Bring Baby To The Table With The Best Booster High Chair (2020 Guide)
Who knew there were so many high chairs on the baby market?
I must say, when I started to register, I got a bit overwhelmed because I had no idea which one I should choose.
There are full-sized, traditional high chairs, portable/foldable high chairs, convertible hair chairs, and even booster high chairs.
After a lot of time, effort, reading, and surveying friends and family members who were parents, I decided to go for a booster.
And, I was very glad I did!
If you’re not familiar with this style of feeding chair, read on to learn everything you need to know about it, when you need it, why it may be a great choice for you, and our picks for the best booster high chairs!
What is a Booster High Chair?
A booster seat high chair is a chair that attaches onto a full sized chair or bench at your own dining room table or island.
It's attached to seating through the use of belts, which can be adjustable and are secure since they snap closed.
This style chair also boasts a harness for additional safety, and it has a removable tray.
Do You Need a Booster High Chair?
If you plan on doing a lot of traveling with your baby, a booster seat is great to have on hand.
It's also great for parents on the go and who love to dine out frequently.
Your baby will be held and fed for quite some time, but when it’s time for them to venture into the world of solids, you will need some sort of high chair to contain them and support them as they eat.
When Do You Need a Booster High Chair?
Your baby will start to explore whole foods as early as four to six months.
I put a booster chair on my registry, so I had one from the get go.
REMEMBER
But, if you want to wait, you don’t need one until your baby starts to show interest in solid food and has the ability to sit up well, with minimal supports.
I believe it’s important to get your baby used to their chair prior to feeding them for the first time.
Have them practice sitting while you share a board book with them or give them a teething toy while you cook dinner.
This way, when it’s time to eat, the chair won’t be the new experience—the food will.
Reasons to Choose a Booster High Chair
You may want to choose a booster seat because it doesn’t take up a lot of room.
It’s not overly big or bulky, and it attaches to a piece of furniture that you already have.
It also blends in well with other decor, and it’s easy to throw in the car when you’re on the go.
You may even use it as an activity center to place your baby in while you're cooking, but want them to be in plain view.
A booster’s tray removes, so it can even be used as a toddler seat since they tend to want to be in the mix of everything and eat with their family at mealtime.
Can My Baby Use a Booster High Chair?
Remember that newborn cannot use a booster seat.
They don’t need to anyway since you will either be nursing them or bottle feeding them in your arms.
Once they show the ability to hold up their head well and sit up without a lot of support, they can be transitioned into a booster, even if they aren’t ready to eat solids just yet.
It gives them a different perspective of their world and involves them with the rest of their family.
A booster high chair can also be used at an outdoor table or chair, and because it’s lightweight and simple to set up, parents favor the flexibility that the chair offers them.
After all, isn’t everything about convenience as a parent?
Safety Considerations
When using a booster with your little one, remember these safety tips:
Because the booster relies on proper setup, you must ensure that there is very little wiggle room since babies can be active and squirmy.
You should also make sure they aren’t able to push off of a surface with their feet, tipping a chair or bench.
Your child should not be seated near anything the can grab off a counter or stove that could be dangerous either.
Every booster comes with a harness, to also ensure your little one is not just sitting up supported, but will not fall out. The straps are adjustable, so they grow with your child!
Features to Look For
Here are some common features to look for when shopping:
Additional Benefits of a Booster High Chair
In addition to features to shop for, here are some more benefits that you can reap from a booster high chair:
How to Introduce a Booster to Your Baby
Some babies don’t do well with new situations or experiences—they need to be eased into it.
So, expose your little one to their chair by placing them in it for five minutes initially.
Give them a teething toy or a sensory object to play with, like an ice cube.
Repeat the process a few times each day until your baby starts to feel comfortable and confident in their seat.
You can even read them some stories and let them sit in their seat while you prepare dinner.
This way, when it’s time for them to begin eating, they will be able to sit in their chair for extended amounts of time, making feeding them a snap!
Best Booster High Chairs
OXO has designed a highly versatile booster seat (click here to check the price on Amazon) that can be used with just about any chair size or style.
If you're looking for a gender-neutral option that can keep even the squirmiest toddlers in place, this might be a good choice.
We like
It’s comfortable for long term use. The high back design gives your little one the support they need while the cushioned seat keeps your baby comfortable.
It’s easy to clean. The cushion is both stain and tear resistant making it easy to wipe down. Tears can collect harmful bacteria over time and pose a threat to your baby’s health.
