Travel with Ease with the Best Portable Folding High Chair

Traveling has a way of altering our routine, but traveling with children poses a different challenge altogether as it can disrupt their routine as well. With children, eating and sleeping are two core areas where stability is needed.

When on the road, familiarity isn't the easiest thing to achieve; however, you can help your child by giving them the best comfort possible. This guide will show you all you need to know before buying portable folding high chairs.

What makes portable high chairs unique?

Portable high chairs are seats that you can carry along with you on trips and outings for feeding your child and keeping them contained when necessary. Because babies are used to having a high chair at home, having a portable one makes it easier for them to be comfortable and adapt when traveling. And, although portable high chairs are designed for travel, they are also very easy to use and store at home, especially if you're short on space.

What are the types of portable high chairs?

There are three main types of portable high chairs. Here's the breakdown:

Hook-on high chairs

These types of chairs are connected to the side of the table. They are ideal for use once a baby is comfortable with sitting upright, and they can generally hold up to 35 pounds or so.

Booster seats

As you'd guess from the name, booster seats help boost your child to be at the same height as the other people at the table when sitting in a standard chair. These are usually for children who are beginning to eat at the same table - not on a tray - but just aren't tall enough. You can keep using the seat at the table for children who are up to 50 pounds.

Standard high chairs

Standard high chairs are stand-alone chairs with comfortable seats and a feeding tray. These are designed for babies, usually up to 30 to 50 pounds, and can be easily tailored to any need by adjusting the height, tray, or angle. Standard high chairs are also perfect for bringing up to a table so your baby has a seat nearby to eat or play at.

Tips for choosing a folding high chair

When selecting a portable folding high chair for your child, there are certain things you should never forget:

Size

Portable folding high chairs come in a variety of styles, and therefore a variety of sizes. Some fold into pieces, some flat in half, and some collapse like a camping chair. Be sure to get a chair that is a suitable size to fit your baby comfortably, and see which folds down to the smallest size. Typically, the bulkier chairs can only fold so small while the camping-style chairs can be pretty compact.

Type

Size and type of chair go hand in hand, so it only makes sense to consider the type of high chair as well. Will you be using the chair for outdoor activities? Or will it be an indoor chair that is easy to travel with? Depending on the type, there are different materials that are used and they won't all fold the same. Most folding indoor high chairs fold flat, whereas ones designed for outdoor use fold into a tube-like style.

Child safety

This should be a top priority. You should confirm the safety features that come with a particular product type before deciding. Most high chairs have either a three-point or five-point harness; some babies do better in one more than the other, so be sure to check which type of harness the high chair has before buying. Some may not even have one at all, but this is less common.

Maintenance and cleaning

Another vital factor to consider is the ease of cleaning the seat. In a situation where your child is eating, there is bound to be spillage. Therefore, you'll need to find a chair that can be cleaned efficiently and comes in a material that can be easily removed and washed. Removable trays and wipeable or machine-washable fabric are musts.

Chair portability

If you’re looking for a portable folding high chair, chances are you have an activity or trip in mind that you’d like to bring your baby along for. Some folding high chairs can easily be brought on a plane, but others not so much. At the same time, some are more suited for outdoor activities. Convenience and portability are two vital factors that should influence your choice.

How easy is it to use?

Another factor to consider is the ease of using the chair. Consider if the chair attaches easily. There are many different ways these chairs could fold down and get set up, from simply folding in half to extending all the legs. You can quickly tell if the process is easy from customer reviews. You certainly do not need a time-consuming installation process, especially if you need to rush to feed your child.

Presence of seat belts

Ensure that the folding chair comes with a seatbelt that has a portion that comes up between your baby's legs. A three-point or five-point harness is crucial in giving you peace of mind when it comes to keeping your baby secure in the seat. A three-point harness will stop them from sliding out of the seat, and a five-point harness will stop them from leaning too far over the side of the chair.

Wheels

Wheels make it handy for you to roll the chair to the closest closet to be stored when not in use. They're also great for moving your baby around while they're in the chair. Just be sure that the wheels have a locking mechanism for added safety.

Recline and adjustment features

Some parents prefer starting their children on the high chair even before they clock four months. The easiest way to achieve this is if the chair can recline. Also, you will want to make sure the height or footrest can be adjusted as well. If the chair has a few positions for your baby to sit in comfortably, it will last longer and be a more worthwhile investment.

Dishwasher safe trays

Some parents prefer to remove the tray and put it in a dishwasher for cleaning. Others do not mind washing it by hand. Cleaning with a wet cloth or in the sink shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal preferences.

FAQs

Q: Where can I use my portable high chair?

A: You can use your portable high chair if you travel with your baby or even just when camping or taking your baby on an outdoor outing. There are many uses for a portable folding high chair. Some people even use them at home just because they are convenient to store away.

Q: How safe are hook-on chairs?

A: These chairs are safe as long as you keep to the maximum weight restrictions of the manufacturer. Ensure that the clamp is well fastened and do not use a hook-on chair on top of glass tables. Also, confirm if all the straps are properly secured.

Q: What is the ideal age for a baby to sit in a high chair?

A: A baby may begin using a high chair as soon as they can sit up without being aided. Most babies will start experiencing this as soon as they are around six or nine months. Babies and toddlers can sit in a high chair for practically any period of time, up to 3 years old.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect high chair for your baby shouldn't be too difficult if you follow the tips in this guide. Note that the tips outlined here are a product of research and feedback from previous users and testing of the products.