Traveling without your own high chair can be a bit of a gamble.
It’s possible to book an Airbnb that includes one, and some restaurants will provide them for you.
However, you can’t always rely on one being available, and they’re not always the cleanest or most comfortable option.
We’ve had accommodation that stated a high chair was included, only to show up and find none available.
Luckily there is a huge range of lightweight, travel high chairs available. We’ve pulled together the best options for every situation.
Our Top 8 Choices For Best Travel High Chairs For 2024
1. Best booster seat high chair – Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable Booster
The Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable Booster’s simple folding design, removable tray, and convenient carry bag make it great for quick and easy meals on the go.
This chair can be used for both indoor and outdoor meals, since it can be used on its own or strapped to a regular dining chair.
At just 4.2 pounds, the Pop and Sit is lightweight and portable enough to take with you just about anywhere.
When folded up, it’s compact enough to fit in a suitcase, and takes up very little space in the trunk of your car–perfect for taking with you to the park or beach.
Suitable for: 6 months to 37 pounds
What we like:
- We love that the Pop and Sit can be used on its own or strapped it to a regular chair. This makes it perfect for traveling, since you may not always know when and where you’ll be eating.
- The detachable tray is dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup quick and easy.
- The chair is super sturdy and durable compared to most other travel high chairs. This is part of why it’s so great for outdoor use.
What we don’t like:
- The straps for your baby’s waist are sewn too low on the chair, which makes the harness less secure. This isn’t a huge deal when the chair is on the ground, but when it’s strapped to an adult chair, it could present a safety issue.
- While we love that the tray is dishwasher safe, the seat itself is spot clean only.
The Pop and Sit is a great option if you’re looking for a portable, lightweight travel high chair that’s versatile and sturdy and can be used in a variety of settings.
2. Best hook-on high chair – Inglesina Fast Table Chair
The Inglesina Fast Table Chair is our favorite hook-on chair for travel. It weighs only 4.2 pounds, folds flat, and comes with a carry bag. The chair’s tight-twist couplings attach to tables up to 3.5 inches thick.
It’s easy to transport and will easily fit in your luggage. Since it’s designed to hook directly onto tables, it doesn’t have a dining tray attached, so it takes up very little space (although you can purchase an attachable tray with a cup holder separately).
The chair is designed to safely hold babies up to 37 pounds. The firm, yet cushioned seat and lifted backrest make it pretty comfy for your baby. It also has a thick velcro strap to keep your little one tucked in and secure.
Suitable for: 6 months to 37 pounds
What we like:
- The Inglesina Fast doesn’t require a dining tray and folds flat, making it super lightweight and compact.
- The chair’s travel carry bag is sewn directly into the chair’s fabric, underneath the seat. That means it’s almost impossible to lose.
- It comes with a removable, hand-washable cover, and a rear pocket for storing things.
What we don’t like:
- Although the chair is pretty easy to assemble, it does take a little while to attach, depending on the thickness of the table you’re hooking it to. This can be a pain if you don’t have a lot of time to eat.
Overall, if portability is your top priority and you’ll mostly be eating indoors during your trip, we definitely recommend checking out the Inglesina Fast. Not only is it lightweight and collapsible, but your little one is sure to love sitting high up at the table with you during meal times.
3. Best wrap-style high chair – My Little Seat Travel High Chair
If you’re looking for something ultra lightweight, portable, and compact that you can throw in your diaper bag, carry on, or backpack, the My Little Seat Travel High Chair is a great choice.
Wrap-style high chairs like this one are nice for traveling because they’re made almost entirely out of fabric, weigh almost nothing (the My Little Seat weighs just 9.9 ounces), and fold down to the size of a diaper.
Sometimes it can feel like you’re compromising safety and durability when you opt for something so lightweight and portable, but the My Little Seat comes with a 5-point harness to keep your little one safe and secure and is sewn with reinforced fabric and seams.
It fits securely around most chairs, and the harness does a great job of holding your baby in place without restricting their movement too much.
Suitable for: 6 months to 35 pounds
What we like:
- The My Little Seat is the most compact and lightweight high chair we’ve included in this guide. It couldn’t be easier to fold up and tote around with you, and even fits in most purses.
- The entire chair is machine washable, which is an awesome feature since spills and messes are bound to happen.
