: Yes | Convertible: Infant to youth (accessories included) | Size: Self-standing fold | Easy to clean: Dishwasher-safe tray; machine-washable seat pad

As stylish as the Tripp Trapp is, it’s made out of wood and doesn’t come with in-built with padding or cushioning. “I tried the hip high chairs and found them to be so austere and rigid that I gave them away,” says Audrey Gelman, founder of the Six Bells boutique in Brooklyn. What she ultimately settled on was the Graco DuoDiner, which she calls “comfortable, easy to clean, and durable.” Like the Tripp Trapp, it’s a convertible high chair that grows with your child and accommodates six different stages, from infant to toddler, and even comes apart into a booster chair and separate stool, allowing you to seat two kids at once. It comes with a machine-washable seat pad, has five adjustable height positions, and includes an adjustable footrest. Gelman also especially likes that “it has a big tray unlike the others, which minimizes the amount of food you have to clean off the floor.” And unlike the Tripp Trapp, it folds up for easy storage (and stands on its own, too). “We’ve used it for two kids and I stand by it,” says Gelman.

Best high chair for infants

Upright seat: Yes, with infant insert | Footrest: Yes | Convertible: Highchair to booster to play chair with parts sold separately | Size: Wide four-legged stance | Easy to clean: Dishwasher-safe tray; machine-washable cushion

Three of our experts — Saxton; Gabby Slome , co-founder of Cooper (a new online parenting platform); and Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo — recommend the Lalo high chair, a three-in-one convertible chair suited for babies to age 3. Corsillo was sent a sample to test after the clip-on chair she put on her registry turned out to be too small for her baby, who was born early. “It has an extremely handy infant insert and cushion that help him sit up straight, which means he is less likely to choke and is more confident in his eating,” says Corsillo. While the infant insert ($45) is sold separately, it clips on to the chair to provide added back support, bringing the baby closer to the tray. The chair itself comes with a tray, adjustable footrest, and cushion, making the price tag of $235 a little more reasonable (the Tripp Trapp at $239 only includes the chair). It can also convert into a booster seat ($60) and a lower-to-the-ground play chair ($40) with conversion kits that are sold separately. (If you buy these accessories at the same time as the chair, you get a slight discount.) Infant insert aside, Corsillo, who’s been using it for two months, says her baby loves getting in the chair and “bangs his head around a lot from excitement, but the padded cushion means he never hurts himself.” Plus, it’s a very stylish high chair: “It looks beautiful in my apartment and despite taking up more space, it makes my home look more spacious and more stylish than before.” Slome, who uses it with all three of her kids (ages 6, 3.5, and 1), agrees and loves its “sleek, Scandinavian design” and the fact that it’s “super user-friendly to assemble.”

Best all-in-one convertible high chair

Upright: Slight slope | Footrest: Yes | Convertible: Eight different modes | Size: Wide four-legged stance | Easy to clean: Yes

Saxton also used the Moa and loves it for how versatile it is, saying that it’s “so cool”: “It eventually turns into a kids’ table with a chair, which is how I have it at my house because my kids are bigger.” With eight different modes, it works from age 6 months to 5 years, and starts as a high chair, then turns into a booster seat to a toddler stool, and then comes apart into a desk and seat, like Saxton mentioned, until they outgrow it. The Moa comes with an adjustable footrest, a removable dishwasher-safe tray insert, and a machine-washable and water-repellant removable seat pad, making it exceptionally easy to clean. It also looks a lot more high-end than it is, if you compare it to the Lalo, which has a similar shape.

Best folding high chair

Upright: Slight slope | Footrest: Yes | Convertible: High chair to chair to optional kitchen helper | Size: Folding | Easy to clean: Removable tray and dishwasher-safe tray insert

If you need a convertible high chair that’s stylish and also folds, consider Ergobaby’s Evolve chair, which the brand sent me for testing. When my second baby became too fidgety for the Inglesina, we transferred him to the Evolve high chair, and he’s been comfortably eating in it ever since. It’s a two-in-one model that can go from a standard high chair to a toddler seat and also to a kitchen tower stand with an add-on (sold separately). It’s a pretty hefty chair with a wide footprint, but it also folds up, which makes it super easy to transport from room to room and, of course, to get out of the way, if not to store. It’s also very easy to clean, thanks to the molded seat and removable tray. I can either wipe everything down or wash the tray in the sink. The only thing that I have a gripe about is the tray insert that slots onto the top of the full-size tray. It’s removable and dishwasher-safe, which is supposed to cut down on cleaning the actual tray, but because it doesn’t snap into place, it’s pretty much useless with my 16-month-old, who can easily lift it out and chuck it on the floor. It’s not a deal-breaker, though, since we can just use the regular tray without the insert. We haven’t tried the other settings, but I’m looking forward to not having to buy another chair when the baby gets to his toddler years since this one feels well made and robust. It’s on the higher end of the spectrum at $300, but you don’t need to buy additional accessories (aside from the kitchen tower) to take advantage of its full functionality.

Some more feeding products we’ve written about

Our experts

• Jennifer Anderson, Kids Eat in Color founder • Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer • Audrey Gelman, the Six Bells owner • Simone Kitchens, Strategist senior editor • Marie Kouadio Amouzame, Eadem co-founder • Jen LaBracio , Babylist senior gear editor • Jen Saxton, Tot Squad founder • Gabby Slome , Cooper co-founder • Winnie Yang, Strategist senior editor

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• kids and babies
• the strategist
• best in class

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• What Adam Scott (Still) Can’t Live Without
• 28 Things on Sale That Would Make Excellent Mother’s Day Gifts
• All of the Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
• 21 Things on Sale: Including Blundstones for Summer and Spicy Chile Crisp
• Every Question You Have About Temu, Answered
• 43 Last-Minute Gifts That Will Arrive by Mother’s Day

Today’s Top Clicked

6 Best Camping Chairs of 2024

Sit back and relax in one of these comfy chairs on your next outdoor adventure.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

Yeti trailhead camp chair.

GCI Outdoor Legz Up Lounger

Best for Tall People

Big agnes big six armchair.

Best Lightweight

Helinox sunset chair.

Best Two-Seater

Kelty low loveseat.

Best for Features

Picnic time portable folding backpack director's chair.

The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested everything from camping tents to beach chairs . When it comes to tracking down the best camping chairs, our pros assessed the top contenders on the market and tested five popular folding camping chairs, evaluating each chair’s comfort, ease of use, portability and durability.

Whether you’re looking for a place to sit while taking in a beautiful view or a portable seat to take tailgating or to an outdoor concert or a fireworks display, one of the camping chairs below could be a great fit for your next outdoor adventure.

The Yeti brand is well regarded for making high-quality gear for the outdoors, and it shows here. The company’s Trailhead Camp Chair is extremely comfortable. It also folds easily and fits into a small carry bag that you can sling over your shoulder or wear as a backpack.

This heavy-duty camping chair can hold up to 500 pounds , especially impressive because it only weighs a little over 13 pounds. The seat, which features a built-in cupholder, is made from an easy-to-clean mesh fabric (you can simply hose it down with water and let it air dry) and UV-ray resistant additives to help mitigate fading from sun exposure, according to the brand.

Conveniently, the arms are taped with instructions for how to set up and fold the chair. Also, the product boasts a generous five-year warranty. However, it’s the most expensive camping chair we tested.

Weight: 13.3 lbs | Weight capacity: 500 lbs | Dimensions: 29.9"D x 25.1"W x 36.3"H | Seat height: 16.75" | Features: 1 cupholder | Carry bag: Yes

This chair from GCI Outdoors is like a La-Z-Boy for the outdoors. Its zero-gravity construction allows you to sit upright, lay back with your legs up or recline to a weightless position, where your legs are elevated above your heart. It comes equipped with a comfortable head pillow that’s perfect for napping. The chair's nylon mesh material is durable, easy to clean, and provides good airflow — a nice feature on hot days.

That said, this chair does not come with a carry bag, making it harder to haul than the others on this list; that may explain why the company’s product page says it's popular for picnics, rather than camping. The chair also weighs about 26 pounds, which is heavier than most.

Weight: 25.9 lbs | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Dimensions: 35"D x 30.3"W x 43.1"H | Seat height: 20.7" | Features: 1 combination beverage and phone holder | Carry bag: No

This camping chair is very comfortable, making it good for not only camping trips, but also extended seating times, such as when you're at the beach or your kid’s soccer game. It has ample height and width for taller or larger body types , though smaller testers also found it comfortable. At just over 4 pounds, it's also pretty lightweight.

The aluminum pole frame assembles quickly and feels very sturdy and stable, including on uneven ground. Despite its outsize comfort and convenience, the Big Six still folds to a fairly compact pack size of 5" x 6" x 22."

This camping chair, however, is on the pricier side.

Weight: 4.2 lbs | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Dimensions: 24"D x 26"W x 40"H | Seat height: 20" | Features: 2 cupholders | Carry bag: Yes

If you’re looking for a camping chair that’s easy to transport, look no further than the Helinox Sunset Chair. This chair weighs just 3.44 pounds when packed into its compact carry bag , making it perfect for a hiking trip. It also has a modern look and mesh paneling for breathability and ventilation.

But there are a couple small caveats. Most notably, the chair needs to be assembled when taken out of the carry bag and disassembled to fit back inside the bag — although assembly and disassembly took us less than two minutes. It was also a bit less supportive than other camping chairs we tested, a tradeoff of its extremely lightweight design. But it's still comfortable enough for one to two hours of use at a time. (Note: The chair doesn't include a cupholder, but you can purchase one separately for $15 .)

Weight: 3.25 lbs | Weight capacity: 320 lbs | Dimensions: 28"D x 23"W x 38"H | Seat height: 14" | Features: None | Carry bag: Yes

This padded loveseat from Kelty is a great option for couples who like to camp or attend outdoor concerts. Our tester found it to be equally comfortable sitting on his own or along with his wife. It offers a large 42 inches of seating space , features a durable steel frame and each seat has its own insulated, size-adjustable beverage holder.

A unique feature: The product’s carry wrap doubles as a padded dog mat, giving your pooch a comfortable place to rest too.

As the name implies, the loveseat sits just 13.5 inches off the ground, which may not suit everyone's taste. It’s also heavier to transport than most single-seat camping chairs, and the weight capacity tops out at 400 lbs. Because the seats are padded, they’re less breathable on a hot day.

Weight: 15.38 lbs | Weight capacity: 400 lbs | Dimensions: 23"D x 46"W x 31.5"H | Seat height: 13.5" | Features: 2 cupholders | Carry bag: Yes (rolled tote)

Here's a chair that comes with some extra-convenient bells and whistles including an insulated cup holder, an armrest caddy with several storage pockets and a small fold-out side table . In online reviews, many customers praised its lightweight design, wide seat and cool pattern options, such as a red-and-black buffalo plaid. A few Amazon reviewers also said the chair folds up easily.

Some customers, however, reported issues. In one review on the company’s website, a customer reported that “the laminate began to buckle on the side table, either from the heat or rain,” but they said the company provided a replacement for free. Furthermore, several reviewers on Amazon said the chair was bulky and, as a result, difficult to carry.

Weight: 12 lbs | Weight capacity: 300 lbs | Dimensions: 19.5"D x 13.5"W x 32"H | Seat height: 17" | Features: 1 insulated cup holder, 1 armrest caddy with storage pockets and 1 small fold-out side table | Carry bag: No

How we choose the best camping chairs

To select the best camping chairs, we tested five of the most popular products on the market from brands with high reliability and customer satisfaction ratings. We assessed each chair’s comfort, ease of use (how easy it was to assemble and disassemble) and durability (a general assessment of the construction quality, fabric and other materials). We also factored in online reviews of other popular camping chairs.

We tested how portable each camping chair was based on its weight, its folded dimensions, whether it comes with a carry bag (Yeti, Kelty and Helinox pictured) and how easy each one was to carry.

What to look for when shopping for the best camping chair

There are several important factors to consider when you go shopping:

✔️ Price: You can go with a cheap supermarket knockoff, starting at around $20, but we found it pays to shell out a bit more money in exchange for higher quality construction, extra features and durability. Well-established brands offer reliable, higher-end camping chairs that run between about $150 and $400.

✔️ Comfort: This factor can come down to personal preference, but some camping chairs are undoubtedly more comfortable — and offer better stability — than others. Materials can also vary. A mesh seat, for example, is more breathable than a padded seat. The material of the framing can also affect the chair's durability, with steel frames considered more durable than aluminum.

✔️ Weight capacity and seat width: If you have a heavier or wider frame, it’s important to look at weight capacity and seat width to ensure you’ll be fit comfortably in the chair.

✔️ Seat height. This is especially important to consider if you are tall or short. Also, a lower seat height can make it more difficult for those with mobility issues to sit down and get up.

✔️ Portability: Camp chairs typically fold up or collapse to make them easier to transport. It may be a good idea to consider the folded dimensions if you will be short on space in your car's trunk. Look at how much a chair weighs so that if you have to carry it a far distance, say, hiking from the car to the campsite, that it'll be manageable for you. Some also come with a carrying case with a handle, shoulder strap or backpack straps, which will also make the chair easier to tote around. (Some chairs require disassembly to fit into their carrying case.)

✔️ Features: Usually a camping chair will come with at least one cupholder — sometimes, it'll even be insulated so you'll always have a cold drink. For even more comfort and convenience, you may want to look for extras like storage pockets, a pillow, armrests or a fold-out side table.

✔️ Warranty: Most camping chairs come with a warranty from one to five years, depending on the model and manufacturer.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer who has written about home improvement for more than a decade, including testing-based product reviews across every major category, from outdoor power tools to smart home technology. His work has been published by the New York Times, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine and other outlets. He personally tested the camping chairs in his backyard in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

For this article, Bortz worked closely with Dan DiClerico , director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab. DiClerico has tested and written about travel equipment for more than 20 years. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping, his expertise appeared in Consumer Reports and This Old House. He tested the Big Agnes camping chair at the Good Housekeeping Institute's headquarters.

Daniel Bortz (he/him) is a freelance writer in Arlington, Va who has written about home improvement for more a decade, including product reviews across every major category, from appliances to smart home technology, as well as articles on real estate, personal finance, and more. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Money magazine, among others. He’s also a licensed real estate agent who watches way too much HGTV. 

Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute . A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The Best Portable Carpet Cleaners

The Best Air Purifiers

The Best Humidifiers

14 Most Popular Products of May 2024

The Best At-Home Hair Color Brands

The Best Stick Vacuums, Tested by Experts

The Best Split King Adjustable Beds

The Best Socks for Men

10 Best Korean Sunscreens of 2024

The Best Swimsuits on Amazon

The Best Window Air Conditioners for Your Home

• Mattress Toppers
• Sheets & Bedding
• Sleep Products
• Cleaning & Laundry
• Heating & Cooling
• Home Office
• Kitchen & Dining
• Storage & Organization
• Wine & Bar
• Accessories
• Handbags & Purses
• Lingerie & Sleepwear
• Outdoor & Fitness Apparel
• Kids Clothes & Accessories
• Pregnancy & Postpartum
• Toys & Books
• Apparel & Accessories
• Camping & Hiking
• Fishing & Hunting
• Tennis & Racket Sports
• Tools & Tech
• Training & Recovery
• Water Sports
• Winter Sports
• Personal Products
• Wellness & Self Care
• Computers, Tablets & Accessories
• Online Tools
• Smart Home Devices
• Smartphones, Smartwatches & Accessories
• Hotels & Lodging
• Travel Products
• Father's Day
• Mother's Day
• Valentine's Day
• Amazon Prime Day
• Beauty & Grooming
• Tech & Electronics
• Travel Deals
• Mattress & Sleep

Sway In Style With The 13 Best Hanging Chairs

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

If you want to liven up your porch or add a unique touch to your bedroom, hanging chairs offer a fun—and surprisingly practical—alternative to traditional seating options. The best hanging chairs have cushioned seats and curved backs, providing extra seating without taking up valuable floor space. And our top picks come in a range of styles, from a beautiful two-seater suitable for indoor and outdoor use to a budget-friendly chair with intricate macrame detailing.

The best hanging chairs provide extra seating without taking up valuable floor space.

When shopping for the perfect perch, consider practical factors like comfort and durability, as well as where you want to place the chair. “The best way to style a hanging chair is by incorporating it into a cozy and inviting space,” says Michael Plater, an interior designer at Gantri . “Hanging chairs add a playful touch to any room while providing a sense of relaxation and tranquility.” If you opt for a traditional hanging chair (versus a standalone chair hanging from a frame), installation also becomes a key consideration. If you’re ready to transform your space, here are the best hanging chairs on the market.

The Best Queen Mattresses That Promote More Restful Nights

The 12 best all-inclusive resorts in playa del carmen, the best hanging chairs, at a glance, terrain hanging basket two-seat chair, arhaus marina outdoor hanging chair, sand & stable tabitha chair hammock, best choice products macrame hanging chair, christopher knight home wicker hanging chair, serena & lily hanging rattan chair, an inviting two-seater with minimal install time.

Dimensions: 38 x 54 x 79 inches | Weight capacity: 528 pounds | Materials: Iron, PE wicker, polyester outdoor cushions

Designed to accommodate up to two people, the Terrain Hanging Basket Chair is an artisanally crafted standalone option with a sturdy construction. This indoor-outdoor pick is an ideal choice for those seeking both style and durability—and unlike traditional hanging chairs, you can move it between spaces with ease.

A Luxurious All-Weather Chair

Dimensions: 38 x 41.3 x 54 inches | Weight capacity: 200 pounds | Materials: Aluminum, foam, performance fabric

The Arhaus Marina Outdoor Hanging Chair is a luxe option with a sturdy aluminum frame and intricate rope detailing, contributing to an elegant yet durable design. This is one of the more expensive picks on our list, but its unique design makes it a versatile and eye-catching pick. With its rope suspension and spacious seat, it's best suited for individuals who prioritize comfort and style in their outdoor decor. 

What our experts say: “We love the Marina hanging chair from Arhaus because most hanging chairs or hammocks don’t come with enough cushion,” says Lindsay Biondo, principal designer and owner of Houz of Rebel . “The Marina chair comes equipped with performance fabric wrapped cushions that cradle you to feel like you are lounging in a cloud.”

A Lightweight And Portable Outdoor Option

Dimensions: 32 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Materials: Cotton, wood

Lightweight and available in several different colors, the Sand & Stable Tabitha Chair Hammock offers the ultimate flexibility. Thanks to its portability and easy setup, this pick is great for camping, beach outings or simply moving around your backyard. Plus, the breezy aesthetic pairs perfectly with coastal or boho-style spaces. Just note that the cotton material is on the thinner side, so you might want to shield it from the elements to maintain the chair’s look and feel. It also has a lower weight capacity.

Macrame Detailing Exudes Boho Charm

Dimensions: 31.5 x 24.5 x 56 inches | Weight capacity: 265 pounds | Materials: Cotton

If you’re looking for a cozy yet style-forward spot for relaxing with a good book, we love this pick from Best Choice Products. With a hammock-like construction, durable cotton material and intricate macrame detailing, it’s a standout piece for any indoor or outdoor space. While the chair comes with traditional mounting hardware, it’s also compatible with C-style hammock stands, giving you the option to have it free-standing.

Classic, Modern And Perfect For Lounging

Bed Bath & Beyond

Dimensions: 31.5 x 30 x 44.5 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Faux rattan, iron, polyester

Available in two color options (light brown and gray), the Christopher Knight Home Wicker Hanging Chair has an egg-shaped, mid-century modern design that looks equally great in a kid’s bedroom as a front porch. The durable faux rattan and weather-resistant polyester cushion ensure that the chair can stand up to the elements. Just note that, while this chair comes with an 8-foot long chain, you’ll have to buy mounting hardware separately. 

A Pick That Exudes Laid-Back Coastal Style

Serena & Lily

Dimensions: 29 x 30 x 44 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Rattan, rope, metal

Serena & Lily is known for its breezy coastal style, and this hanging rattan chair does not disappoint. Its airy construction and rattan material create a laid-back ambiance perfect for casual lounging, and a nautical-inspired rope hanging mechanism completes the look. Just note that this is an indoor-only model and, as it’s made with genuine rattan, cracking may occur if you leave it directly in the sun for extended periods. Also, hanging hardware is not included.

Sleek And Modern With A Small Profile

Modholic scoop hanging chair.

Dimensions: 44.4 x 27.4 x 22.8 inches | Weight capacity: 450 pounds | Materials: Acrylic, stainless steel

This sleek hanging chair from Modholic lives up to its name, boasting a mid-century-style look quintessential to the hanging chair style. But don’t let the modern design fool you: its scooped shape and plush cushions still make for a perfectly comfy sitting spot, especially for kids and teens. However, while it can hold up to 450 pounds, some users mention that the chair's size may be more suitable for smaller individuals; consider the measurements before buying this indoor-only chair.

A Statement Making Chair For Your Outdoor Space

Modway encase swing outdoor patio lounge chair.

Dimensions: 71 x 40 x 37 inches | Weight capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Wicker, steel, polyester

The Modway Encase Swing Outdoor Patio Lounge Chair from All Modern offers a unique and luxurious outdoor lounging experience, perfect for those who want to make a statement in their outdoor space. Its enclosed design and plush cushions add to the overall comfort level. However, some users caution that the chair's assembly process can be time-consuming and may require additional assistance.

A Classic Porch Swing With A Modern Touch

Bayou breeze stacia porch swing.

Dimensions: 45 x 31.5 x 24 inches | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Rattan, foam, polyester, rope

Made with weather-resistant rattan woven in a grid, the Bayou Breeze Stacia Porch Swing is ideal for those who want a classic porch swing with a modern touch. Its inviting design features a cushioned seat perfect for leisurely afternoons spent with a book or sipping your favorite beverage, and a hanging rope mechanism tops off the look (we especially love it paired with the white color option). Just note that it’s best suited for indoor use, as the material should not be exposed to the elements.

A Comfortable And Convenient Standalone Chair

Radiata foldable wicker rattan hanging egg chair.

Dimensions: 78 x 38 inches | Weight capacity: 365 pounds | Materials: Rattan, steel

With a classic egg design, the Radiata Foldable Wicker Rattan Hanging Chair is a standalone option that’s more transportable than a traditional hanging chair. Its foldable design allows for easy storage and transport, while the included stand ensures stability and support. 

Sleek And Modern With A Unique Weaving Pattern

Cb2 pod hanging outdoor chair.

Dimensions: 37.5 x 34.5 x 47.5 inches | Weight capacity: Not listed | Materials: Faux wicker, aluminum, polyester

This handwoven option from CB2 offers a sleek and modern design, perfect for those who want to elevate their outdoor decor with contemporary flair. Its aluminum frame and weather-resistant cushions provide both style and durability, making it suitable for any outdoor environment.

A Bold Pick With Intricate Woven Details

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Peacock Indoor/Outdoor Hanging Chair

Dimensions: 59.5 x 29 x 34.5 inches | Weight capacity: Not listed | Materials: Rattan, rope, metal

With its intricate detailing and mod, egg-shaped construction, the Peacock Hanging Chair from Anthropologie exudes boho-style charm. This pick is available in three colors (white, indigo and natural) and is mounted on a thick rope for a rustic look and the rattan is sealed for outdoor use. As with other rattan options, you’ll want to avoid direct sunlight exposure and use a soft cloth when cleaning the chair.

Add Ambiance With A Cozy Lit Option

Surpcos hanging hammock chair with lights.

Dimensions: 45 x 31.5 inches | Weight capacity: 550 pounds | Materials: Stainless steel, cotton 

The Surpcos Hanging Hammock Chair has integrated LED lights to offer a cozy (and practical, for nighttime use) seating option suitable for indoor and outdoor use. But don’t let its dainty look fool you. When paired with a sturdy wooden bar and robust hardware, this chair provides comfort and stability, supporting up to 550 pounds with ease.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. We’ve published scores of expert-backed roundups on furniture , including the best outdoor sofas , best adirondack chairs and more.

• The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin , senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala .
• Author of this piece Lily Joseph Sperry is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home and lifestyle topics.
• Sperry also gathered key insight and guidance from several industry experts: Michael Plater, an interior designer at Gantri ; Lindsay Biondo, principal designer and owner of Houz of Rebel ; and Pete Trentacoste, head of design at Gosummer .

How We Chose The Best Hanging Chairs

To choose the best hanging chairs, we consulted with several interior designers who specialize in eclectic decor. They gave us their input on what makes a really great hanging chair—in terms of both style and comfort—along with installation and styling tips.

• Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on top-rated models from trusted brands such as Wayfair, CB2, Serena & Lily and more.
• We analyzed features including durability, ease of installation, hanging mechanism and weight capacity. All of the options on this list have a weight capacity of at least 200 pounds, and most are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The majority of options come with installation hardware and can be installed without the help of a professional.
• We consulted multiple interior designers to determine what specific features to look for in a good hanging chair. Then, our editors reviewed each chair’s materials, size, design and ease of installation.
• We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
• The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.

What To Look For In The Best Hanging Chairs

There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best hanging chairs. Here’s what to look for.

Style And Design

Playful and unexpected, hanging chairs generally suit more eclectic decor, but there are plenty of styles to choose from to ensure that they best suit your space. While you’ll generally have more style options for indoor-only models since durability and resistance to the elements are less of a factor, there are plenty of style-forward outdoor options to choose from, too.

If you’re shopping for an outdoor-only chair, opt for one crafted from high-quality, weather-resistant materials like rattan, wicker and aluminum. Weather-resistant fabrics like polyester or outdoor-grade canvas are also excellent choices for durability.

Prioritize comfort by selecting a hanging chair with ample cushioning or padding. Look for options with plush cushions or hammock-style seating that provide adequate support for extended lounging sessions.

Weight Capacity

To ensure that it’s supportive enough for its intended users, check the weight capacity of the hanging chair before buying. All of the picks on our list can support at least 150 pounds, with the majority falling between 200 and 500 pounds.

Size And Space

As with any furniture purchase, consider the dimensions of the hanging chair and the available space in your area. This helps ensure that the chair fits comfortably in your space, with enough room for plenty of swinging and rocking without obstruction.

Installation And Assembly

Some chairs may require professional installation or additional hardware, while others are designed for easy DIY setup. Before buying, “ensure that the ceiling or stand is robust enough to support the weight and that there is ample space around the chair to allow for movement,” says Pete Trentacoste, head of design at Gosummer . If you plan on installing the chair yourself (more on that below), you’ll also need some basic tools.

Are Hanging Chairs Actually Comfortable?

Provided they are installed correctly (more on that below), hanging chairs can be quite comfortable. Many options are designed with ergonomic considerations in mind, offering ample support for the body while allowing for gentle swaying or rocking motions. You’ll also find that some of the top options come with cushions or padding to ensure a cozy sitting experience.

How Do You Install A Hanging Chair?

Before installing a hanging chair, you’ll want to consider both the design of the chair itself and the space where it will be hung. Here's a basic guide to installing a hanging chair yourself:

Choose A Location

Select a spot that can support the weight of the chair and allows for comfortable swinging. Indoors, this might be a sturdy ceiling joist or beam; outdoors, consider a strong tree branch or pergola.

Check Weight Capacity

Your chosen location (and the chair itself) should safely support the weight of the chair and the person using it. Ensure the ceiling or pergola is sturdy, and check the chair's weight capacity.

Install Hardware

Most options on our list come with installation hardware, such as a ceiling hook or hanging kit. Manufacturer’s instructions can vary from chair to chair, so make sure to follow the directions carefully.

Hang The Chair

Once the hardware is installed, you can hang your chair from the hook or attachment point. Make sure it hangs evenly and securely, with no risk of slipping or falling.

Test Stability

Ensure that the chair can support your weight by sitting on it or placing an object on it to test its stability. If the chair feels unsteady, tighten or adjust the hanging mechanism as needed.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

The Family Handyman

10 Best Camping Chairs, According to Our Outdoor Experts

Posted: March 29, 2024 | Last updated: April 2, 2024

10 Best Camping Chairs According To Our Outdoor Experts Megan Mowery For Family Handyman Emily Way Family Handyman Mary Henn Family Handyman Anthony O Reilly For Family Handyman Yvedit

The Helinox Chair One is our top pick for a camping chair because it weighs less than a bottle of wine, so it won't take up a lot of space in your backpack, yet it can support up to 320 pounds. As Family Handyman shopping editor and outdoors product enthusiast Mary Henn points out in her Helinox Chair review , it's also very durable.

"I haven't had any issues with the aluminum frame bending or warping with use, and the seat fabric is made of ripstop polyester that's made to last," Mary says. "The Helinox Chair One is made with strong aluminum alloy that provides the maximum strength-to-weight ratio."

