Several factors can influence your choice of the best portable high chair. Your selection, for instance, will probably depend on where you will be using it most often. Then you might consider the design of the high chair and the materials used to construct it. Next, determining the availability of accessories and convenience features, such as travel bags and easy portability for frequent travel, might be your next objective. Finally, most people looking for a portable high chair will investigate safety concerns and usage recommendations, based on variables such as the age and weight of the child.
A portable high chair usually differs from a standard high chair or booster seat. While a regular high chair can stand alone, and a booster seat is normally placed on a chair, a hook-on high chair can be attached to a table and removed when not in use. Its lightweight design makes it a convenient option when visiting others. Many people also use them for dining out or while traveling.
Most portable high chair frames are constructed of metal, with a seat and backrest that attaches to the side of a table. Sturdy construction and durable straps or other attachment methods are usually preferred. Some portable high chairs use spring latches or suction cups for added stabilization.
Accessories and other features are additional considerations when choosing a portable hook-on chair. Some chairs have more comfortable covers than others, as well as side storage pockets and other extras. Many people choose chairs with travel bags and the option to fold the chairs up for compact storage. For maximum portability, a travel high chair should fold up small enough to be stored with other luggage on a plane or train.
Regarding the age and weight limits, a hook-on high chair is generally recommended for children up until they are three or four years old, and weighing a maximum of approximately 37 pounds (about 17 kg). Eventually, a booster seat will be more suitable for most preschoolers.
Whether you are using a portable high chair, a booster seat, or another type of seating, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations. Generally, a high chair should not be used until the child is able to sit up and eat on his or her own, typically around four to six months old. Furthermore, safety experts advise that most hook-on high chairs should be fastened to sturdy tables that are not made of glass or other materials that could cause the chair to become detached. According to most recommendations, a portable high chair should also not be attached to a counter or to a table that contains a tablecloth or place mats, which could also cause the chair to slip and fall.