When we first began camping with our infant, I didn’t realize how exhausting it would be to hold a baby on my lap during mealtime. Our oldest was a messy eater, and trying to keep him still without a chair nearly cost me my sanity. Over the years, we’ve taken all 5 of our kids into the outdoors, and I can now confidently say that a baby camping chair is one of the top necessities. Having a stable place for your baby that’s not your lap gives both mom and dad a much-needed break. It may not be as important as a baby camping bed or sleeping bag, but it’s absolutely necessary for a smoother trip. These portable chairs often come with a tray, and that small feature alone feels like a luxury when you’re tagging along with a baby.
Many of today’s gear options are truly fancy, yet still kid friendly. My personal favorites include portable booster seats, aka travel high chairs, which are compact, easy to clean, and often more stable on uneven ground. I’ve also found bouncers and activity centers designed for camping, which add even more value to our essentials list. The tip I always share with other outdoorsy parents is to plan meals that your baby eats well—it’s key to their happiness. And while I’m a bit of a minimalist, I’ve grown to appreciate the merit of having a few extra items, especially when they make traveling with toddlers more enjoyable and rewarding. These chairs don’t have to be expensive to be the best—they just have to work. They’re not always ideal for internationally travel, but for weekend getaways and road trips, they’re totally worth the consideration.
When we started camping with our baby, I had to really consider what would make our trips smoother. There are so many types of baby camping chair setups now, and it’s important to decide which fits best with your family’s needs. From my experience, the portable booster seat with a plastic tray is one of the best choices for both eating and play. It’s easy to carry anywhere, doesn’t need a picnic table to attach, and folds up small. These chairs are great for babies and toddlers, especially if you want something inexpensive and practical for both camp and home use.
If you always have access to a picnic table, you might like the high chair that clamps on—it’s the smallest, most compact option and works well for quick setups. For more relaxed settings, the third camping chair is designed just for play—perfect if your little one enjoys sitting back with some toys. I’ve seen many people lean toward the versatile option of a camping booster seat, as it offers great flexibility. Knowing the right factors and categories to focus on makes a big difference, especially when juggling most of the gear on your own. From folding trays to secure clamps, the right chairs will always work when you need them most.
Here is the Some Best Baby Camping Chairs
Baby Delight Go With Me Camping Chair
When we first tried the Baby Delight Go With Me camping chair, I was honestly surprised by how many thoughtful features it had for babies and toddlers. The chair is tall enough to comfortably feed your baby without having to lean too far, and the high seat keeps little hands from trying to grab dirt, rocks, or anything off the ground. It’s a real win for busy parents. The plastic tray is removable, making it easy to clean, and the canopy helps block the sun during hot days. What stood out most to me was the secure 5-point harness, which kept my squirmy little one safe and prevented any risk of toppling over.
This portable high chair is made with soft, cushioned canvas, and has a wide, stable base that works well on uneven ground at camp. As your baby grows, the chair adjusts through three stages—sitting, standing, and big kid mode with leg holes. It supports children up to 75lbs, and its dimensions (24.5″ tall, 23″ wide, 22.75″ deep) make it comfortable yet compact. The chair weighs just 4.9 lbs and folds down to 8″ x 8″ x 24.5″, making it super handy for travel. There’s even a storage pocket, built-in cup holder, and fabric that wipes clean—perfect when you’re setting up camp or prepping meals nearby.
Pros:
- Good height for feeding
- Removable sun canopy and tray
- 5-point harness for safety
- Stable and ultra-wide base
- Suitable for older children up to 75lbs
- Folds down small and light at 4.9 lbs
- Storage pocket, built-in cup holder, and easy to wipe fabric
Cons:
- Tray slants forward, causing plates and food to slide toward the child
OmniBoost Folding
If you’re looking for a smart choice when it comes to a baby camping chair, the OmniBoost is a great pick. It’s designed like your normal camp chairs but smaller, with a handy tray for snacks or toys. I personally love how lightweight it is—just 2lb 10oz, which makes it super easy to carry when we’re on the go. The material is not only easy to clean with simple wiping, but also machine-washable if things get messy. We’ve used it during multiple trips, and the plastic tray is removable, and thankfully it doesn’t slant, so no worries about food sliding off. The base is about 12.5 inches square and almost 12 inches tall, which keeps it stable on uneven terrain, though it’s too big for some picnic tables.