Don't just take her word for it. We heard from multiple avid campers who had nothing but positive things to say about this chair. "The Helinox Chair One is best for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing comfort," says Charlie Neville, travel expert and Marketing Director at JayWay Travel . "It reflects how modern engineering can improve our outdoor activities."

Mary notes the Chair One has multiple attachments like a personal shade, cup holder and rocking runners. Even on its own, it's one of the best camping chairs. She does, however, say taller people may want to go with the Helinox Chair Two , which has a higher back and only weighs 2.7 pounds (the Chair one is 2.2 pounds when packed).

At under $75, the GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker is the most affordable camping chair we recommend due to its sturdiness and the fact that it can be used as a rocker. Sure, supermarket chairs cost less but they're likely to break on you. The GCI rocker, on the other hand, is powder-coated and has a mesh back that allows you to feel the breeze.

Family Handyman writer Emily Way says the only "downside" is that her elderly parents keep stealing it from her. It has a higher seat, which makes it easy for seniors to sit down and stand up, and has a cup holder.

"It's sturdy, incredibly comfortable and the rocking motion is relaxing when I'm sitting around a bonfire or hanging out with pals at the beach," Emily says. "It's nice to gently rock by a fire while enjoying my camp coffee in the mornings. I get so many compliments on it whenever I take it out."

The maximum weight is 250 pounds, though that's to be expected with a cheaper camping chair. Although it doesn't come with a carry bag, the chair has a carrying handle on the back and is easy to fold and unfold.

Another budget-friendly camping chair is the REI Co-op Skyward Chair, which we found to be the best classic camping chair.

To give you an idea of how strong the ALPS Mountaineering King Kong chair is, my girlfriend and I were able to sit on it together with no issue. The seat stayed firm, the chair never once tipped and it remained comfortable despite the additional weight. It has an 800-pound weight limit and comes with two cup holders and three external storage pouches (two on each arm and one in the back).

I'd also recommend this for tall people, as the backrest comes up 22 inches to give extra support. It's made with water-repellent 600D polyester and can be easily folded and unfolded. At 13 pounds, it's a little too heavy to bring on an extended hike but it comes with an included carry bag with adjustable backpack straps.

I use this as my meeting chair on my balcony because I know I'll be comfortable no matter how long my coworkers talk. The rubber feet allow it to remain stable on any terrain.

The Yeti Trailhead is the creme de la creme of camping chairs, and if it wasn't for the $300 price tag it would've been my top choice for this list. This thing is comfort personified, and the mesh seat and backrest mean you can feel the breeze and cool down after a long hike. The FlexGrid fabric can hold up to 500 pounds, it doesn't tip. Though it weighs 13 pounds, it feels much lighter when in the backpack-strapped carrying case.

The chair is UV-resistant, meaning it won't fade as quickly as other chairs. On top of that, you get a cup holder and the instructions for folding and unfolding are conveniently placed on the armrests.

Before testing this, I would've never agreed to pay $300 for a camping chair. That said, this will be the last chair you'll ever have to buy whether you use it for camping or popping a squat at your children's little league games. It goes great with the Yeti loadout Gobox .

The REI Co-op Wonderland Chair is like the classic camping chair you'd find in a supermarket with a few upgrades. For starters, it's water-repellent and has a 300-pound weight capacity. It's also much more comfortable—not as comfortable as the other chairs on this list, but much more comfortable than what you'd get at Walmart or Harris Teeter due to the tensioned seat.

Although it folds and unfolds, there's no carrying bag so the only way to carry it is with the included strap. If you have a green thumb, you'll be happy to know that the Wonderland chair is made of recycled materials.

Avid camper and Family Handyman senior editor Daria Smith says the Cliq Chair stays in her trunk because it collapses to the size of a water bottle—13.5 inches—and expands with just the click of a button. It weighs less than four pounds yet can hold up to 300 pounds, and multiple customer reviews say it's good for people of all heights.

"Despite sitting around the campfire for several hours and lots of leaning, I had zero issues with my Cliq chair tipping over," Daria says in her Cliq Chair review . "Cliq designs its chairs to last a lifetime with comfort top-of-mind. Even on a root-infested dirt surface, I can kick back and relax."

The seat is made of ripstop ballistic nylon, a durable material that will remain comfortable and intact for many years.

The lightest and most packable of all of Helinox's chairs, the Helinox Chair Zero easily fits into a weekend bag for backpacking. It takes up less room than a water tumbler, weighs under two pounds and is still capable of holding up to 265 pounds.

Family Handyman senior editor Daria Smith has the Helinox Chair Zero and loves it for its compact size and convenient setup. "Weighing in at a mere 17 ounces and measuring 13.5 inches when packed, Helinox's Chair Zero is my go-to for backpacking and camping trips," she notes. "Despite its small size, it holds up to 265 pounds. Setup is a breeze. I like to pair it with Helinox's Table One ."

Daria's not the only one who uses it regularly when backpacking. "I often pick the Zero or use a seat pad when I am out on the trails backpacking," says Adrian Todd of Great Minds Think Hike .

If you're backpacking for an extended period, you might also want to look into the best portable toilets .

I'm obsessed with the Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair . It provides a hammock-like experience with a much easier setup, and despite my early concerns, there's no tipping or wobbling when you lean back. The uprights were designed to accommodate broad shoulders, which I appreciate as someone who has a linebacker-esque physique. It also has a 300-pound weight capacity.

The adjustable padded headrest adds to the overall comfort, as do the included pockets that I've been using as a can holder. There's no listed weight, though from lifting it in the included carrying bag I can tell it's not something I'd want to walk up a mountain with.

The main feature that makes the Coleman Quad Camp Chair the best for tailgating is the included four-can cooler that will make you the life of the party. Most chairs come with one or two cup holders that offer no temperature protection, which means you can stay in your seat for longer without having to get up.

There's also a cup holder, cushioned seat and side pocket that stores books, speakers, cards or anything else you need for your next tailgate. Have an entire party coming? Check out the best camping storage boxes .

Senior shopping editor Megan Mowery notes that "the Coleman Quad offers just about everything you could want in a camping chair." That said, the seat is made of polyester that's not as durable as the ripstop nylon found in other camping chairs. On the bright side, it can hold up to 325 pounds and comes with a carrying case.

Pouch couches have gone viral on camping furniture TikTok, especially since you typically inflate them by running around with them like a kite. Because they don't require a pump, they're extremely packable and incredibly popular for camping, tailgating and festivals so your friends can have a seat, too.

The Chillbo Shwaggins may have a silly name, but this thing is serious. It comes in a little bag, and Family Handyman writer Emily Way's niece and nephew argue about who gets to run around with it. It fits up to three people, but she loves laying out on it and keeping it all to herself. It only weighs about three pounds, yet can hold a total of 440 pounds.

Make sure you use the elastic anchor loops to hold your "couch" down when you're not sitting on it, otherwise it might blow away.

What to Look for When Buying a Camping Chair

Searching for a camping chair involves a lot more than finding a comfortable seat, though that's obviously one of the most important parts. John VanDerLaan, the founder of Deer Hunting Guide, says you also need to look at durability, simplicity in setup, portability and overall comfort.

A good camping chair will be comfortable for a few uses, while a great camping chair will feel as good on your 1,000th camping trip as it did on your first. Ripstop polyester and ripstop nylon are two of the most durable fabrics. Look for features such as water and UV protection to increase the chair's durability.

Simplicity in Setup

This means that the camping chair should be easy to fold and unfold. Look for ones that involve minimal steps and have little to no assembly.

Portability

When looking at a camping chair's portability, it's important to look at two factors: its packed dimensions and unfolded dimensions. Packed dimensions refer to how big/heavy it is when folded or packed in a carrying case (if it comes with one). Backpackers and hikers should look for lighter chairs that won't take up much space in their camping bags, whereas car campers can go for something a little larger.

Overall Comfort

Besides the seat, check to see that the camping chair has a comfortable backrest (if you're tall, look for one with a higher backrest) and armrest.

Special Features

Although not a necessity, we tend to prefer camping chairs that come with special features such as cup holders, headrests and storage pockets for things like books and snacks.

Why You Should Trust Us

The Family Handyman team is composed of writers and editors who have spent countless times exploring Mother Nature, so we know a thing or two about camping chairs. This writer has explored Appalachia and Shenandoah, and other writers who contributed to this piece have been camping since they were toddlers.

Additionally, we enlisted the help of several camping experts and full-time travelers, including John VanDerLaan, the founder of Deer Hunting Guide ; travel expert Charlie Neville of JayWay Travel ; and Adrian Todd of Great Minds Think Hike .

Happy Campers Who Have Sat In More Than a Dozen Camping Chairs

We take our camping gear seriously here at Family Handyman. So much so that when we review camping chairs, we don't simply take them on one trip and sit for a few minutes. No. We take them on several trips and have people of various body shapes and sizes sit on them to get a complete picture of how they feel, how portable they are, what special features they have and how easy they are to fold and unfold.

This writer and avid outdoorsman tested five camping chairs, and other Family Handyman writers and editors tested out the other five. It should be noted that's just a small taste of the number of camping chairs we've sat in.

Additionally, we consulted people who travel full-time, camping experts and others with extensive experience with camping chairs.

What is the most comfortable camping chair?

In our opinion, the most comfortable camping chair was the Yeti Trailhead because of its superior construction and use of durable materials—but you'll have to pay top dollar for it.

What is the best material for camping chairs?

The best material for camping chairs is either ripstop nylon or ripstop polyester because they are durable and can stand years of continuous use.

What are the holes in the bottom of camping chairs for?

Fun fact: The holes in the bottom of your camping chair are actually so you can place an umbrella or some other type of shade to cover yourself when at a campsite, beach or tailgate.

• John VanDerLaan, the founder of Deer Hunting Guide
• Charlie Neville, travel expert and Marketing Director at JayWay Travel
• Adrian Todd of Great Minds Think Hike

Emily Way , associate shopping editor, contributed to this piece.

More for You

Nikki Glaser had the week of her career. It’s not over yet

These 8 countries joined US in opposing UN’s latest Palestinian resolution

Cutting Out These 9 Expenses Will Save Retirees Over $29,000 a Year

‘I’ve sacrificed my career’: My husband and I may divorce soon, but he will inherit $1 million. How do I make sure I get half?

Experts Say These Are The 5 Worst Foods For Your Cholesterol

Michigan woman found living inside grocery store sign with computer, desk and coffee maker

17 Things You Should Never Say in Your Real Estate Listing

Fast food is expensive. Applebee’s and Chili’s are moving in

Indiana Fever coach says Caitlin Clark needs to break her habits in the WNBA

7 new to Prime Video movies with 90% or higher on Rotten Tomatoes

100-year-old shares how he still has $1 million saved with a yearly salary that never went over $40,000

25 Most Expensive Cities To Live in Florida

Low Vitamin D Symptoms: How to Spot a Vitamin D Deficiency

The 10 Best Plant-Based Protein Sources

No, Rep. Ilhan Omar didn't say 'Get rid of the Jews to end antisemitism' | Fact check

Anthony Edwards' Comments About Kobe Bryant, Giannis Should Scare the League

PGA Tour sponsor makes demands as LIV Golf crisis continues with Rory McIlroy talks

I’m a Mechanic: 12 Most Common Lies You’re Being Told About Your Car Repair

14 Great Places to Live if You Are Broke

Justice Department rebuked for delay tactics in Biden-Hur tapes pursuant to judge's order

The Best Beach Chairs of 2024

A good chair can make or break a day at the beach. We tested the leading beach chairs to find the best of 2024.

A perfect day at the beach requires a few important items , one of which is a beach chair, which provides the ultimate spot to sit back and relax. The best beach chairs are portable, easy to unfold and repack, and are comfortable perches on which to catch some rays, read a book, or spend time with friends and family.

Beach chairs have been around for nearly as long as people have been spending leisure time at the beach. What was once a relatively standardized market with only a few basic options has blossomed, and there are now more beach chairs to choose from than ever before. With modern materials, technologies, and refined designs, today’s beach chairs suit every need and preference.

Of course, with so much variety to choose from, finding the perfect beach chair isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. From classic styles to padded loungers, pop-up loveseats to inflatable couches, and everything in between, you can find the ideal model to make your time at the beach more comfortable and convenient than ever before.

Our beach expert, Hannah Haas, tested a diverse selection of eight beach chairs to compile this list of the best. From beach days on the rugged central California coast to backyard hangs with friends, we tested those chairs for months and have recommendations for you. Below are the best beach chairs based on our testing. To help you find the best chair for your unique needs, we’ve included a buyer’s guide , an FAQ section , and a handy comparison chart .

• Best Overall Beach Chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
• Best Budget Beach Chair: Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack
• Best Beach Chair With a Shade: GCI Outdoors Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade
• Best Lounge Beach Chair: Neso Beach Lounger
• Most Portable Beach Chair: Helinox Beach Chair
• Best Beach Chair for Moving Cargo: Mac Sports Beach Day 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart
• Best Inflatable Beach Chair: Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch
• Best 2-Seater Beach Chair: Kelty Low Loveseat

Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair

• Weight 7.9 lbs.
• Materials Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Polyester
• Reclining Yes
• Features Backpack straps, rubber carry handle, adjustable pillow, insulated pockets, cup holder, phone holder

• Cup and phone holder
• Adjustable reclining angle
• Backpack straps for easy carrying
• Insulated beverage pouch
• No footrest
• Sometimes difficult to adjust

The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair ($90) is what many of us think of when we picture lounging on the beach. It’s a reliable classic, and for good reason. This chair has many enticing features including an adjustable pillow, padded shoulder straps, rubber carry handle, insulated storage pouch, cellphone holder, cupholder, and a folding towel bar. It truly is the perfect chair to unfold by the water and start relaxing.

This chair is super lightweight, making it easy to transport using its built-in backpack straps — even if you have a long walk to the beach. With the integrated insulated pouch, you can pack snacks, drinks, and pretty much everything else you need for a casual day at the beach without the need to carry an additional bag. The phone and drink holder also ensure that you keep both close at hand and out of the sand while you’re taking in the view.

On top of that, it’s simple to unfold and refold and can adjust to five reclining positions, including lying flat. The low seat height gives it a very relaxing position to stretch out your legs. This makes it ideal for reading, napping, or just taking in the views. The low height also makes it easy to sit beneath shorter umbrellas and shade canopies when you want to stay out of the sun.

If you know you’ll be carrying a backpack filled with other beach necessities, the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair might be overkill since its extra features add some weight and bulk. For those who need a footrest or a full-length chair that supports their legs, this model may not suit you. Additionally, we found it to be a little fiddly when trying to get it to recline to the flattest position.