- It folds up super compactly into its convenient carry bag.
What we don’t like:
- Since there’s no booster, your baby may not be tall enough to fully see over (and reach) the table. One solution is to place a booster underneath the My Little Seat, but you’ll want to make sure that both are properly secured to the chair.
- It doesn’t fit over chairs with really high backs. However, it fits most standard dining chairs or chairs you would find in a restaurant just fine.
Overall, this wrap-style high chair is a great option for traveling! It’s so lightweight and portable that you’ll barely even notice it in your diaper bag or carry on.
4. Best travel high chair for toddlers – Munchkin Brica GoBoost Travel Booster Seat
The Munchkin Brica GoBoost Travel Booster Seat is our top choice for parents traveling with toddlers. It only weighs 2.5 pounds and is pretty easy to transport, and can accommodate kids up to 50 pounds.
It has a durable frame and thick straps that attach to most dining chairs. We also like that it has traction pads that grip onto the chair it’s sitting on, which adds stability and keeps your toddler from sliding around.
The booster has some awesome features for traveling, including an under-seat storage compartment where you can keep bottles, diapers, baby wipes, napkins, and other baby travel gear. It also folds down into itself and has a built-in carry strap.
Suitable for: 1 year to 50 pounds
What we like:
- The GoBoost is super sturdy and safe for babies and toddlers, but light and portable enough to easily fit in your suitcase.
- It couldn’t be quicker and easier to set up. You just have to strap the seat to a chair, unfold it, and buckle your little one in.
- The carry strap and extra storage are awesome for traveling! The GoBoost basically doubles as a small diaper bag when you’re not using it as a booster seat.
What we don’t like:
- The biggest drawback of this booster is definitely the belt. Although the seat fastens super securely to almost any chair, the safety straps are pretty small and the belt sits fairly low on bigger toddlers. You’ll want to keep one eye on them and make sure they don’t wriggle out.
All in all, the GoBoost is great for on-the-go meals with your little one, and the fact that it accommodates toddlers up to 50 pounds means you’ll be able to use it for awhile.
If for any reason you can’t find any of the highchairs we’ve discussed above, the following options are all still good choices.
5. Chicco Caddy Hook-On Chair
The Chicco Caddy Hook-On Chair is another good hook-on style. Like the Inglesina Fast, the Chicco Caddy attaches to nearly any table and allows your little one to sit higher up, using the table’s surface rather than a dining tray.
At 7 pounds, it’s a little heavier than other options, but this chair folds flat for easy transportation and storage. The nylon seat is super easy to wipe clean, and the rubber table grips don’t damage or mark tables.
Suitable for: 6 months to 37 pounds
What we like:
- It’s super easy to keep clean! You can simply wipe it down with a baby wipe or damp cloth. For a thorough clean, the fabric can also be removed and hand-washed.
- It’s pretty easy to assemble, set up, and fold down.
What we don’t like:
- The metal arms that attach the chair to the table are pretty long, so it’s not the best option for smaller tables.
6. Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair
The Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a full-feature option that’s still compact enough for travel.
The SpaceSaver has many of the same features you’ll get with a standard, full-sized high chair, but it’s about half the size. It comes with a full-sized, dishwasher-safe dining tray, adjustable straps and height, and a reclining seat (which is great for infants).
Suitable for: Newborns (when the chair is in the reclined position) to 50 pounds
What we like:
- The back of the seat and the tray are removable. If you take these pieces off, the seat functions as a toddler booster seat.
- The 5-point harness is super adjustable, and the seat has plenty of cushioning to keep your little one safe and secure.
What we don’t like:
- Since the seat isn’t vinyl or plastic, you’ll have to wash it more often than you would other chairs.
- It weighs 7 pounds. Given all the added features, this isn’t too bad, but it’s definitely heavier than some other options.
7. Phil&teds Lobster High Chair
Another hook-on option to consider is the Phil&teds Lobster High Chair. This chair has super strong “lobster claws” with rubber grips that attach to just about any table and keep your little one secure while they eat, without requiring much space on the table.
The harness is super strong and secure, and the chair comes with a dishwasher-safe dining tray. It’s also super easy to set up and fold down, and comes with a carry bag, which is nice for eating on-the-go and transporting with your luggage.
