Packing for a trip with a toddler already feels like a puzzle. Add a high chair to the list and it can start to feel impossible, especially if you're flying, staying in a small Airbnb, or trying to keep your luggage light. The good news is that packing a travel high chair doesn't have to be complicated, as long as you're using the right kind of seat.
Choose a High Chair That's Actually Built for Travel
Not every "portable" high chair is easy to travel with. Some fold down but still take up a lot of space. Others need extra parts, trays, or hardware that are easy to lose along the way.
Before your trip, check that your high chair:
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Packs down small enough to fit in a carry-on or diaper bag
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Doesn't need extra tools or parts to set up
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Comes with its own storage bag, so it stays clean and contained
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Is light enough that you won't mind carrying it through an airport
An inflatable option like High Kiddie solves most of this automatically. It deflates down to a size that fits easily into a bag, with no loose parts to track.
Where to Pack It
For flights, pack your travel high chair in your carry-on rather than checked luggage. That way it's available the moment you land, and there's no risk of it getting lost or delayed with checked bags.
For road trips, keep it in an easy-to-reach spot in the car, not buried under everything else in the boot. You'll likely want it for the first meal stop.
Packing Checklist
Before you leave, make sure you've packed:
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The deflated or folded high chair itself
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Its carry bag or pouch (keeps it clean and easy to find)
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Any straps or harness pieces, if they're separate from the seat
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A wipe or cloth for a quick clean-up after meals
Setting Up on Arrival
Once you're at your destination, restaurant, or Airbnb, setup should only take a minute or two. With High Kiddie, that means inflating the seat, securing the straps to a dining chair, and you're ready for mealtime. No tools, no instructions to dig up.
Why It's Worth Bringing One
It's tempting to assume you'll find a high chair wherever you go, but that's not always true, especially overseas or in smaller venues. Packing your own means one less thing to worry about once you land, and a familiar, comfortable seat for your child no matter where you're eating. For more on why this matters at restaurants specifically, see our guide on choosing the best portable high chair for restaurants.
If you're flying to your destination, you'll also want to read up on using an inflatable high chair for airplane travel before you pack.
Try High Kiddie for Your Next Trip
High Kiddie is a portable, inflatable booster seat designed to pack down small and set up fast. It's the kind of travel gear you actually want to bring, not the kind that gets left behind because it's too much hassle.
High Kiddie is launching on Kickstarter this October. Sign up here for early access before we go live.