Regardless, the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is a timeless classic that we feel will meet the needs of most beachgoers. It’s light, easy to carry, folds down flat for transport, and has all the features we look for in a beach chair.

Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack

• Weight 6 lbs.
• Material Alloy steel frame
• Features Backpack straps, zippered storage pocket, adjustable back rest

• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Easy to carry
• Relaxed position
• No armrests
• No cup holders
• Sits directly on the ground

The Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack ($83) is a uniquely designed alternative to your typical beach chair. It’s a three-section pad that sits directly on the ground with a support that props up the top like a chair back. If you like sitting on the sand but want more comfort and support than a beach towel, the Pacific Breeze Lounger is the way to go.

This beach chair is much lighter than most other models, weighing in at only 6 pounds. The whole package also folds down impressively small and backpack straps make it incredibly easy to carry from place to place — even if you have a long walk to the beach. Additionally, no instructions or help is needed to set up the Pacific Breeze Lounger. It simply folds back up when you’re done using it and doesn’t have any extra parts that need to be attached.

The Pacific Breeze Lounger includes a zippered pouch near the top that’s perfect for phones, books, snacks, sunscreen, or any other beach necessities. Its shape is ideal for those who love a good beach nap since the leg section stretches out completely, providing a more reclined position than the sharp right angle of a traditional beach chair. It’s also a great deal since the package comes with two chairs, so you and a friend or family member can lounge together.

The Pacific Breeze Lounger’s simple design does have some limitations. It does not have any armrests, so choose another model if that is a necessary part of your beach relaxation. Since there aren’t any armrests, it doesn’t have any cupholders either.

Additionally, sitting directly on the sand may not be ideal for some people, as it makes it a little harder to stand up and sit down than other models. Also, if you know you’ll be carrying a backpack with other gear, this chair won’t be easy to carry since it’s meant for your back.

Assuming those issues don’t bother you, the Pacific Breeze Lounger is a lightweight, simple beach chair that provides an ideal spot for relaxing on the beach. The fact that you get two chairs for the $83 price makes it one of the best values we’ve found.

GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade

• Weight 10.3 lbs.
• Material Polyester, alloy steel, aluminum, mesh
• Features Adjustable sun shade, backpack straps, large storage pouch, beverage holder, head pillow

• SPF sun shade
• Storage pouch fits lots of stuff
• Backpack straps for easy carry
• Beverage holder
• A little heavier than similar options
• Difficult to adjust

The GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair with Sunshade ($80) is pretty much the complete package when it comes to beach chairs. It offers every amenity under the sun (no pun intended) and is reasonably priced.

It’s an ideal option for those seeking a classic beach chair that shields their face and upper body from the sun without lugging around a separate beach umbrella or shade. If you are really hoping to soak up some Vitamin D, the sunshade is easy to collapse, and the chair can be used without it.

The GCI Outdoor chair is very similar in design to the Tommy Bahama. It’s incredibly easy to fold and unfold, and it has four positions of recline so you can choose your ideal level of lounging. On the back of the chair is a large storage pouch with a thick drawstring on the top to keep all of your belongings secure.

The pouch is larger than the storage on similar models, which is great if you’re planning to spend the whole day at the beach. Other features include a small cushion to rest the back of your head as well as a cupholder conveniently attached to an armrest. 

Like many other models, the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair comes with backpack straps, making it super easy to carry. This is an essential part of the chair since it is a little bit heavier than alternative options. It also folds down nice and flat, so it’s easy to stash in the trunk of your vehicle or squeeze into a beach wagon.

However, if you need to carry other gear on your back, it will likely be challenging to do so simultaneously. This chair is on the heavier and bulkier side since it has pretty much every feature you could hope for. Along with its weight and bulk, we found it slightly difficult to adjust. It also doesn’t feel like the sturdiest or most durable chair, but if you aren’t too hard on it, it should stand up to years of regular use. 

With its classic style and wealth of features, the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade is ideal for beachgoers who want to protect their faces from too much sun while still enjoying a relaxing day by the ocean.

Neso Beach Lounger

• Weight 12.3 lbs.
• Material Rust-resistant aluminum and steel; Water resistant polyester
• Features Full length lounge chair, folds up small, shoulder carry strap, water resistant, small storage pocket

• Durable material
• Full length
• No arm rests
• No cushioning
• Somewhat narrow

For beachgoers who like to fully extend their legs and lean back on their beach chair, the Neso Beach Lounger ($100) might be for you. Unlike your classic beach chair, this model is a full-length lounge chair that lets you completely stretch out rather than remaining at a 90-degree angle with your feet in the sand.

The back is easily adjustable to whatever angle you need, whether that’s sitting upright or completely flat for taking a nap or getting a tan. Both the upper and lower sections are adjustable into five positions, so you have plenty of options.

When you’re done hanging out, the whole chair is simple to fold back up at the end of the day. It folds down pretty flat, plus it comes with an already attached nylon carry strap that makes the chair super portable, especially considering its length. You can just throw it over your shoulder and carry it like a duffel bag.

The Neso Lounger is made of rust-resistant aluminum, steel, and water-resistant polyester which seems to be durable enough to withstand many uses in windy or wet conditions. It also has a pocket on the back so you can stash your book, phone, or sunscreen and keep it out of the sand. While it doesn’t have a head pillow, the upper part of the frame is wrapped with a thin pad to keep your head from resting on metal.

While the Neso Beach Lounge is very easy to use and transport, it does have some potential downsides. The chair does not have any armrests or cupholders. Similarly, it does not have any cushioning beyond the flexibility of the fabric. Although the chair has an attached strap that makes it easy to carry on one shoulder, it isn’t the lightest, and carrying it for long distances may be a bit cumbersome.  

Beyond those minor qualms, the Neso Beach Lounger is a great option for those who want a portable beach chair for full maxing and relaxing. Sit up or lie all the way down, the choice is yours.

Helinox Beach Chair

• Weight 3.3 lbs.
• Material Polyester, aluminum
• Reclining No
• Features Storage bag (converts to pillow), mesh back for breathability

• Very lightweight
• Simple set up
• Small collapsed size
• Breathable mesh back
• Good for camping too
• No armrests or cupholders
• Stiff fabric – can be tough to stretch into place the first few times

Leveraging their expertise in making some of the best camping chairs, tables, and cots on the market, Helinox has created one of the best beach chairs, too. The Helinox Beach Chair ($170-180) is a super lightweight and impressively portable option that’s great for everything including days at the beach, camping, or any outdoor excursion.

Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, it is super portable, especially when you store it in the pouch it comes with. You could easily stash it in a backpack and it won’t take up any space in your beach wagon.

The lightweight and small size also make it very reasonable to bring with you to those hike-in beach spots that are miles from the parking area. You could easily carry lots of other gear with you since you don’t have to carry the chair as a backpack, as you do with most other models. 

Setting up the Helinox Beach Chair is intuitive and we didn’t even need to look at the instructions to figure it out. It goes together in less than a minute and you’re ready to lounge. Stuff a towel or some clothes into the storage bag, and it doubles as a pillow for your head. A stretchy pocket on one side has space for small items like sunscreen or a phone.

The fabric feels durable and the chair is sturdy considering how light it is. We also like the mesh panels to keep a little air flowing around your body on hot days. It also seems like it will withstand salt and sand easily, and can be easily washed off with a hose when it gets dirty.

The main frustration we had with the Helinox Beach Chair was how tight the fit of the seat fabric was on the legs for the first few uses. It took some muscle to get it on. Additionally, there is nowhere to put your arms or hold your drink.

Even with those minor complaints, the Helinox Beach Chair is a fantastically light and portable option that’s as well suited to days at the beach as it is to sitting by a campfire roasting marshmallows. If you want a versatile and comfortable beach chair that’s easy to carry anywhere, you should give it a look.

Mac Sports 2-in-1 Beach Day Lounger and Cargo Cart

• Weight 19 lbs.
• Material Aluminum; polyester; plastic
• Features Converts from cart to chair, head cushion, wheels

• Beach cart and lounge chair in one!
• Can carry up to 100 lbs of beach gear
• Wheels make it easy to roll your gear to the bech
• Easy to assemble
• Heavier weight and bulkier size
• Wheels don't roll great in soft sand

The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart ($150) is a great chair for a family beach day. It doubles as a lounge chair and a cargo cart that can hold up to 100 pounds, making it a nifty 2-in-1 solution for transporting your gear to the beach and relaxing once you’re there.

While it may look like a relatively standard beach chair, it has two large rubber wheels that make it easy to push or pull with a full load of beach gear. The leg portion folds up to create a relatively spacious cargo cart to haul a cooler, toys, towels, or whatever you bring to the beach. This way, you don’t have to carry a backpack on top of everything else.

The chair is pretty standard, offering three different recline angles, armrests, and a cushion to rest your head. Even though it has wheels and a cart, the whole thing is easy to assemble and folds right back up so it can fit back in your car after a day at the beach. It feels super sturdy and can probably hold a parent and child, depending on the weight.

The most obvious downside to the Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo cart is its weight and bulk. At 19 pounds, it’s heavier than most, so it’s nice that it has wheels to roll it. The cargo cart feature may also be overkill a lot of the time if you aren’t hauling a bunch of gear down to the beach. Additionally, while the wheels are helpful, they don’t roll that well through super soft sand. It does, however, roll more smoothly over grass and firmer surfaces.

The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart is a great option for a family or large group wanting to be prepared for a long day outdoors. Sure, you could buy a separate beach wagon, but you could kill two birds with one stone and get a cargo cart and lounge chair in one.

Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch

• Weight 2.3 lbs.
• Material Polyester
• Reclining N/A
• Features Fills with air, storage and carry bag

• Easily portable and storable
• Comfortable
• Can sit in a variety of ways and/or with more than one person
• Comes in lots of fun patterns
• Not that easy to inflate
• Wind dependent
• Loses air over time

In addition to having a truly unforgettable name, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch ($39) is a super-comfortable alternative to a regular old beach chair. After spending a few minutes inflating it, the Chillbo can seat several people and provides the perfect place to relax. It’s meant for camping, going to the beach, or any outdoor space you like to unplug in. We could even see ourselves enjoying midday naps on it in the backyard when working from home.

One of the first things that stands out about the Chillbo Shwaggins is its weight — just 2.3 pounds — and small packed size. It’s even more impressive when you consider that it can seat several people or that you can completely lie down on it. It comes with a storage bag with a shoulder strap so you can easily carry it anywhere. This makes it a no-brainer to bring with you, no matter how far you need to walk to your favorite beach spot.

Since it’s a full body length, it’s amazing to fully recline in and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. It sort of feels like you’re sitting on a blown-up cloud, and it’s great for anyone trying to soak up some extra sun at the beach. Another perk is the fact that you can lounge in it with several people if you’re on an outdoor excursion with the family or a group of friends.

The primary drawback of the Inflatable Couch is that it can be difficult to inflate at first. We went back to reread the instructions to make sure we were doing it right, and even then, it felt a bit silly running back and forth, trying to get the couch to inflate.

Inflating this couch could be somewhat problematic for someone with limited mobility. We felt that ours wasn’t completely airtight, either. After a while, the couch starts to deflate, and you may need to add more air.

Overall, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch is best for people who love to lie down fully or need seating for several people. It’s super light and easily portable, and it’s also very affordable at just $39. Plus, it’s available in a huge range of fun patterns to match your style.

Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair

• Weight 15.4 lbs.
• Materials Seat: 600D polyester; Frame: powder-coated steel
• Reclining Slight
• Features 2 seater, arm rests, insulated beverage holders, shoulder strap for carrying, storage wrap

• Seating for two
• Also good for camping or backyard hangs
• Best for two people

The Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair ($140) is an excellent two-seater that is perfect for a couple to relax in just about any outdoor setting. While it isn’t specifically designed for use at the beach, it works just as well in that setting as it does car camping, at the park, watching your kids’ sporting events, or adding some seating in your backyard.

The Kelty Loveseat feels incredibly sturdy and well-made with quality materials. After removing from its original packaging, it is easily unfolded and ready to go — no instructions are necessary. It simply pops open and folds closed like a classic pop-up chair.

You can sit in it with another person (or your dog) and still have plenty of room for yourself. The quilted fabric and padded armrests are extremely comfortable and since the chair is relatively low and has a slight recline, you can really relax into it.

Since the chair is a loveseat, it fits two people while taking up less packing space in a vehicle than two separate camping chairs. It isn’t the lightest at 15.4 pounds, but when collapsed and wrapped for transport, it’s a reasonable size. The padded shoulder strap also makes it easy to carry for moderate distances. If you’re going farther, tossing the Kelty Loveseat in a good beach wagon will make moving it around even easier.

This chair would be a great purchase for a family or couple that’s always heading outdoors together. The cupholders are perfect for enjoying hot cocoa by the fire or a cold drink as you soak up the sun. It would be perfect for a night at the beach watching the sunset or enjoying a picnic with a group of friends. You can easily squish the chair back together to pack it away if you need to quickly clear your campground or protect it from overnight weather.

As a two-seater with a heavier weight and larger stored size, the Kelty Low Loveseat may not be the ideal beach chair all of the time. If you’re packing other equipment like towels, umbrellas, and coolers, it could be tough to carry without the assistance of a beach wagon .  

At the same time, the Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair might be the perfect addition to your beach or camp gear setup. This well-made option is a dependable and comfortable chair for lounging with your significant other, friends, or kids on any outdoor adventure.

Beach Chair Comparison Chart

How we tested beach chairs.

The team at GearJunkie knows what gear is necessary for every type of outdoor excursion. We know that having the right tool for the job can make your experience better, even if that’s just lounging at the beach. For our beach chair buyer’s guide, we recruited Hannah Haas, a graduate student, outdoor enthusiast, avid beachgoer, and freelance journalist who’s spent pretty much her entire life on the beaches of California’s coastline.

After scouring the market for the best beach chairs available in 2024, we rounded up a diverse selection of eight models for side-by-side testing and comparison. We crafted a detailed testing regimen that aims to compare these chairs on a level playing field. We compare weight, dimensions, materials, portability, comfort, features, and more in order to find the best chairs to bring to the beach. 

Beyond Hannah’s personal expertise and experience, we solicited the opinions of fellow beach lovers and stewards of the outdoors. By combining our testing with the opinions of friends and family, we were able to narrow down our selection to our favorite models and those that excel in specific ways compared to the rest.