From my own travel experience with little ones aged 6 months to 3 years, this portable booster seat really helps at mealtimes. The OmniBoost is especially helpful when we’re busy getting dinner ready, as it keeps our kid entertained on the ground safely. The fabric cover can be removed, and it’s also machine washable, which is a blessing for any messy eater. The tray is large and works well with solid food, and though it only has a 3 point harness, it still won’t topple over easily. A good purchase that works well in almost all situations.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Removable, machine-washable material
- Tray is large and doesn’t slant
- Great for eating, even for a messy eater
- Stable with duck feet for uneven terrain
- Storage pocket and cute design
Cons:
- No 5-point harness
- Base is too big for some picnic tables
Summer Infant Folding Chair
If you’re searching for a portable, affordable, and multi-functional camping chair for babies, the Summer Infant folding chair is a smart pick. It’s very similar to the OmniBoost and hiccapop chairs, offering a lightweight design with a removable tray and fabric that is machine washable. The tray doesn’t slant, and the whole chair is stable, which means no worries about your baby or toddler toppling over. It works well indoor and outdoor, thanks to its rubberized feet that give solid stability whether you’re on tile, flooring, or earth. The seat fits children from 6 months to 37 pounds, and it’s perfect for ground use when you’re at a campsite.
However, I noticed the straps are sewn into the bottom of the seat, not the backrest, so they sit a bit low on the waist and may not hold your baby in place securely. There’s a leg divider built into the tray to prevent sliding forward, which feels more comfortable than a strap between the legs, but still, it lacks a 5-point harness, which is a common feature in other high chairs. I’ve used the Summer Infant Pop N’ Sit while camping and loved how it folds small, making it easy to pack and carry.
Pros:
- Removable tray and fabric
- Tray doesn’t slant
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean material
- Won’t topple over
- Storage pocket
Cons:
- No 5-point harness
- Waist straps are sewn in a weird way
Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat
The Fisher-Price Healthy Care Deluxe Booster Seat is an affordable and lightweight option for camping or picnics. It works well on the ground and provides a comfortable and secure place for your baby. With its adjustable legs set to two heights, this seat offers flexibility for various settings. The tray is removable, easy to clean, and comes with a sippy cup holder. Plus, it is dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance, making it ideal for parents on the go. The seat is designed for children up to 50lbs, and the safety straps keep them securely in place, though they can be adjusted for comfort as your little one grows.
Pros:
- Affordable and lightweight
- Adjustable legs with two heights
- Dishwasher-safe tray with sippy cup holder
- Easy to clean, removable tray and seat
- Suitable for children up to 50lbs
Cons:
- Bulky even when folded
- Can only be used on the ground during camping or picnics
Ciao Baby High Chair
The Ciao Baby High Chair is a portable, foldable option perfect for camping and picnics. It is safe, sturdy, and features a snack tray with a sippy cup holder, making it a convenient choice for outdoor activities. It’s designed to be easy to set up and comes with a carry bag for easy transport. The chair is recommended for babies who can sit up unassisted and supports up to 35 pounds. It offers a 5-point safety harness to keep your baby secure. However, while it’s affordable and popular, the tray is not removable, and the chair can sometimes sag, making it less suitable for older children or toddlers.