Suitable for: 6 months to 37 pounds
What we like:
- It’s pretty lightweight at only 3.8 pounds. It’s also really compact (both folded and unfolded), which is nice when you have limited space.
- It works really well for camping, since it can be easily attached to a picnic table and is super easy to clean.
What we don’t like:
- It’s not recommended for use on pedestal tables. This can be kind of a bummer when you’re traveling, since you don’t necessarily know what kind of table to expect in a cafe or restaurant.
8. Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair
If you’re looking for something that works for outdoor use, the Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair is perfect for camping, barbecuing, picnicking, or trips to the beach. The chair’s fabric is super durable and easy to clean, and it comes with a vinyl tray cover with a cup holder.
It’s quick and easy to fold and unfold, and locks into place so you’re little one will be safe and secure. The chair also comes with a carry bag.
Suitable for: 3 months to 50 pounds
What we like:
- It’s super convenient to use and clean. The chair folds and unfolds in seconds, and the fabric and dining tray can be easily wiped down.
- This is a great chair to use not just for eating, but during outdoor activities in general. It looks like a regular camping chair, but the harness ensures your baby will be safe and secure while they sit and play with toys or enjoy the outdoors.
What we don’t like:
- At 8 pounds, it’s a little heavier than some other options.
Whatever travel high chair you choose, you’ll want to make sure it’s safe, reliable, and meets your individual needs.
In addition to your child’s age and size, it’s helpful to think about where and how often you’re likely to use the chair, how much room it will take up in your luggage, and how often you’ll have to clean it.
Other items to bring to make meal time easier when traveling
Depending on what travel high chair you decide on, there are a few other items you might want to think about bringing along for meals (and most of them don’t take up much space).
A silicone placemat
If you have a booster seat, hook-on high chair, or other seat that doesn’t come with a built-in dining tray, you may want to consider bringing a silicone placemat to protect the table or other eating surface.
These placemats stick to any non-wooden table, and catch any food or liquid that falls out of your little one’s bowl, spoon, or mouth. They also roll up so you can easily store them in your diaper bag.
Silicone bibs
If your baby usually uses a cloth bib at home, you might want to think about switching it out for a silicone one for traveling, as they’re way easier to clean on the go.
An alternative option is to bring disposable paper bibs, and simply toss them in the recycling or trash when your little one’s done eating. Silicone bibs work great, though, and you can use them over and over again.
Suction baby bowls
Let’s face it: it’s not unusual for more baby food to end up on the table or floor than in your little one’s belly. Throwing their food is one way babies learn that they can affect their environment and get your attention. Suction baby bowls stick to the table, and stop your little one from picking up their bowl during meal times and turning it upside down.
Keep in mind that, like silicone placemats, these bowls don’t stick to wooden tables. They’ll stick to any plastic surface or tray, though, and can really help limit messes.
Do you need to bring a portable high chair?
Whether or not you need to bring a travel high chair on your trip really depends on where you’re going, how often you think you’ll use it, and how much extra space you have in your luggage.
If you’re going to be eating at restaurants most of the time, you might be able to get away with using the high chairs provided. However, you can’t always rely on one being available, and they’re not always the cleanest or most comfortable option.
Depending on the type you choose, a portable high chair doesn’t have to take up a lot of space or add a lot of weight to your luggage.
After all, a lot of travel high chairs only weigh two or three pounds (like the Minchin GoBoost or the Phil&teds Lobster chair) and many fold flat for convient storage in your suitcase.
Plus, having the right chair for your little one’s age and weight will ensure that they always have a comfortable, clean, and safe place to sit while they eat.
Types of travel high chairs
There are three general types of travel high chairs: booster seats, wrap-style seats, and hook-on chairs.
It’s also worth noting that “travel” high chairs and “portable” high chairs are the same thing.
Booster seats
Booster seats give your little one a “boost” in a regular chair, allowing them to sit at the table with you. Some booster seats are also designed with extendable legs to stand on their own.
Booster seats, like the Summer Infant Pop, are super convenient and easy to use.
Generally, all you need to do is strap the booster to the back of a regular chair, and it’s ready to go. Some booster seats also come with a 5-point harness to keep your little one secure.