However, the beach chair market is constantly evolving and improving. Rest assured, as new and exciting models hit the market, we’ll test those to ensure that our list stays up to date and brings you the best options for your days at the beach.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Beach Chair

Trying to find the right chair for a day at the beach can be overwhelming. In 2024, there are seemingly endless options and it can be difficult to find what you’re looking for. While finding the best chair for you does require some thought and research, this handy how-to-choose guide has all the essential information compiled so you can make the best decision for your needs. 

We delve into everything from overall size, set-up, portability, adjustability, and other features such as cupholders and armrests. Each brand and style of chair considers different factors and provides varying features, each of which is more or less important to consumers. We’ll explain it in a clear and concise way so you can choose the best chair for your ideal beach day.

Types of Beach Chairs

There are a variety of different style and types of beach chairs on the market. From classic beach chairs to inflatable couches like the Chillbo Shwaggins , and everything in between, you’ve got options to suit your preferences.

Classic beach chairs are typically low to the ground and have a folding metal frame with a nylon/polyester fabric comprising the seat and back panels. Typically, they have the ability to recline and many come with features like head pillows, storage pouches, cupholders, and backpack straps. Both the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair and the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair with Sunshade are prime examples of classic beach chairs.

Lounge chairs aren’t too different, although they typically involve an additional section to support the legs. Lounge chairs can typically be oriented in a number of ways to lie flat, sit upright, or positions in between. The Neso Beach Lounger and the Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart are both good examples of lounge chairs.

Pop-up style chairs are popular at the beach because they are typically quite affordable, fold up small, and are versatile for use in a wide range of outdoor settings. We didn’t test any single pop-up chairs, but we did try the Kelty Low Loveseat . This two-seater pop-up chair is super well made, packs down small for its seating capacity, and will work well for everything from car camping to a day at the beach with the family.

Camp-style models employ the designs of lightweight and super portable camp chairs and tweak them slightly for the beach environment. The Helinox Beach Chair is a great example. This chair weighs just over 3 pounds and folds down incredibly small, yet its feet are designed for stability in the sand along with mesh back panels for breathability.

Hybrid beach chairs are another interesting innovation. The Pacific Beach Lounger is essentially a full-length cushioned beach pad with support to prop up the back into a variety of lounging positions. Likewise, the inflatable Chillbo Shwaggins Couch uses air to fill a large chamber that you can lie on or sit numerous people.

Most beach chairs are designed to fit one person, so you’ll often want to bring several to the beach if you’re hanging out with family or friends. There are a few models that we tested that can fit two or more people, like the Kelty Low Loveseat and the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch .

The size of a chair may also be important depending on your height and if you want to be able to fully extend your legs or not. On the low-height classic beach chairs, you can always extend your legs out ahead of you, but if you want to support them, you’ll be better off going with a lounge-style chair. Lastly, the size largely determines how portable the chair will be.

Portability

We’ve all got to get our chairs to the beach one way or another, so portability is an important factor to consider. Any good beach chair folds to a smaller size for transport in your vehicle or carrying to and from the sand, but how much they weigh and how small they pack down varies among the different models.

The weight of the chair is the main factor when determining how easy a chair will be to carry, but how compact it is, and whether or not it comes with a case to carry it in also plays a role. The most portable models we tested are the Helinox Beach Chair and the Chillbo Shawaggins Inflatable couch, both of which collapse to a small size and weigh just 3.3 pounds and 2.3 pounds, respectively.

Some chairs, like the Tommy Bahama and the GCI Outdoor, come equipped with integrated straps so they can be carried as a backpack. This makes them very convenient and easy to carry but could be a pro or con depending on your need to carry a backpack filled with gear to the beach.

Other models like the Neso Beach Lounger and Kelty Low Loveseat come with shoulder straps, but their slightly heavier weights make them less ideal for carrying long distances. A very novel approach comes from Mac Sports and the 2–in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart . This chair converts to a small beach wagon and rolls on two wheels.

Depending on how much gear you’re hauling to the beach, investing in a good beach wagon may be a great way to cart your chairs, beach umbrellas , coolers, and more.

Assembling and disassembling the chair is a crucial part of choosing the perfect model for you. If you’re unable to set up the chair, you’re better off not having carried it with you in the first place. An easy setup of your beach gear (and an easy pack-up process at the end of a long day) can make or break any day at the beach. Most people don’t enjoy reading complicated instructions or experiencing gear malfunctions when they’re just trying to relax.

Fortunately, most brands realize this, and pretty much every chair we tested is very straightforward to set up and break down. Some simply fold open and closed while others need to be filled with air, but for the most part, they aren’t too complicated.

Adjustability

Whether or not a piece of equipment adjusts easily is a crucial factor to consider. Some beach chairs recline, have adjustable shades, and optional head cushions. Who knows if you’ll want to read, lay back and take a nap, or sit upright for a card game by the campfire? We think the best beach chairs typically include some sort of adjustability to dial in your seated position.

Both the Tommy Bahama and GCI Outdoor chairs have several reclining positions to choose from. The Tommy Bahama can even go down to flat. The Neso Beach Lounger has five-position adjustability as well and can go from sitting upright to laying down completely flat.

Extra Features

Features aren’t mandatory, but we always appreciate it when little details are included that can enhance the quality of our beach experience. Some chairs include special features like cupholders, extra storage, armrests, head cushions, and sun coverage. Determining how crucial these features are to your ideal day is important when shopping for the best beach chair.

We love cupholders for keeping our beverages within arm’s reach and out of the sand. Likewise, a pocket that can hold your book, phone, or sunscreen can help you stay organized. Backpack straps and large zippered compartments may also be useful for bringing the essential gear along and negating the need to carry an additional bag. Some of these features are pretty personal and will determine whether or not you enjoy your day at the beach.

Versatility

While many beach chairs have the word “beach” in their name, most are highly versatile and can be used in any number of outdoor settings. Whether you’re hanging out at the park, going to an outdoor concert, car camping, or chilling in the backyard, most beach chairs will transition well into just about any situation.

Likewise, many camp chairs may work quite well at the beach too. If you’re hoping to get a camp chair that works well in sand, however, you may want to consider the size of the feet for use in soft sand. Skinny little feet may work well on firm surfaces but can sink into and be unstable on the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many people enjoy laying on a towel directly on the sand, that doesn’t work for everyone all the time. A quality beach chair can be a great investment in your comfort and the enjoyment of your time spent at the beach. Not only will they get you off the ground, but many will allow you to adjust your position for comfort or things like reading or napping.

Many beach chairs are also optimized for use at the beach with carry straps, reclining features, pockets, cupholders, and more to make getting it to and from the beach and staying organized while you’re there much easier. Of course, many camping chairs can also double as beach chairs too.

There are quite a few pieces of gear that can make your trips to the beach easier and more enjoyable. Since getting all your gear to the beach can be a hassle, consider adding a good beach wagon to your routine to cut down on trips and carrying it all in your arms.

If you like being in the sun but don’t love getting sunburn, there are lots of great beach umbrellas and shades that can add a layer of sun protection. Beach towels are also a critical part of the equation, and there are lots of great new beach-specific towels to choose from.

If you’re bringing food or drinks along, a great hard-sided cooler , soft cooler, or backpack cooler can keep everything ice cold until you’re ready to enjoy it. And, if you’re spending the whole day at the beach with the family, a portable grill can help you serve up hot, delicious food wherever you are.

Classic beach chairs are pretty low to the ground. While this does make it slightly harder to sit down and stand up from them, it puts the user in a position where they can comfortably stretch their legs out in the sand in front of them.

And when you recline the seat back, it feels pretty darn close to sitting in a full-on lounge chair. The low seat height may not be for everyone, so if you have mobility issues or bad knees, you may want to look into chairs with higher seat heights.

Realistically, all the beach chairs we’ve tested are quite portable, some more easily than others. The two lightest and smallest options are the Chillbo Shawaggins Inflatable Couch and the Helinox Beach Chair . They weigh 2.3 pounds and 3.3 pounds, respectively, and collapse down so small that you can toss them in a backpack.

Beyond that, both the Tommy Bahama and the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chairs have backpack straps that make them super easy to carry. Similarly, the Pacific Breeze Lounger also has backpack straps.

Related Content

The Best Beach Wagons of 2024

Is it just us, or does it feel like every time you go to the beach, you must run a mini-marathon, transferring all of your…

The Best Beach Umbrellas of 2024

We tested eight of the best beach umbrellas and shades on the market to help you find the best option to keep you protected from the sun.

Hannah grew up on California’s central coast and has spent most of her life in the ocean or on a trail. She found her passion for environmentalism at a young age, leading her to pursue environmental studies as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. Since her graduation last spring, Hannah has found a new passion for journalism and media and will be pursuing an M.S. in Journalism at USC Annenberg starting this June.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Gear Top Stories Deals

• Battle on the Beach
• Battle on the Mountain
• Celebrity IOU
• Down Home Fab
• Farmhouse Fixer
• Fixer to Fabulous
• Help! I Wrecked My House
• Home Town Takeover
• Lakefront Empire
• Married to Real Estate
• My Lottery Dream Home
• No Demo Reno
• Renovation Aloha
• Rico to the Rescue
• Rock the Block
• Small Town Potential
• Ugliest House in America
• Who's Afraid of a Cheap Old House?
• Why the Heck Did I Buy This House?
• Zillow Gone Wild
• See Full Schedule
• Stream Full Seasons
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Ideas by Room
• Design Styles
• HGTV Magazine
• HGTV Newsletters
• Flowers and Plants
• Landscaping and Hardscaping
• Outdoor Spaces
• Curb Appeal
• Cleaning and Organizing
• Entertaining
• Healthy Home and Garden
• Real Estate
• Home Improvement
• DIY Projects
• HGTV Handmade
• HGTV Smart Home 2024: Enter the Sweepstakes
• Get Outside $5K Giveaway
• Throw It on the Grill $10K Giveaway
• Spring It Forward $5K Giveaway
• HGTV Dream Home 2024
• HGTV Urban Oasis 2023
• Product Reviews
• Gift Guides
• Sales and Deals
• News and Trends
• Newsletters
• TV Schedule

8 Best Stadium Chairs, Tested and Reviewed

The best stadium chairs provide ample back support and cushioning for watching the home team for hours.

Related To:

Photo by: Theresa Holland

Theresa Holland

Our Top Stadium Chair Picks

Best Overall

Best Budget

Best Waterproof

Best Extra-Wide

Best Weight Capacity

Best With Armrests

Best Back Support

Best With Cup Holder

Also In This Article

How we tested, what to consider before buying a stadium chair.

There’s nothing quite like watching sports in person, cheering with the crowd and seeing all the action in real-time. But since metal bleachers are famously uncomfortable — and, notably, backless — a stadium seat might keep you from thinking you’d rather be watching from your living room couch.

These portable, legless chairs can provide back support and cushioning. Many have additional features, like armrests, cup holders, pockets and bleacher hooks to secure them in place.

We tested 15 top-rated options firsthand, then narrowed it down to the best stadium seats for all body sizes and budgets.

We selected 15 best-selling stadium seats to try out in a real-life setting. After unboxing them, we unfolded or unrolled them and adjusted the incline. Next, we sat in the seats to evaluate the comfort, noting how supportive they were and whether our legs were at a comfortable angle.

We also inspected all the features, folded them up, carried them around, and cleaned them according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Taking into account portability, weather resistance, size, weight capacity, comfort and overall value, we narrowed it down to the best stadium seats.

Best Overall: Oniva Ventura Seat

• Exceptionally comfortable
• Adjustable recline
• Optional armrests
• East backpack-style carrying
• Not compact
• No cup holder

The Oniva Ventura Seat stood out for all-around comfort. It has foam cushioning throughout, including a thick seat cushion, padded armrests and a plush backrest. It offers great back support and can be adjusted to six recline angles. Since the armrests limit the seat width, you can invert them to increase it by 5 inches. This is a backpack-style stadium chair, meaning it has shoulder straps for carrying it on your back. It folds out flat instead of into itself, so it’s not the most compact. But the straps are padded and adjustable — plus, carrying it this way evenly distributes the weight, which is ideal for walking longer distances. We found this stadium seat easy to fold, unfold and adjust. While it doesn’t have a bleacher hook, the grippy, water-resistant underside helps it stay in place. And although there’s no cupholder, it does have a zippered pocket. Considering the exceptional comfort, versatility and portability, we think the price is reasonable — and the brand backs it with a lifetime guarantee.

• Materials Polyester, foam, steel
• Dimensions (Expanded) 20" x 16" x 16"
• Weight 6.6 lbs
• Special Features 6 recline positions, adjustable shoulder straps, water-resistant grippy bottom, zippered pocket

Best Budget: Coleman Stadium Seat

• Very affordable
• Light and portable
• Can be used as two-person cushion
• Doesn't stay up on its own
• Minimal features

For budget shoppers, we recommend the Coleman Stadium Seat. Made of water-resistant nylon and foam (without any metal components), it’s lighter than most other options we tested. It also rolls up compactly and secures with Velcro straps for easy carrying with the long crossbody strap. While it’s not super thick, it still provides some cushioning and back support. We felt totally supported, even when leaning back with our full body weight. We also appreciate that you can adjust the recline with the cinch buckle straps. Since this stadium seat is so lightweight, it doesn’t stay up very well when no one is sitting on it. But you also have the option to lay it flat on a bleacher to create a two-person cushion. Coleman backs this product with a one-year warranty, which is generous considering it’s under $20.

• Materials Nylon, foam
• Dimensions (Expanded) 18.5" x 18.5" x 1.9"
• Weight 1.2 lbs
• Special Features Mesh pocket, carrying straps, adjustable recline

Best Waterproof: Alpcour Folding Stadium Seat

• Repels water and stains
• Extra-wide and deep seat
• Comfortable and supportive
• Lightweight
• No armrests
• Only one shoulder strap

Football season weather can be unpredictable. If rain is on the forecast, you’ll be glad to have a waterproof stadium seat, like this one from Alpcour. The extra-sturdy, 600-denier polyester not only repels water but also prevents stains and is a breeze to wipe clean. It doesn’t have armrests, but this actually allows for a wider seat while the partially open back extends the depth. We found this bleacher chair comfy to sit in with good back support. The Alpcour Stadium Seat folds flat and can be carried with the shoulder strap. Though the weight isn’t evenly distributed when carrying it like backpack-style options, the Alpcour Stadium Seat is pretty lightweight since there are no metal components.

