A booster seat is ideal for when your child no longer needs a highchair, but still needs help reaching the table. They can be used with most dining chairs, can help your child feel more grown-up and take up less space. You can choose a high chair booster seat that has a tray 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. Avoid anything with nooks and crannies so you can clean the seat easily and lap belts are useful too, keeping toddlers more secure.
Testing: Boosters
1 of 6Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat
Best for younger babies
Verdict: Ideal for everyday use in a small home or for keeping at the grandparents, this booster has a supportive seat that is suitable from six months. It’s quick to clean and cleverly incorporates an extra tray and lid. It does fold down but is still on the bulky side.
2 of 6Prince Lionheart Soft Booster Seat
Best for feeling grown up
Verdict: This simple booster is perfect for older toddlers who want to feed themselves but can’t reach the table. It’s made from soft waterproof material and has absolutely no awkward corners, so it’s extremely easy to clean and comfortable, too. It’s sold in a choice of three colours and is suitable from 18 months.
3 of 6The Totseat Portable Travel High Chair
Best for chucking in your changing bag
Verdict: A simple, clever fabric harness that ties onto a chair. It doesn’t provide a height boost so won’t help children reach the table, but is still useful for spoon-feeding. It packs down to virtually nothing, which is a huge bonus. Suitable from six months.
4 of 6Safety 1st Essential Booster
Best budget booster
Verdict: A cheap and cheerful booster that’s made from practical, wipeable materials and gives toddlers a much-needed lift up. It’s fantastic value for older ones moving on from their proper highchair, tiding them over until they can sit on a normal dining chair.
5 of 6Brica by Munchkin Travel Booster Seat
Best for holidays
Highly portable, height adjustable booster seat and highchair that transforms into a bag when not in use, complete with space for feeding essentials such as spoons and wipes. Suitable from 12 months.
£29.99
6 of 6pod™ highchair
Best for space saving
Verdict: This clamp-on seat creates a sturdy place for little ones to dine, whether at home instead of a conventional highchair, or meals out and about. Weighing just 1kg, it folds compactly and is comfortable and supportive for babies and toddlers from six months up. The fabric is wipe clean too.