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Babies need a lot of gear, and it can feel overwhelming to fill your home with typically bulky items like bassinets, swings, play gyms and high chairs. Where will you ever put it all?! The good news: Baby gear has come a long way—especially when it comes to items like high chairs.
Today’s high chairs are not only safer and more comfortable for your little one, but there are also plenty of compact high chairs on the market to suit homes with a smaller footprint. And, as a bonus, many fold for easy storage. Some are even portable, so you can travel with your everyday chair.
You don’t have to weed through all of the various brands and models out there to find the best high chairs for small spaces. Our gear experts are here to help. They’ve rounded up the best compact high chairs (and a few booster seats, too) to help you save space without sacrificing the nice-to-have features of full-size high chairs.
1. Stokke Tripp Trapp
- Retail Price: $299
- Amazon Price: $299
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $239.99
- Type: Convertible high chair
- Dimensions: 18.11 x 19.3 x 30.7 inches (overall)
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Weight Limit: 242 pounds
If you’ve spent any time shopping for a high chair, you’ve probably heard of the Stokke Tripp Trapp. It may be expensive, but it’s a wildly popular option, thanks to its attractive and space-saving design. Though it doesn’t fold for easy storage the way some other compact high chairs do, the Stokke Tripp Trapp has a very small base footprint that can be tucked right up to the table the same way a regular dining chair can.
Plus, it can be used from birth up to a whopping 242 pounds (heavier than many adults!). You’ll have to buy attachments to use the seat to its full capacity—like a bassinet for newborns—but many parents find the aesthetic, durability and overall compact design worth the overall cost.
Pros
- Can be used in multiple ways, so it grows with your child
- Very high weight limit
- Base has a small footprint that can be tucked right up to a table
- Attractive Scandinavian design available in many colors
Cons
- Does not fold up
- Expensive
2. Phil & Teds Lobster Chair
- Retail Price: $98.99
- Amazon Price: $99.99
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $72
- Type: Clip-on high chair
- Dimensions: 3 x 14 x 13 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Weight Limit: 37 pounds
Some of the best compact high chairs clip right onto your table. This gives you the ability to easily assemble and disassemble a “dining chair” for your little one rather than have a high chair occupying floor space at all times. The Lobster is a fan favorite, because it features claw-like arms that can be clipped onto most countertops and tables. (The clamps fit both indoor and outdoor tables from 0.8 inches to 3.75 inches thick.) There’s little chance for damage, thanks to non-slip pads that are built into the arms.
Place it at your island while you’re meal-prepping or set it up at your main table for mealtimes as a family. Baby may be dangling in the air, but you don’t have to worry about safety. As long as your little one weighs less than 37 pounds, the sturdy aluminum clamps will keep them safe and secure. When not in use, simply fold the arms in, so the seat lays flat, and stash the high chair in the included carry bag.
Pros
- Folds flat into included carry bag for portability
- Easy to set up and disassemble, so you don’t always have to have a high chair out
- Includes dishwasher-safe tray
Cons
- Chair is hand-wash only
- Clips don’t fit all tables
3. Joovy Nook
- Retail Price: $139.99
- Amazon Price: $139.99
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $95
- Type: Full-size high chair
- Dimensions: 31.5 x 23 x 41 inches (overall); 28.5 x 23.5 x 9 inches (folded)
- Weight: 15 pounds
- Weight Limit: 50 pounds
The Joovy Nook high chair isn’t as deluxe as, say, the Stokke Tripp Trapp, but it’s one of the best high chairs for small spaces, because of how slim and attractive it is. Although it’s a full-size high chair with a large, roomy seat complete with a comfortable seat pad that can accommodate little ones up to 50 pounds, it’s completely foldable. Simply pull the lever on the back of the seat, and the whole thing will collapse in on itself, so you can easily store it in a closet or even tuck it to the side of the refrigerator or a kitchen cabinet.