• Materials Polyester, foam
• Dimensions (Expanded) 21" x 17" x 14"
• Weight 4.2 lbs
• Special Features 6-position recline, waterproof exterior

Best Extra-Wide: Rio Gear Bleacher Boss Pal Stadium Seat

• 2+ inches wider than most others
• Comfortable for long periods
• Nonslip armrests
• Snack pocket and cup holder
• Narrow cup holder
• Low weight capacity

Prefer something wider? The Rio Gear Bleacher Boss might be your best bet. This stadium seat is just over 22 inches wide, whereas most others we tested are under 20 inches. (But we should note it has a relatively low weight capacity of 225 pounds.) Similar to a beach chair, it has a metal frame and a slightly padded nylon seat and backrest. We found it comfortable and supportive enough to sit in for multiple hours. Although the armrests don’t have thick cushioning, they’re wrapped in foam and have a grippy surface to prevent your elbows from slipping. This stadium seat has a mesh pocket for things like snacks or sunglasses and a somewhat narrow cup holder that could fit a plastic water bottle or canned drink. The comparatively lightweight design attaches to bleachers with spring locks. It folds in half, secures with Velcro, and can be carried with the shoulder strap.

• Materials Nylon, foam, steel
• Dimensions (Expanded) 22.25" x 20.25" x 14.5"
• Weight 5 lbs
• Special Features Mesh pocket, cup holder, spring locks

Best Weight Capacity: Flash Furniture Grandstand Comfort Seat

• Supports up to 500 pounds
• Extra-thick seat cushion
• Stays in place well
• Somewhat heavy

Supporting up to 500 pounds, the Flash Furniture Grandstand Seat has the highest weight capacity of all the stadium chairs we tested. But that’s not all we like about it. With a 3-inch-thick seat cushion and a supportive backrest, it’s very comfortable to sit in. At first, it seemed like the aluminum frame may not stay in place on a metal surface. But the attached bleacher hook secures it, and rubber grips prevent it from sliding around. This stadium chair folds down to roughly the size of a briefcase. It’s on the heavier side, and without any shoulder straps, the only way to carry it is with the grab handle. Still, we think the Grandstand Seat a good value based on the durable, comfy design.

• Materials Canvas, foam, rubber, aluminum
• Dimensions (Expanded) 18" x 18" x 14"
• Weight 7.6 lbs
• Special Features Bleacher hook, rubber grips, grab handle

Best With Armrests: Sportneer Stadium Seat

• Thick cushions throughout
• Widens by inverting armrests
• Feature-rich design
• Comfortable to carry
• Slightly heavy

If armrests are a priority, we suggest the Sportneer Stadium Seat. This comfy bleacher chair has thick, supportive cushioning throughout the seat, backrest and armrests. And if you ever want the seat to be wider, you can invert the armrests. (The brand also has an extra-wide version about 3 inches wider than this one.) This chair can be adjusted to six recline positions. We like the feature-rich design, which boasts two cup holders and four pockets for things like snacks, sunglasses or your phone. There’s also a buckle on the bottom to secure it to bleachers. The Sportneer Stadium Seat folds flat instead of into itself, so it’s not compact. And while it’s slightly heavy, the padded, adjustable shoulder straps allow you to carry it like a backpack with the weight evenly distributed.

• Materials Polyester, foam, PVC, steel
• Dimensions (Expanded) 20.5" x 17.3" x 17.3"
• Weight 6.8 lbs
• Special Features 6-position recline, 2 cup holders, padded shoulder straps, 4 pockets, bottom buckle

Best Back Support: Sheenive Folding Stadium Seat

• Can lean back without tipping
• Comfortable for multiple hours
• High weight capacity
• Attractive quilted design
• Recline doesn't adjust

If back support is a must-have, consider the Sheenive Stadium Seat. This bleacher chair has a padded backrest with plenty of height. We could sit upright in it without straining our lower backs and felt like we could fully relax and lean all our weight back. At 380 pounds, the weight capacity is on the higher side for those we tested. We also like that the seat cushion is nearly 3 inches thick. One thing to note is that the backrest is perpendicular to the seat, and you can’t adjust the recline. Still, we think it’s comfortable enough to sit in for multiple hours. We think the quilted design is appealing and like that there are a handful of neutral colors available. This stadium seat has a cup holder and handy mesh pouches, and you can carry it with the grab handle or padded shoulder strap. Considering the lower-than-average price tag, it’s an excellent value.

• Materials Oxford cloth, foam, rubber, steel
• Dimensions (Expanded) 17.1" x 16.5" x 13.5"
• Weight 5.8 lbs
• Special Features Padded shoulder strap, grab handle, cup holder, mesh pouches

Best With Cup Holder: Sport Beasts Stadium Seat with Cup Holder

• Cup holder fits most bottles, cans and cups
• Grippy base and bleacher hooks
• Thick seat cushion
• Padded backrest
• Can't adjust recline
• Slightly cumbersome

We also liked the Sport Beats Stadium Seat. The comfortable design has a thick seat cushion and a padded backrest — though you can’t adjust the recline angle. There’s also a mesh cup holder that stretches to fit most bottles, cups or cans. This bleacher chair is easy to fold and unfold. The frame has a grippy base to prevent it from shifting when you sit down, and you can secure it with the two bleacher hooks. While it weighs over 6 pounds and isn’t the most compact, the padded shoulder strap makes it easy enough to carry. You can also stash the strap in the zippered pocket and tote it around by the grab handle.

• Materials Nylon, foam, powder-coated metal
• Dimensions (Expanded) 17" x 17" x 13"
• Weight 6.5 lbs
• Special Features Cup holder, carrying strap, zippered pocket, 2 bleacher hooks

• Comfort: The whole point of a stadium chair is to make sitting on bleachers more comfortable. However, not all are created equal, and some are much comfier than others. Look for features that’ll alleviate pressure and support you in a seated position, like a cushioned seat, a backrest and armrests. If you prefer a slight recline, opt for one with an adjustable backrest.
• Material: Stadium seats are often made of a water-resistant textile, like nylon or polyester. You might see options that mention denier (such as 600D polyester, which means 600-denier polyester). This tells you the density of the threads in the fabric, and higher numbers generally indicate a sturdier, thicker material. Many bleacher chairs also have foam padding, and some have aluminum or steel frames.
• Your Body Type/Needs: Think about your body type and needs when browsing stadium chairs. Some have wider and deeper seats than others, and others have taller backrests. Beyond that, bleacher seats can have different weight capacities, so be sure to note that before buying one.
• Portability: Another crucial consideration is portability. You’ll need to be able to carry the stadium chair from your car to the stadium and to your seat — and all the way back after the game. Backpack-style options aren’t compact, but they can be comfortable to carry, thanks to the adjustable padded shoulder straps. Some designs have just one shoulder or crossbody strap, and others only have a grab handle. Besides straps and handles, check the weight and folded dimensions, as this can vary.

What is a stadium seat?

A stadium seat is essentially a portable, legless chair designed to be placed on a bleacher. Since bleachers don’t have backs and are usually just long metal (or sometimes wooden) benches, they’re generally not comfortable to sit on for multiple hours. To solve this problem, a stadium chair may have a cushioned seat, a backrest or padded armrests.

Do all stadiums allow stadium chairs?

Not all stadiums allow stadium chairs. If not, it could be because the venue prohibits carrying in anything over a certain size or that it wants to prevent these portable chairs from taking up too much space on the stands. Some stadiums might only allow stadium chairs of certain sizes. In any case, you’re wise to check the venue’s rules before game day.

What size should a stadium chair be?

A stadium chair should be large enough to be comfortable and provide adequate support but not so big that it takes up more than its share of space. It varies, but many of the options we tested are 18 to 20 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches tall. Again, it’s a good idea to check the venue’s rules ahead of time in terms of what you’re allowed to bring in.

More Game Day Gear We Love

The 10 Best Cornhole Boards of 2024

5 Best Outdoor Mosquito Repellers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our Favorite Tailgating Products Are All Available on Amazon

8 Best Gardening Gloves of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Everything You Need to Throw a Taylor Swift-Themed Party for the Super Bowl

8 Best Gardening Seats and Kneelers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

6 Best Garden Carts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

8 Best Clothing Steamers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

8 Best Tower Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

8 Best Bath Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

• 6 Best Slow Cookers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Go Shopping

Refresh your home with stylish products handpicked by HGTV editors.

The Best Gas Grills for Every Budget May 10, 2024

The Best Grilling Accessories and Tools for Outdoor Barbecues May 10, 2024

The Best Garage Fans to Keep You Cool This Season May 9, 2024

42 Cute Doormats You Need for Summer May 8, 2024

The Best Father's Day Gifts May 7, 2024

8 Best Stadium Chairs, Tested and Reviewed May 6, 2024

Wayfair's Biggest Annual Sale, Way Day, Is Back With Deals Up to 80% Off May 6, 2024

HGTV Fans Are Obsessed With These 20 Top-Selling Products From Amazon May 3, 2024

84 Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Ideas You Can Still Get to Her in Time May 2, 2024

The Best Furniture to Buy on Amazon for Every Room May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Bookcases and Bookshelves on Amazon Apr 30, 2024

8 Best Tower Fans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 29, 2024

7 Best Duvet Covers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed May 1, 2024

Our Honest Review of the AeroGarden 2.0 Apr 26, 2024

6 Best Garden Carts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Apr 26, 2024

The 10 Best Bug Zappers for Chemical-Free Pest Control Apr 23, 2024

The Best Beach Chairs on Amazon for Summer 2024 Apr 22, 2024

The 15 Best Mosquito Repellents on Amazon Apr 19, 2024

The Best Patio Chairs for Every Style and Budget Apr 21, 2024

The 7 Best Espresso Machines, Tested and Reviewed Apr 18, 2024

40+ Gifts for Teachers That Really Show Your Appreciation Apr 18, 2024

Mermaid + Blobcore = Jellyfish Aesthetic, and We’re Ready Apr 17, 2024

13 Wearable Mosquito Repellents That Aren't Smelly Aerosol Sprays Apr 26, 2024

8 Cool Catios for Every Feline, Style and Budget Apr 15, 2024

The Best Flower and Plant Services That Ship Quickly Apr 15, 2024

13 Best Adirondack Chairs for Every Style and Budget Apr 15, 2024

12 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents Apr 15, 2024

The 7 Best Sewing Machines, Tested and Reviewed Apr 12, 2024

Our Honest Review of Caraway’s Best-Selling Cookware Set Apr 12, 2024

105 Best Patio Furniture Buys for Every Style and Budget Apr 12, 2024

Hgtv shopping newsletter.

Sign up to shop the best sales, find new favorites, and get curated recommendations from our editors every week.

By entering your email address, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy . HGTV and its affiliates may use your email address to provide updates, ads, and offers.

To withdraw your consent or learn more about your rights, see the Privacy Policy .

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Related Pages

• 5 Best Linen Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
• 7 Best Slippers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
• 5 Best Automatic Drip Coffeemakers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
• 8 Best Gardening Gloves of 2024, Tested and...
• The 7 Best Sewing Machines, Tested and Reviewed

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

A Snob's Guide to Summer Travel With Kids

We know your standards for the ultimate family vacation are high. Lucky for you, ours are too.

The Educational Trip

It sounds boring, until you tell them they're going to see giraffes in their natural habitat—and will get to brag about it to all their friends.

*Perfect for: little kids

Unlike the vast Serengeti, the Maasai Mara is small enough that you are practically guaranteed to snap all the top sightings in a few nights’ stay. Unpack into an interconnected tented suite specially configured for families at Angama Mara , then learn the art of keeping quiet as animals parade below in the Great Rift Valley. Days can begin with a hot air balloon ride or a game drive through the savannah to spy the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and end with parents at a sundowner and the littles in the Beading Studio. Maasai naturalists take everyone out on walking safaris, where they teach about medicinal plants on the escarpment and explain the relationship between the Maasai people and the wildlife that surrounds them. Come in July during the Great Migration, the largest land-based movement of animals (in this case, wildebeest and zebra) on the planet. Your kids will never see The Lion King with the same eyes again.

*Perfect for: big kids

Fly from the country’s capital of Lima to the Sacred Valley’s capital of Cusco, where you can ride on Paso horses through the Andean valley’s lush pathways. Dine at a working farm, called Hacienda Huayoccari , which has been run by the same family for 100 years, then spend the night at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas , the 17 th -century monastery-turned-hotel. Lazy tweens can take the luxe Hiram Bingham train all the way up to nearly 8,000 feet, or test their strength by disembarking at Km 104 and hiking up to enter Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun, just as the Incas did. Marvel at the citadel built into the steep slopes of the Andes, to this day their techniques and origin unknown. Then sleep above the clouds at Sanctuary Lodge , the Belmond property up there, and enter the 15 th -century UNESCO World Heritage Site before the crowds, with mostly only llamas in your company. Back in Cusco, tour the baroque churches and stay warm with hot chicha drinks, made from local corn. Can’t be bothered to book this all yourself? Blue Parallel can orchestrate the whole shebang, from flights to park permits.

The Adventure Trip

Adrenaline-pumping thrills to test their boundaries and spike their dopamine (in a good way).

Tossed into the North Atlantic just one degree below the Arctic Circle, this volcanic island of just 387,000 inhabitants feels like the best of far-flung New Zealand and the most exciting of snow-swept British Columbia. It’s also Scotland, Norway, Yellowstone, and Alaska, and all just a five-hour flight from the East Coast. The capital has been experiencing volcanic activity lately, so you may have to skip the best red-eye cure: A dip in the Blue Lagoon , a natural geothermal hot spring set conveniently between Reykjavik’s two airports and open at 8am. Either way, hop a flight to Akureyri, the second-most populous city in the country, and prepare to be awed by the vast mountain landscape of Deplar Farm . The grass-roofed wooden structure belies the luxury you’ll find within, including meals of local lamb and just-caught salmon prepared by Michelin-trained chefs. Included in every stay in summer is surfing, whale watching, fat-tire bike riding, hiking glaciers, lake fishing, and a peek at the single geothermal borehole that gives power to all 2700 residents of the Fljót Valley. Headed back toward the international airport, take the kids on a drive around the Golden Circle, a 190-mile loop of road that connects the geyser that literally gave all others their name (yes, it’s called Geysir) with Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of the Mid-Atlantic Rift (in which you can snorkel in dry suits), and the stunningly beautiful, 100-foot-tall Gullfoss waterfall.