Pros:
- Sturdy and safe
- Portable and foldable
- 5-point safety harness
- Snack tray with sippy cup holder
- Easy setup and carry bag
Cons:
- Tray can sag and slant
- Not removable tray
- Leg holes too small for older babies or children
- Not suitable for babies who are not yet able to sit unassisted
Inglesina Fast Table Chair Plus Tray
The Inglesina Fast Table Chair is a great option for baby camping trips or family picnics. It’s designed to fit onto most tables, allowing your baby to sit with you at the picnic table without a hassle. The fabric seat is easy to clean, with a removable seat cover that makes maintenance simple. Plus, it has no complicated moving parts, reducing the chances of food getting stuck in hard-to-clean crevices. This feature is especially helpful for parents who want to avoid messy cleanups while traveling. Recommended for babies aged 6 months and weighing up to 37 pounds, this chair offers both comfort and convenience during family outings.
Pros:
- Hassle-free setup
- Removable seat cover for easy cleaning
- Fits most tables, perfect for camping and picnic trips
- Ideal for babies aged 6 months and up to 37 pounds
Cons:
- May not be suitable for larger children as it has a weight limit
- Not designed for use on the ground, as it attaches to tables
Types of Baby Camping Chairs
Plastic Booster Seats
Plastic booster seats are a great option for camping or picnics as they provide back support and can be used on the ground. These seats are easy to clean, with removable trays that make meal time hassle-free. They are adjustable, allowing you to change the height for comfort. However, they tend to be bulky and don’t fold, which can make them less portable compared to other options.
Pros:
- Better back support
- Easy to clean
- Removable trays
- Adjustable height
Cons:
- Bulky
- Don’t fold
- Must be used on the ground
Folding Baby Chairs/Boosters
When it comes to baby camping chairs, folding baby chairs or boosters are great options for outdoor trips. These chairs are often lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and store. Some models come with a built-in food tray while others allow you to attach one. They are designed to be used on the ground, making them ideal for camping or picnics. However, the fabric on these chairs is usually easy to clean, but it may sag over time, causing the tray to slant or become less stable, which could be uncomfortable for your baby. They are suitable for babies, and some chairs can even support older children.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Compact fold for easy storage
- Built-in food tray or attachable tray
- Fabric easy to clean
- Legs designed for use on the ground
Cons:
- Fabric sagging can cause discomfort
- Tray slants due to sagging fabric
- Need to use on the ground
FAQ: Baby Camping Chairs
Q: What is the best type of chair for an infant during camping?
A: For infants, it’s best to choose a booster seat or bouncer that offers head and neck support. These chairs keep your baby safe and comfortable. Look for one that is easy to clean and portable for your camping trips.
Q: Can I use a regular high chair for camping?
A: Regular high chairs are typically not ideal for camping. However, portable outdoor high chairs can work well if they are stable and easy to fold. You may also opt for a booster seat if you’re camping on the ground.
Q: What should I look for in a camping chair for toddlers?
A: For toddlers, look for a chair with stability, a removable tray, and the ability to fold for easy storage. It should also be easy to clean, especially after meals, and designed for ground use if you’re camping without a picnic table.
Q: Are hook-on chairs a good option for camping?
A: Hook-on chairs can work if you have a sturdy picnic table to attach them to. However, if you are tent camping or camping on the ground, a chair designed for ground use would be a better option.
Q: How can I ensure the chair is safe for my baby?
A: Ensure the chair has a sturdy design and back support. Look for features like 5-point safety harnesses to prevent your baby from tipping over. Always supervise your baby, even with the most stable chair.
Conclusion
When choosing a baby camping chair, it’s important to prioritize comfort, stability, and ease of use. Whether you go for a portable high chair, a booster seat, or a foldable baby chair, ensure it suits your baby’s needs and activities, like supporting their head and neck or offering a tray for feeding. Always consider features like easy-to-clean materials, compact foldability, and stability to ensure safety during your outdoor adventures. The right baby camping chair will make camping trips more enjoyable for both you and your little one.
Conclusion
When choosing a baby camping chair, it’s important to prioritize comfort, stability, and ease of use. Whether you go for a portable high chair, a booster seat, or a foldable baby chair, ensure it suits your baby’s needs and activities, like supporting their head and neck or offering a tray for feeding. Always consider features like easy-to-clean materials, compact foldability, and stability to ensure safety during your outdoor adventures. The right baby camping chair will make camping trips more enjoyable for both you and your little one.
