When your child no longer needs a highchair for babies, but still needs help reaching the dining table, a booster seat is ideal. Meal times with a young child can get a little stressful, so having your little one level at the table, so you can communicate properly with them is always a great start.
Booster seats are also a portable option for dinner with a child, so whether you're in your dining room or at a restaurant, the best booster seats for the table can be used with most dining chairs. They help your child feel more grown-up, and take up less space than a highchair too.
For all meal times, as well as the best weaning products, a booster seat is a must-have for your table – they may not make dinner with a toddler completely stress-free, but they'll definitely make things a little smoother. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a booster seat can make all the difference.
Editor's choice:
• Best booster seat for versatility - Apramo Flippa Dining Booster
• Best for kid appeal - Baby Polar Gear Portable Booster Seat
• Best for chair grip - Safety 1st Essential Booster
• Best overall travel option - Munchkin Portable Travel Child Booster Seat
If your little one ready for some independence while sitting at the table, take a look at our carefully curated list of the best booster seats to help your toddler or child take part in family meal times.
The best booster seats
Best booster seat for versatility
Description
The Apramo Flippa Dining Booster is the perfect travel companion for when you're out and about
Pros
- Tested by mums
- Attaches to most chairs
- Perfect for travel
Cons
- Some reviews say it wasn't sturdy enough by itself
Best 2-in-1 booster seat
www.samueljohnston.com
Description
A versatile booster seat that not only acts as a highchair, but also as a baby bag too. The Jane
Pros
- Convenient bag and highchair seat
- Durable
Cons
- There are no reviews
Best for kid appeal
Description
This versatile booster seat weighs just 700g, yet offers both a height boost and a three-point
Pros
- Cute design
- Lightweight
Cons
- It doesn't hold its shape
Best for feeling grown up
Description
The simple Prince Lionheart Soft Booster Seat is perfect for older toddlers who want to feed
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- Doesn't have straps
Best for security
Description
The brilliant just 4 baby portable feeding dining booster seat will keep your baby secure and the
Pros
- Two fixing straps
- 3-point safety harness
Cons
- Straps can be difficult to adjust
Best for style
Description
Available in several sweet designs, this comfy booster seat will add height of 3.1" to your tot.
Pros
- Washable
- Easy to adjust to chairs
Cons
- Smaller children will need help to sit as it makes the chair higher
Best travel option
Description
This clever travel bag easily transforms into a booster seat for your youngster, offering
Pros
- Folds neatly and has a carry strap
- Convenient storage section
Cons
- Stains if not wiped properly
Best for quality
Description
Perfect for eating out or at the dining table, the Mamas + Papas Baby Bud Booster Seat with
Pros
- Beautiful colour options
- Adjustable non-slip feet
Cons
- Tray is easy to unlock
Best for easy cleaning
Description
If you've got a mucky-pup for a baby at dinner times, this booster seat will answer your prayers!
Pros
- Removable foam insert
- Fits most dining chairs
Cons
- Not suitable for younger babies
Best for compact storage
www.argos.co.uk
Description
The Chicco Pocket Snack Booster Seat is not only versatile with height adjustment and a removable
Pros
- Adjustable height
- Removable tray
Cons
- Tray table and legs can be stiff to move
Best for multiple uses
Description
This portable booster seat works just as well sitting with you at the table for feeding, or as a
Pros
- Converts from baby to booster seat
- Dishwasher safe
- Tray can be stored in seat
Cons
- The strap for underneath the chair is long
How to choose a booster seat
You can choose a high chair booster seat that has a removable tray (that will fit their toddler plates and cutlery) and cushions, while others are essentially just straps. What works for you will depend on what age and stage your child is at and how portable you need the booster seat to be.
Some can be used for babies from six months. Just make sure it has a supportive backrest and harness. Most come with a three-point harness that is highly adjustable so it can grow with your child, making it a useful product for a fast-growing tot.
Avoid anything with nooks and crannies so you can clean the seat easily and make sure your booster seat of choice has a non-slip bottom, keeping toddlers safer and more secure.
Are booster seats safe to use?
Booster seats are safe to use, especially when used correctly. It is important to follow the safety instructions for the product and also these simple steps:
• Always use the safety straps provided to keep your child safely seated. Check they are in good working order and firmly attached to the chair. Also, remember that the tray alone is not sufficient for keeping them in place.
• Stay with your child during mealtimes. An unsupervised child is more likely to try to escape, kick back from the table or choke on food.
• Make sure the chair attached to the booster seat is strong, weighty and stable without wheels.
• Keep the area around the booster seat clear. As your child will have closer access to what is on the table, make sure hot foods or sharp utensils are kept out of reach.
• Before moving to a booster seat, make sure your baby is able to sit up consistently first. There's no set age that your child should graduate from the high chair. If they take a little longer, that's perfectly OK.
• Make sure to double-check your chosen booster seat's age and weight restrictions.
When can baby switch to a booster seat at table?
When it comes to moving from a highchair to a booster seat at the table, a lot of children will be ready for that when they're around 18 to 24 months old but as we mentioned, there isn't a set age so just go with what you and your child is comfortable with.
Not every child will be ready to move to eating at the same table as adults as early others. Try to get them eating with the rest of the family before they're 3 years old, but keep in mind that this may take time and patience. Trying out toddler meal ideas will encourage them to taste new flavours and textures. It's understandable to worry about what your little one eats and where they're eating it, so just do what works for your family.
Stephanie Anthony is the Deputy Digital Editor at Mother&Baby and auntie to four aged 7 to 2 months old. With a particular interest in health, she loves discovering products that make parent’s lives easier.