You couldn’t possibly hit all the high-octane attractions in Costa Rica — the howler monkeys barking from the treetops of Tortuguero National Park, white-water rafting down the Pacuare River, zip-lining or horseback riding near the Arenal volcano, tapir- and ocelot-spotting on the Osa Peninsula—but if you pick two destinations in this bicoastal isthmus country, you’ll sneak a lot in. Park yourself first on the Osa Peninsula’s Cielo Lodge , a six-suite eco-lodge spread across 380 acres where guides will take you hiking through the rainforest to rushing waterfalls ripe for the jumping, get you catching waves on the second-longest left-hand break in the world, and frog-walking by moonlight. Then head up to Nayara Gardens , where the newly built Arenal Casitas come with private walled gardens and plunge pools surrounded by rain forest. From there, it’s an easy trek to go horseback riding at Arenal, ziplining in the cloud forest, and testing fate on an inflatable that takes you down class IV rapids. No kid comes home from Costa Rica without scheming a plan to return.

*Perfect for: all ages

Haters will hate, but there’s honestly no better way to tour the highlights of the largest state in the union than via cruise. To see it all, sign up for one of Oceania ’s Seattle-to-Seattle routes, each of which comes with an Alaska Explorer Youth Program that lets kids ages 5-12 head out with high-energy counselors and learn a little more about the 49 th state. But kids of all ages will start and end in Seattle, then cruise to ports like Ketchikan (ziplining!), Juneau (Mendenhall Glacier canoeing!), Sitka (sea kayaking and wave running!), and Victoria, British Columbia (bike tours!), but you can expand on this excursion by adding a pre- or post-cruise stay in Denali National Park, all stress-free and orchestrated by Oceania and including a four-hour scenic train ride into the interior and a hike to Denali’s Primrose Ridge with a naturalist who will explore the 10,000-years-long history of this Native American landscape. This is Alaska done right, trust us.

The Beach Trip

Heading out on a beach holiday doesn’t have to mean dumping the children in camp and working your way through the latest Plum Sykes novel.

West coasters have a straight shot to the Big Island, which offers about as far-flung a culture as you can find without needing to update your passport. There are tons to do outdoors—from surfing to exploring Volcanoes National Park to hiking through a lava tube—that will introduce your kids to the outer limits of Mother Nature’s wild imagination. The challenge will be picking a home base. There’s Mauna Kea Beach Hotel , which was originally built in 1965 by Laurance S. Rockefeller, and is the property that really put this destination on the map. Set on the Kohala Coast, the resort offers activities like lawn games and lei-making, an authentic luau with hula dancers, plus direct access to white-sand Kauna'oa Bay, where you can swim with the manta rays. Alternatively, snag a suite at the grand Mauna Lani , now part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, set in the middle of King Kamehameha’s royal fish ponds. Whichever you choose, carve out some time to learn to surf in Kona, visit a black sand beach like Punaluʻu, indulge in some shave ice at Ululani's , and just soak in all that untouched beauty. Now that's aloha.

It may be one of the most visited islands of Spain, but Americans typically never make it to this Balearic Island (though that’s changing with United Airlines’ new direct flights to Palma de Mallorca from JFK). There are plenty of family-friendly hotels on the sparkling beaches, but come summer they will likely be flooded with tourists. So instead book one of the new Garden Suites at Castell Son Claret , a 19th-century castle-turned-hotel with just 43 rooms, all set on 326 acres. Awaken to unimpeded views of the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountain range and a soundtrack of the braying sheep who will be neighbors for your stay. The Moorish architecture and glam jet-set design (not to mention the restaurant, Sa Clastra , run by native son Jordí Canto) will dazzle parents, while the pool (and those sheep) will keep the kids busy. Because the retreat is located in the middle of the island, it's an easy trek to one of the 20 hiking routes that wind through the terraced hills of the Tramuntanas (don't skip the adorable town of Valldemossa, ideal for that holiday card photo!), or down to beloved beaches like sandy Palmanova and the hidden cove of Cala Portals Vells. Don't miss that 13 th -century cathedral in Palma, or the chance to indulge in chef Santi Taura's prix fixe menu at Dins (we suggest hiring a sitter for this one).

This tiny islet in the Caribbean was first colonized by the Huguenots, and it still retains a très sophisticated French vibe. Little kids will love the gentle white-sand beaches, but this is a place for dining and shopping, too, so families with tweens and older are the best audience for this refined destination. Pack the D'Ascoli caftans and Vilebrequin trunks and book a villa through Le Barth Villa Rental , which gives you access to all the facilities—including the new kids club and the spa—at Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa . (Our pick: the 10-bedroom Villa Unik , designed by Philippe Starck.) Or go traditional and stay at the casual-chic Le Sereno , whose beachfront villas overlook the pristine Grand Cul de Sac sands. Book ahead for classic dining spots like the upscale Bonito and Hotel Eden Rock ’s Jean-Georges restaurant, but don’t skip local favorites either, like the laid-back Ti' Corail . Indulge in life’s simple pleasures, like perusing the fresh produce at Marché or the Gustavia fish market. Then splurge on mother-daughter outfits at Clic and swimsuits at Delfina for your journey to Anse du Gouverneur beach. The shells (and the memories) are gratis.

The Nature Trip

Two foolproof ways to inspire genuine awe in even the most jaded tween.

SWITZERLAND

Words can barely capture the magic of summertime in the Swiss Alps. There’s the chocolate and cheese, of course, but the infinite shades of green that blanket the mountains and pines, the jagged edges of the mountains that scrape the sky, and the intimate connection to the environment that locals have (and happily share) will turn even the most jaded outdoors adventurer into a Swissophile. Experience it all at Tschuggen Grand Hotel , an exceedingly modern retreat on the edges of the mountains that’s accessed by a private train only a child could dream up. (Seriously.) Summer is a season for biking and hiking, and even small limbs can make the trek to the Bergkirchli, a church from 1492, or make the sunrise climb to spot bears and birds. Imagine long, leisurely days that begin with a frigid mountain-lake swim and end with a delicious hot tub and—for Mom and Dad—a muscle-melting massage at the 54,000-square-foot Bergoase Spa, set beneath glass-and-steel “sails” that twinkle in the mountain light. A south-facing Junior Suite with a sun loggia is the ultimate spot for that much-deserved cup of hot cocoa.

Horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, oh my! Montana’s state tagline is “Get Lost,” and it’s possible to actually lose yourself in one of the nation's largest—and least populated—states, but it can be hard to narrow down precisely how. So park yourself for a week at the Resort at Paws Up , just outside the town of Greenough, and you’ll gain access to 37,000 acres and all the amenities of a traditional dude ranch, but at a seriously luxe level. Choose a kitted out two-bedroom glamping tent on the banks of the Blackfoot River or one of the mountain homes, and have the concierge orchestrate the Wild West week of your dreams, with activities ranging from survival training and pony rides for little kids to cattle herding and chuck wagon dinners for the older ones. Confident kids can also pave their own path on an ATV adventure or take aim at the shooting range, or just learn the patience it takes to catch trout with an expert. Don’t be surprised if your city rats long to be country mice once they’ve trotted on a trail in the shadow of those spectacular Bitterroot Mountains. This just may become the start of an annual tradition.

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} A Snob's Guide To... @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

A Snob's Guide to the French Riviera

A Snob's Guide to the World's Best Kids Clubs

How Eating in Beverly Hills Got Hip

A Snob's Guide to Palm Beach

A Snob's Guide to Cruising

A Snob's Guide to Cruising the Islands

A Snob's Guide to Mediterranean Cruises

A Snob's Guide to the River Cruise

A Snob's Guide to the White Glove Cruise

A Snob's Guide to Polar Cruises

A Snob’s Guide to Chicago

• International

The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

Consumers might be paying more than credit card perks are worth, officials say

Credit card holders could be paying more in fees and interest than their travel rewards and other perks are worth, Biden administration officials are arguing, raising scrutiny on loyalty programs that shape millions of people’s spending.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Department of Transportation held a joint hearing in Washington on Thursday that brought together representatives from airlines, financial institutions, unions and consumer advocacy groups to discuss whether new regulations are needed.

Regulators are looking into the promises made around sign-up bonuses, changes to point values, obstacles in redeeming points and loss of rewards when cards are closed. They’re especially focused on travel rewards, like those offered by airline-branded credit cards that let users rack up frequent flyer miles. Forty-one percent of Americans have travel rewards credit cards, according to a NerdWallet survey last year.

“We’re going to look into how we can make sure companies are being straightforward about what people will get from these frequent flyer miles or loyalty programs when they sign up, and whether people are actually getting the deal that they were promised,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at Thursday’s hearing.

The heightened scrutiny on credit card rewards is part of the White House’s broader crackdown on “junk fees” and other pricing practices , particularly in industries like financial services and airlines , that the administration sees as unfairly squeezing consumers and contributing to inflation.

In March, the CFPB lowered the late fees that credit card companies charge, drawing swift industry pushback . Two weeks ago, the Transportation Department said it would require airlines to quickly give cash refunds to passengers whose flights are canceled or seriously delayed.

The CFPB, with purview over financial institutions, has cracked down on banks for credit card sign-up bonuses before. Last July, it ordered Bank of America to pay more than $100 million for practices including withholding or denying bonus points to tens of thousands of consumers.

Federal regulators are now looking more closely at airline credit cards too. With annual fees as high as $650 and average interest rates of 25.3%, according to LendingTree , they can be much costlier than the average credit card, which in many cases have no annual fees and charge comparatively lower rates, averaging 24.7%.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra told NBC News prior to the hearing that federal authorities could consider regulations, or even law enforcement actions, if they determine companies are breaking their promises to consumers.

“We see that for many of these airline rewards programs, credit card companies are charging huge interest rates, sometimes 30% or more. And many consumers actually lose out on these deals. They may be paying way more than the value of the rewards that they accrue,” Chopra said.

Even if consumers are able to pay their bills on time and avoid interest payments, consumers have complained about restrictions on using the points they’ve accrued.

Buttigieg told NBC News ahead of Thursday’s hearing that he had concerns about “abrupt changes” in the value of points, given the airlines’ control over how many points a flight from, say, New York to Honolulu might cost.

Airlines for America, a coalition representing the nation’s largest airlines, said Thursday that there is “fierce competition” within the industry for credit card loyalty, adding that “consumers have the power of choice when picking a carrier for air travel or a credit card for spending, with a wide range of options, to pick what best fits their needs.”

The Electronic Payments Coalition, representing credit unions, community banks and payment card networks, points to CFPB data showing the value of rewards points has risen from an average 1.4 cents per dollar spent in 2019 to 1.6 cents in 2022. In a statement Thursday, the group described regulators’ scrutiny of credit card rewards as “politically motivated.”

Loyalty programs, which sell points back to consumers at prices they set, have been a big source of revenue for major airlines.

Delta Air Lines said it brought in $6.5 billion in revenue linked to its loyalty programs just last year, and American Airlines said 80% of its revenue this year will come from loyalty program members. When United Airlines pledged its entire loyalty program for a loan in 2020, it valued the asset at $21.9 billion.

Lauren Randall, who lives in Norwalk, Connecticut, told NBC News she recently applied for a travel credit card that offered 40,000 miles at sign-up, only to receive a promotion in the mail just hours later for the very same card offering 60,000 points. She said she called to see if she could receive the better promo but was denied, calling it a “bait and switch.”

“It feels like every year, either the seats get smaller, or the prices go up, or there’s some sort of excuse,” Randall said. “It would be great to hold these companies more accountable for the experience and what they promise.”

Brian Cheung is a business and data correspondent for NBC News.

Jessica Stanton is an NBC News producer.

Money blog: 'Loud budgeting' - The money-saving trend that has nothing to do with giving up your daily coffee

Created accidentally by a comedian, "loud budgeting" is breaking down the taboo of speaking about money. Read this and the rest of our Weekend Money features, and leave a comment, and we'll be back with rolling personal finance and consumer news on Monday.

Saturday 11 May 2024 09:05, UK

Weekend Money

• 'Loud budgeting': The money-saving trend that has nothing to do with giving up your daily coffee
• What is most in-demand period property?
• £12m tea advert, downsizing, £320 tasting menus and job interview mistakes: What readers have said this week
• Free childcare applications about to open for new age band
• Where has huge week for UK economy left us?

Best of the week

• How to avoid a holiday data roaming charge (while still using the internet)
• Mortgage rates up again this week - here are the best deals on the market
• My daughter discovered undeclared £600 management fee after buying her flat - can we complain?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

By Jess Sharp , Money team 

Money saving trends are constantly popping up on social media - but one in particular has been gaining huge amounts of attention.

Created accidentally by a comedian, loud budgeting is breaking down the taboo of speaking about money.

The idea is based on being firmer/more vocal about your financial boundaries in social situations and setting out what you are happy to spend your money on, instead of "Keeping up with the Joneses". 

On TikTok alone, videos published under the hashtag #loudbudgeting have garnered more than 30 million views - and that figure is continuing to climb. 

We spoke to Lukas Battle - the 26-year-old who unintentionally created the trend as part of a comedy sketch. 

Based in New York, he came up with the term in a skit about the "quiet luxury" hype, which had spread online in 2023 inspired by shows like Succession. 

The term was used for humble bragging about your wealth with expensive items that were subtle in their design - for example, Gwyneth Paltrow's  £3,900 moss green wool coat from The Row, which she wore during her ski resort trial...

"I was never a big fan of the quiet luxury trend, so I just kind of switched the words and wrote 'loud budgeting is in'. I'm tired of spending money and I don't want to pretend to be rich," Lukas said. 

"That's how it started and then the TikTok comments were just obsessed with that original idea." 

This was the first time he mentioned it...

Lukas explained that it wasn't about "being poor" but about not being afraid of sharing your financial limits and "what's profitable for you personally". 

"It's not 'skip a coffee a day and you'll become a millionaire'."

While talking money has been seen as rude or taboo, he said it's something his generation is more comfortable doing. 

"I've seen more debate around the topic and I think people are really intrigued and attracted by the idea," he said. 

"It's just focusing your spending and time on things you enjoy and cutting out the things you might feel pressured to spend your money on."  

He has incorporated loud budgeting into his own life, telling his friends "it's free to go outside" and opting for cheaper dinner alternatives.

"Having the terminology and knowing it's a trend helps people understand it and there's no awkward conversation around it," he said. 

The trend has been a big hit with so-called American "finfluencers", or "financial influencers", but people in the UK have started practising it as well. 

Mia Westrap has taken up loud budgeting by embarking on a no-buy year and sharing her finances with her 11.3k TikTok followers. 

Earning roughly £2,100 a month, she spends around £1,200 on essentials, like rent, petrol and car insurance, but limits what else she can purchase. 

Clothes, fizzy drinks, beauty treatments, makeup, dinners out and train tickets are just some things on her "red list". 

The 26-year-old PHD student first came across the idea back in 2017, but decided to take up the challenge this year after realising she was living "pay check to pay check". 

