The first step in choosing the best folding rocking chair is to determine what you will be using the chair for. If you are considering a folding rocking chair, you will probably be storing the chair or moving it often, making the folding feature useful. When examining the folding rocking chair, be sure to fold it up to see how compact the chair will be for storage, and how light it will be for transport. When set up for sitting, be sure to check the chair for comfort, stability, and functionality. Choose the chair that fits your needs appropriately while still staying within your budget.
You can purchase a folding rocking chair made from inexpensive, lightweight materials such as plastic, or you can choose a more aesthetically pleasing folding rocking chair material such as wood. Plastic is a good choice if you intend to leave the chair outside during different types of weather, as the plastic is weather-resistant and easy to clean. For indoor purposes, a plastic chair will work well, though a wooden chair may be more visually appealing and will more than likely fit the decor of your home much better than plastic will.
Regardless of the material you choose for your folding rocking chair, it is important to test out the strength and durability of the chair when it is unfolded and ready for use. The hinges that allow the chair to open and close should either lock into place when opened or at the very least stay solidly open, preventing the chair from folding when in use. The hinges should also be fairly solid; they should not allow the chair to wobble or shift when weight is placed on it. When testing out the chair, listen for creaking, and feel for shifting. If the chair creaks when you sit in it, that may be a sign that a joint or hinge has worked loose.
The price of the chair will fluctuate depending on the features and materials used. Some less expensive camp chairs are made from polyester or nylon and feature aluminum tubing as the frame. These tend to be less expensive than a wooden rocker, or even other types of metal rockers. Upholstered folding rocking chair models will also be more expensive and usually more comfortable, though you should be sure to choose a fabric that can be cleaned easily should food or drink get spilled on it.