The high chair has all of the same features you’d expect from a less compact option. It has a safety harness for security, comes with a large removable tray that’s easy to clean up (you can even put it in the dishwasher), includes a carved-out cup holder and has various recline positions.
Pros
- Folds with one hand
- Large, wipeable tray
- Easy to store in a closet
- Comfortable and roomy cushioned seat
- Multiple recline positions
Cons
- Is not convertible, so doesn’t grow with your child
- Large footprint when unfolded
4. Cosco Simple Fold Chair
- Retail Price: $46.99
- Amazon Price: $49
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $18.99
- Type: Full-size high chair
- Dimensions: 38.75 x 24 x 28.5 inches (overall); 26 x 18 x 6 inches (folded)
- Weight: 14.5 pounds
- Weight Limit: 50 pounds
If you’re looking for a high chair that’s not only compact, but also budget-friendly, the Cosco Simple Folding High Chair is a good option. The high chair is undeniably affordable—great if you need an extra for a caregiver’s house—plus is foldable for easy storage.
And despite the price, you won’t sacrifice all the nice-to-haves. The high chair has a three-position adjustable tray complete with a removable insert for easy cleanup, plus a wipeable seat. (Just note: The seat cushion is not removable.) The chair also has a leg rest, so it’s considered an ergonomic option for little ones up to 50 pounds. Overall, this chair offers fantastic value.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Foldable for easy storage and portability
- Three-position adjustable tray
- Ergonomic footrest
Cons
- Seat cushion is not removable
5. Inglesina Fast Table Chair
- Retail Price: $79
- Amazon Price: $79
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $59.99
- Type: Clip-on high chair
- Dimensions: 11 x 14 x 17 inches (overall); 4 x 14 x 17 inches (folded)
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Weight Limit: 37 pounds
Another great foldable high chair, the Inglesina Fast Table Chair and Tray is one of the best portable high chairs available today. It’s sets up in a flash, is nice and sturdy and comes with all of the accessories you need, including a removable tray. Whether you’re at home, the grandparent’s house or at a restaurant, simply fasten the two claw clips to nearly any table come mealtime. (It's safe for use on tables from 0.8 to 3.5 inches thick.)
The seat itself has a three-point harness to keep your little one secure while they eat. When not in use, the clip-on high chair is small and flat enough to stash in a diaper bag or even your stroller’s storage basket.
Pros
- Super compact and portable
- Comes with a removable tray
- Comes in multiple colors
Cons
- Hand-wash only
6. Stokke Clikk High Chair
- Retail Price: $179
- Amazon Price: $179
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $109.99
- Type: Full-size high chair
- Dimensions: 15 x 23 x 16.5 inches (overall)
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Weight Limit: 33 pounds (or 36 months)
It’s not the smallest high chair out there, but the Stokke Clikk is one of the easiest to clean—and experienced parents know how complicated it can be to get food out of all the crevices on your average high chair. The Clikk isn’t cushioned, so all you have to do is wipe down the smooth surface of the seat. And even though the legs stick out a bit more than you might like—especially if your kitchen is very small—you can push the chair right up to your dining table. Just watch out for the back legs, since they’ll stick out a bit.
The Clikk may not be a foldable high chair, but it’s surprisingly easy to disassemble when mealtime is done. The brand promises the three-step process takes just one minute from start to finish. For extra space in your dining room, simply stash the high chair in a closet when not in use.
Pros
- Easy to wipe clean
- Quick assembly and disassembly, so you don’t have to keep a high chair out
- Can be used until 36 months
Cons
- Doesn’t fold
- Legs stick out
7. Lalo The Chair
- Retail Price: $235
- Amazon Price: N/A
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $189.99
- Type: Convertible high chair
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 24.5 x 33 inches (overall)
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Weight Limit: 30 pounds (about 3 years old)
Is it the most compact high chair? No, but Lalo The Chair is still worth a look if you’re browsing the best high chairs for small spaces, because of its sleek, slim design. The mostly wooden chair isn’t nearly as bulky as other options on the market—even if the legs do stick out from the base a bit more than we’d like. It also comes in five attractive colors to help blend in with its surroundings—something that can help your space look less cluttered.