She said her "biggest fear" in the beginning was that her friends wouldn't understand what she was doing, but she found loud budgeting helped. 

"I'm still trying my best to just go along with what everyone wants to do but I just won't spend money while we do it and my friends don't mind that, we don't make a big deal out of it," she said. 

So far, she has been able to save £1,700, and she said talking openly about her money has been "really helpful". 

"There's no way I could have got this far if I wasn't baring my soul to the internet about the money I have spent. It has been a really motivating factor."

Financial expert John Webb said loud budgeting has the ability to help many "feel empowered" and create a "more realistic" relationship with money.

"This is helping to normalise having open and honest conversations about finances," the consumer affair manager at Experien said. 

"It can also reduce the anxiety some might have by keeping their financial worries to themselves." 

However, he warned it's important to be cautious and to take the reality of life into consideration. 

"It could cause troubles within friendship groups if they're not on the same page as you or have different financial goals," he said.

"This challenge isn't meant to stop you from having fun, but it is designed to help people become more conscious and intentional when it comes to money, and reduce the stigma around talking about it." 

Rightmove's keyword tool shows Victorian-era houses are the most commonly searched period properties, with people drawn to their ornate designs and features.

Georgian and Edwardian-style are second and third respectively, followed by Tudor properties. Regency ranked in fifth place.

Rightmove property expert Tim Bannister said: "Home hunters continue to be captivated by the character and charm of properties that we see in period dramas.

"Victorian homes remain particularly popular, characterised by their historic charm, solid construction, and spacious interiors. You'll often find Victorian houses in some of the most desirable locations which include convenient access to schools and transport links."

Throughout the week Money blog readers have shared their thoughts on the stories we've been covering, with the most correspondence coming in on...

• A hotly contested debate on the best brand of tea
• Downsizing homes
• The cost of Michelin-starred food

Job interview mistakes

On Wednesday we reported on a new £12m ad from PG Tips in response to it falling behind rivals such as Twinings, Yorkshire Tea and Tetley....

We had lots of comments like this...

How on earth was the PG Tips advert so expensive? I prefer Tetley tea, PG Tips is never strong enough flavour for me. Shellyleppard

The reason for the sales drop with PG Tips could be because they increased the price and reduced the quantity of bags from 240 to 180 - it's obvious. Royston

And then this question which we've tried to answer below...

Why have PG Tips changed from Pyramid shape tea bags, to a square? Sam

Last year PG Tips said it was changing to a square bag that left more room for leaves to infuse, as the bags wouldn't fold over themselves.

We reported on data showing how downsizing could save you money for retirement - more than £400,000, in some regions, by swapping four beds for two.

Some of our readers shared their experiences...

We are downsizing and moving South so it's costing us £100k extra for a smaller place, all money from retirement fund. AlanNorth

Interesting read about downsizing for retirement. We recently did this to have the means to retire early at 52. However, we bought a house in the south of France for the price of a flat in our town in West Sussex. Now living the dream! OliSarah

How much should we pay for food?

Executive chef at London's two-Michelin-starred Ikoyi, Jeremy Chan, raised eyebrows when he suggested to the Money blog that Britons don't pay enough for restaurant food.

Ikoyi, the 35th best restaurant in the world, charges £320 for its tasting menu. 

"I don't think people pay enough money for food, I think we charge too little, [but] we want to always be accessible to as many people as possible, we're always trying our best to do that," he said, in a piece about his restaurant's tie up with Uber Eats... 

We had this in... 

Are they serious? That is two weeks' worth of food shopping for me, if the rich can afford this "tasting menu" then they need to be taxed even more by the government, it's just crazy! Steve T

If the rate of pay is proportionate to the vastly overpriced costs of the double Michelin star menu, I would gladly peel quail eggs for four-hour stints over continuing to be abused as a UK supply teacher. AndrewWard

Does this two-star Michelin star chef live in the real world? Who gives a toss if he stands and peels his quails eggs for four hours, and he can get the best turbot from the fishmonger fresh on a daily basis? It doesn't justify the outrageous price he is charging for his tasting menu. Topaztraveller

Chefs do make me laugh, a steak is just a steak, they don't make the meat! They just cook it like the rest of us, but we eat out because we can't be bothered cooking! StevieGrah

Finally, many of you reacted to this feature on common mistakes in job interviews...

Those 10 biggest mistakes people make in interviews is the dumbest thing I've ever read. They expect all that and they'll be offering a £25k a year job. Why wouldn't I want to know about benefits and basic sick pay? And also a limp handshake? How's that relevant to how you work? Jre90

Others brought their own tips...

Whenever I go for an interview I stick to three points: 1. Be yourself 2. Own the interview 3. Wear the clothes that match the job you are applying Kevin James Blakey

From Sunday, eligible working parents of children from nine-months-old in England will be able to register for access to up to 15 free hours of government-funded childcare per week.

This will then be granted from September. 

Check if you're eligible  here  - or read on for our explainer on free childcare across the UK.

Three and four year olds

In England, all parents of children aged three and four in England can claim 15 hours of free childcare per week, for 1,140 hours (38 weeks) a year, at an approved provider.

This is a universal offer open to all.

It can be extended to 30 hours where both parents (or the sole parent) are in work, earn the weekly minimum equivalent of 16 hours at the national minimum or living wage, and have an income of less than £100,000 per year.

Two year olds

Previously, only parents in receipt of certain benefits were eligible for 15 hours of free childcare.

But, as of last month, this was extended to working parents.

This is not a universal offer, however.

A working parent must earn more than £8,670 but less than £100,000 per year. For couples, the rule applies to both parents.

Nine months old

In September, this same 15-hour offer will be extended to working parents of children aged from nine months. From 12 May, those whose children will be at least nine months old on 31 August can apply to received the 15 hours of care from September.

From September 2025

The final change to the childcare offer in England will be rolled out in September 2025, when eligible working parents of all children under the age of five will be able to claim 30 hours of free childcare a week.

In some areas of Wales, the Flying Start early years programme offers 12.5 hours of free childcare for 39 weeks, for eligible children aged two to three. The scheme is based on your postcode area, though it is currently being expanded.

All three and four-year-olds are entitled to free early education of 10 hours per week in approved settings during term time under the Welsh government's childcare offer.

Some children of this age are entitled to up to 30 hours per week of free early education and childcare over 48 weeks of the year. The hours can be split - but at least 10 need to be used on early education.

To qualify for this, each parent must earn less than £100,000 per year, be employed and earn at least the equivalent of working 16 hours a week at the national minimum wage, or be enrolled on an undergraduate, postgraduate or further education course that is at least 10 weeks in length.

All three and four-year-olds living in Scotland are entitled to at least 1,140 hours per year of free childcare, with no work or earnings requirements for parents. 

This is usually taken as 30 hours per week over term time (38 weeks), though each provider will have their own approach.

Some households can claim free childcare for two-year-olds. To be eligible you have to be claiming certain benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit, or have a child that is in the care of their local council or living with you under a guardianship order or kinship care order.

Northern Ireland

There is no scheme for free childcare in Northern Ireland. Some other limited support is available.

Working parents can access support from UK-wide schemes such as tax credits, Universal Credit, childcare vouchers and tax-free childcare.

Aside from this, all parents of children aged three or four can apply for at least 12.5 hours a week of funded pre-school education during term time. But over 90% of three-year-olds have a funded pre-school place - and of course this is different to childcare.

What other help could I be eligible for?

Tax-free childcare  - Working parents in the UK can claim up to £500 every three months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of their children to help with childcare costs. 

If the child is disabled, the amount goes up to £1,000 every three months (up to £4,000 a year).

To claim the benefit, parents will need to open a tax-free childcare account online. For every 80p paid into the account, the government will top it up by 20p.

The scheme is available until the September after the child turns 11.

Universal credit  - Working families on universal credit can claim back up to 85% of their monthly childcare costs, as long as the care is paid for upfront. The most you can claim per month is £951 for one child or £1,630 for two or more children.

Tax credits -  People claiming working tax credit can get up to 70% of what they pay for childcare if their costs are no more than £175 per week for one child or £300 per work for multiple children.

Two big economic moments dominated the news agenda in Money this week - interest rates and GDP.

As expected, the Bank of England held the base rate at 5.25% on Wednesday - but a shift in language was instructive about what may happen next.

Bank governor Andrew Bailey opened the door to a summer cut to 5%, telling reporters that an easing of rates at the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting on 20 June was neither ruled out nor a fait accompli.

More surprisingly, he suggested that rate cuts, when they start, could go deeper "than currently priced into market rates".

He refused to be drawn on what that path might look like - but markets had thought rates could bottom out at 4.5% or 4.75% this year, and potentially 3.5% or 4% next.

"To make sure that inflation stays around the 2% target - that inflation will neither be too high nor too low - it's likely that we will need to cut Bank rate over the coming quarters and make monetary policy somewhat less restrictive over the forecast period," Mr Bailey said.

You can read economics editor Ed Conway's analysis of the Bank's decision here ...

On Friday we discovered the UK is no longer in recession.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6% between January and March, the Office for National Statistics said.

This followed two consecutive quarters of the economy shrinking.

The data was more positive than anticipated.

"Britain is not just out of recession," wrote Conway. "It is out of recession with a bang."

The UK has seen its fastest growth since the tailend of the pandemic - and Conway picked out three other reasons for optimism.

1/ An economic growth rate of 0.6% is near enough to what economists used to call "trend growth". It's the kind of number that signifies the economy growing at more or less "normal" rates.

2/ 0.6% means the UK is, alongside Canada, the fastest-growing economy in the G7 (we've yet to hear from Japan, but economists expect its economy to contract in the first quarter).

3/ Third, it's not just gross domestic product that's up. So too is gross domestic product per head - the number you get when you divide our national income by every person in the country. After seven years without any growth, GDP per head rose by 0.4% in the first quarter.

GDP per head is a more accurate yardstick for the "feelgood factor", said Conway - perhaps meaning people will finally start to feel better off.

For more on where Friday's figures leaves us, listen to an Ian King Business Podcast special...

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money .

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Emily Mee, Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young and Ollie Cooper, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

If you've missed any of the features we've been running in Money this year, or want to check back on something you've previously seen in the blog, this archive of our most popular articles may help...

Loaves of bread have been recalled from shelves in Japan after they were found to contain the remains of a rat.

Production of the bread in Tokyo has been halted after parts of a "small animal" were found by at least two people.

Pasco Shikishima Corp, which produces the bread, said 104,000 packages have been recalled as it apologised and promised compensation.

A company representative told Sky News's US partner network, NBC News, that a "small black rat" was found in the bread. No customers were reported to have fallen ill as a result of ingesting the contaminated bread.

"We deeply apologise for the serious inconvenience and trouble this has caused to our customers, suppliers, and other concerned parties," the spokesman said.

Pasco added in a separate statement that "we will do our utmost to strengthen our quality controls so that this will never happen again. We ask for your understanding and your co-operation."

Japanese media reports said at least two people who bought the bread in the Gunma prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, complained to the company about finding a rodent in the bread.

Record levels of shoplifting appear to be declining as fewer shopkeepers reported thefts last year, new figures show. 

A survey by the Office for National Statistics shows 26% of retailers experienced customer theft in 2023, down from a record high of 28% in 2022.

This comes despite a number of reports suggesting shoplifting is becoming more frequent. 

A  separate ONS finding , which used police crime data, showed reports of shoplifting were at their highest level in 20 years in 2023, with law enforcements logging 430,000 instances of the crime.

Let's get you up to speed on the biggest business news of the past 24 hours. 

A privately owned used-car platform is circling Cazoo Group, its stricken US-listed rival, which is on the brink of administration.

Sky News has learnt that Motors.co.uk is a leading contender to acquire Cazoo's marketplace operation, which would include its brand and intellectual property assets.

The process to auction the used-car platform's constituent parts comes after it spent tens of millions of pounds on sponsorship deals in football, snooker and darts in a rapid attempt to gain market share.

The owner of British Airways has reported a sharp rise in profits amid soaring demand for trips and a fall in the cost of fuel.

International Airlines Group said its operating profit for the first three months of the year was €68m (£58.5m) - above expectations and up from €9m (£7.7m) during the same period in 2023.

The company, which also owns Aer Lingus, Iberia and Vueling, said earnings had soared thanks to strong demand, particularly over the Easter holidays.

The prospect of a strike across Tata Steel's UK operations has gained further traction after a key union secured support for industrial action.

Community, which has more than 3,000 members, said 85% voted in favour of fighting the India-owned company's plans for up to 2,800 job losses, the majority of them at the country's biggest steelworks in Port Talbot, South Wales.

Tata confirmed last month it was to press ahead with the closure of the blast furnaces at the plant, replacing them with electric arc furnaces to reduce emissions and costs.

In doing so, the company rejected an alternative plan put forward by the Community, GMB and Unite unions that, they said, would raise productivity and protect jobs across the supply chain.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Top Things to Do in Mytishchi, Russia

Places to visit in mytishchi.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Fest Mytishchi Drama and Comedy Theater

2. Kva-Kva Park

3. Mytishchi Park of Culture and Leisure

4. Moscow Brewing Company

5. Mytischi Historical Art Museum

6. Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin

7. Ice Palace Arena Mytischi

8. Touching Zoo White Kangaroo

9. Ognivo Mytishchi Municipal Puppet Theater

10. Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God

11. Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ

12. Petrushkina Sloboda

13. Mytishi Art Gallery

14. Monument to Plane Po-2

15. AV-Park

16. Don Temple

18. Mytishhi Museum of Conservation

19. Zamania

20. XL Family Outlet

21. Perlovskiy Park

22. Monument Self-Propelled Gun ZSU-23-4 Shilka

23. Monument Samovar

24. Brigantina Swimming Pool

25. Museum of Einstein

26. Church of St. Nicholas

27. Temple of the Introductions of the Blessed Virgin

28. Sculpture of Street Sweeper

29. Temple of the Healer Panteleimon

Mytischi Historical Art Museum

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Mytischi Historical Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Wed - Wed 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Thu - Thu 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Fri - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• (0.32 mi) Delta
• (0.89 mi) Lecco Hotel
• (7.56 mi) Park Inn by Radisson Izmailovo Moscow
• (7.25 mi) D'Hotel
• (9.04 mi) Hotel Moscow Krasnoselskaya
• (0.11 mi) Miraclub
• (0.15 mi) Grand Uryuk
• (0.28 mi) Burger King
• (0.28 mi) Trattoria61
• (0.30 mi) Starbucks