Booster seats are great for travel because of how quick and easy they are to use, but they tend to be a bit bulkier than other types of travel high chairs.
Wrap-style seats
Also sometimes called “harnesses,” wrap-style chairs are extremely lightweight and portable. Because they can be folded down to the size of a diaper, many parents love them for traveling.
Wrap-style chairs, like the My Little Seat, have fabric covers that you pull over the back of a regular chair. Some wrap-style high chairs can also double as carriers, which is a pretty awesome feature for traveling.
The downside of wrap-style chairs is that they generally don’t provide any added height (or boost) for your little one. That said, you really can’t beat how lightweight and portable they are.
Hook-on chairs
Hook-on high chairs are another great option for traveling, as they are generally collapsible, lightweight, and often come with a carry bag.
This type of chair comes with rubber clamps that attach to the edge of a table. One benefit of this feature is that it allows your baby to be positioned at the appropriate height for the table without the need for a booster. This is especially nice for travel, since boosters can add a fair amount of bulk to a high chair.
However, keep in mind that hook-on chairs won’t work with every table and they typically have a weight limit of around 37 pounds.
What to look for in a travel high chair
Here are some things to look for in any travel high chair, no matter what type you decide on:
Safety
Safety is always the number one priority when you’re buying gear for your baby. Here are a few safety considerations:
- A safe and secure harness is key. Some chairs have arms and a tray, but a belt or harness will keep your little one securely strapped in.
- Proper back support is especially important for younger babies. Some high chairs even have a reclining option for newborns, like the Fisher-Price SpaceSaver.
- If you decide to go with a hook-on chair, make sure you only hook it to appropriate tables. Keep in mind that some are not suitable for picnic tables or pedestal tables.
Whatever travel high chair you choose, you’ll want to make sure it’s suitable for your little one’s age, weight, and size and that it will provide adequate support and keep them strapped in while they eat.
Ease of use
When you’re traveling, you want a high chair that is relatively quick and easy to set up and take down. Some designs are easier to use than others, and each individual high chair has its advantages and disadvantages.
No high chair is guaranteed to work with every table, chair, or eating area.
For example, many hook-on chairs require certain types of tables and booster seats and wraps sometimes only work with solid-backed chairs.
Because hook-on chairs generally require a little extra set up, booster seats and wrap-style chairs tend to be a little easier to use.
Portability
Although the dimensions of a travel high chair are important (especially if you’re flying), the biggest consideration is weight.
If you’re used to traveling with baby gear, you’ll know that there’s a huge difference between 2 extra pounds and 20.
Since you’ve probably got plenty of other things to pack, having a lightweight and easy-to-carry chair can make a big difference.
Hook-ons and wrap-style chairs often come with a carry bag or shoulder strap and tend to fold down more compactly than boosters.
For space-saving purposes, also keep in mind that some high chairs (like the Munchin GoBoost) have extra storage space built in.
Cleaning
Having an easy-to-clean high chair is especially important while traveling. You don’t want to spend any more time cleaning your little one’s high chair than you have to.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Removable, machine-washable covers can be a lifesaver (if you have access to a washing machine).
- Nylon, rubber, and plastic are pretty easy to wipe clean; cloth not so much.
- High chairs with lots of extra nooks and crannies can cause food and liquids to get stuck, which can make cleaning them kind of a pain. Simple designs tend to be best.
High chair safety
Because you’re likely be setting up your travel high chair multiple times during your trip, it’s important to keep safety in mind each and every time you use it.
Here are some safety tips for using your travel high chair:
- Make sure whatever chair you select is sturdy and secure and can’t be easily tipped over.
- Make sure you use all the available safety straps each time you use it.
- If the chair folds, make sure it’s completely unfolded (and locked, if possible) each time you set it up.
- Never let your baby stand up in the chair.
- If you’re using a hook-on seat, make sure the table is heavy and sturdy enough to hold your child’s weight.
The bottom line
The type of travel high chair that is right for you will likely depend on your specific travel plans, your baby’s age, height, and weight, and your personal preference.
Meals can be such a fun and enjoyable part of traveling, and having a good travel high chair can make the whole process much easier. We hope you found this post helpful. As always, feel free to leave any comments, thoughts, or ideas in the comments below!