Parents also love the fact that it converts to a booster seat, so it’s theoretically the only high chair you’ll have to buy for your little one. And either way you use the seat—as a high chair or a booster seat—the smooth surface is easy to clean, the included tray is dishwasher-safe and the seat cushion is machine-washable. What’s more, the high chair only weighs 10 pounds, so it’s easy to move around on a whim.
Pros
- Attractive design available in five colors
- Adjusts to different heights
- Lightweight enough to move around a small space
Cons
- Doesn’t fold
- Expensive
- Legs stick out a bit
8. Graco Slim Snacker Chair
- Retail Price: $79.99
- Amazon Price: $79
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: $59
- Type: Full-size high chair
- Dimensions: 24 x 35.5 x 40.8 inches (overall); 10.4 x 18.4 x 36 inches (folded)
- Weight: 16.96 pounds
- Weight Limit: 40 pounds
The Graco Slim Snacker’s claim to fame? It’s ultra-fast, one-second, one-hand fold. Though it’s nice and roomy for your little one during mealtime, once folded, it’s a super compact high chair that fits in small spaces—like a closet—for easy storage. It also stands up on its own when folded, so you can just as easily tuck it off to the side of the room, if you lack closet space.
The three-position reclining seat has a footrest and a comfortable seat pad for your little one’s comfort. It also has a full-size cup holder and a large mesh storage basket for your convenience. Use it to stash things that might not fit into your kitchen drawers—extra bibs and wipes, for example. Parents also love how easy this high chair is to clean. Simply wipe the seat pad down to keep your child’s dining space tidy.
Pros
- Three-position reclining seat
- Folds compactly and stands upright when folded
- Seat pad is easy to wipe clean
- Has an included storage pocket
Cons
- Not as attractive as other options
- Lower weight capacity than other full-size options
General High Chair FAQs
What Age Can I Put my Baby in a High Chair?
Some high chairs, like the Stokke Tripp Trapp have accessories (sold separately) that allow you to use the high chair from birth, but it’s important to note that this is not for feeding applications. According to the AAP, your little one will be ready to sit in a high chair once they can sit on their own and begin to eat solids—around six months of age. No matter what your child’s age, remember to always place the high chair on level ground, use the safety straps and supervise your child when they’re in their high chair.
Is a Booster Seat a Good Substitute for a High Chair?
When your little one is just learning to eat, a booster seat is not a good substitute for a high chair. At this stage, your baby still needs plenty of support to be in a safe position for eating. Once your child is more stable—around 8-12 months old—you can safely transition to a booster seat for mealtimes. Many parents are happy to reach this stage, since booster seats can be attached to standard dining chairs and tend to be more portable.
What Are the Features That Make a Good High Chair?
The best high chair is a safe one, so always check for recalls before purchasing. (You can do this on CPSC’s website.) You’ll also want to make sure any high chair you’re considering for a younger baby has at least a three-point safety harness, but ideally a five-point safety harness. Otherwise, take note of how easy the chair is to clean—look for things like a machine-washable chair, a dishwasher-safe tray and a crevice-free design that won’t trap food.
If you want something to grow with your kiddo—something that can save you money in the long run—look for a convertible high chair. Usually, these models are height adjustable and ultimately transition to a booster seat, sometimes even a regular dining chair.
Don’t let space constraints prevent you from getting the right high chair for your little one. Today, there are plenty of compact high chairs that are just as good as the full-size versions you may know and love—some, like the Stokke Tripp Trapp, will even grow with your child well into toddlerhood. And if you need to clear some room in your house to make room for the high chair you covet most, consider decluttering and selling your stuff with us.
Looking for more small space recommendations? Check out our guide to the best bassinets for small spaces.