Non-slip feet. You can be assured that your child’s chair will be secure even when your baby decides to try and wiggle his or her way out.
It will grow with your baby. The adjustable straps can be loosened or tightened for an optimal fit throughout your child’s toddler years. The adjustable straps make it perfect for grandparents’ house who may have children of varying ages.
Keep in mind
It’s tall. While the high back makes for a cozy eating experience for your child, the seat can be difficult to push under some tables. If you have a table lower to the ground, this seat might not work for you.
Not great for outdoor use. The materials of this seat can get overly hot and warp in warmer temperatures. It may also be warm to the touch and unsafe for your baby during long stints in the hot sun.
#2. Prince Lionheart bebePOD
The Price Lionheart bebePOD (click here to check the price on Amazon) is an interactive booster that will keep your little one interested in mealtime.
You may want to consider this unit if you're on the hunt for something that will grow alongside your baby.
We like
Ideal for travel. This lightweight, portable design is perfect for on the go. Use it at home, un-clip the dual strap system and take it on your next adventure to grandma’s house.
Can help your baby learn to sit. The high back and lap support gives your baby the assistance they need in sitting on their own, making great for playtime as well.
It has a tray. You won’t have to worry about getting your baby close enough to the table with this seat because they will have their tray for eating.
Keep in mind
Difficult to clean. With all the moving parts, this chair is harder to clean than some. That being said, its small size makes it much easier to clean than a traditional high chair.
Can be distracting. Although you want your baby to be excited about meal time, you want them focused on the task at hand. If your little one gets easily distracted, you may want to consider a different option.
#3. Chicco Pocket Snack Booster
Whether you use the Pocket Snack Booster (click here to check the price on Amazon) for everyday use or simply on-the-go occasions, Chicco has got you covered.
This unit is highly flexible when it comes to your needs, and if you're on the hunt for a gender-neutral option that will work when you need it, you may want to consider this choice.
We like
Removable tray. The tray that's provided is also adjustable. You have the option to raise or lower it to 3 different positions to fit your baby’s needs.
It’s portable. This baby booster folds easily and can be set up in just about any location. Complete with a push-button fold and an easy carrying strap; it can be used on-the-go without a hitch.
Adjustable height. This seat has three different settings that can give you the ability to use this chair right up until your little one hits the 50 lb. mark. If you have multiple young children in your household, this might be a good option for you.
Keep in mind
Not great for squirmy kids. If your baby is prone to wiggling when placed in their chair, this might not be the best choice for you. It lacks shoulder straps that can hold your baby in place better. However, some children find shoulder straps irritating.
The tray can be tough to put on. The tray is a nice feature that some others are lacking, but it can be time-consuming to put on the first few times. Once you get the hang of it, it should no longer be an issue.
#4. Graco Swivi Seat 3-in-1
Graco has been a leader in baby products over the past several years, and with their luxury Swivi Seat 3-in-1 (click here to check the price on Amazon), it’s easy to see why.
If you're looking for a long-term solution that will last from your little one's infant years to their toddler years, this might be your best option.
We like
Convenient swivel seat. Dinner time has never been so easy. No more tantrums when you walk away from the table, and your little one can’t see you.
3-in-1 design. Your baby will be able to have a seat at the table right alongside the rest of the family even as an infant. The infant recline seat is perfect for bottle feeding your little one at a young age.
Can be transformed. The Swivi can turn into a seat that helps teach your baby to sit upright. Finally, your toddler can use it on their own for assistance eating at the table.
It’s easy to clean. All the cloth material and cushions in this baby seat can be removed and are machine washable.
Keep in mind
The swivel can be rough. While the rotation option is great, it needs a bit of work. Occasionally it can be a bit jerky which can disturb a sleeping child.
It’s bulkier than some. Compared to other seats, this one is a bit cumbersome. If you plan to travel with this booster often, you might want to look elsewhere.
#5. Summer 3-in-1 Floor 'N More Support Seat
If you need a good floor seat for your baby, one that also serves as a booster seat and more, the Summer 3-in-1 Floor 'N More Support Seat (click here to check the price on Amazon) could be a good option for you. It may be very simple, and it may look quite unassuming, but it is safe, it works just fine, and it gets the job done.
We like
3 in 1 – The fact that this item can be used as a floor seat, a booster seat, and a feeder seat is quite nice. It comes with the included straps to attach it to an adult seat, for use as a booster seat.
Soft – The soft and plush fabric seat should be very comfy for your baby, plus it helps add a bit of much needed support as well.
Feeding Tray – The Summer 3-in-1 Floor 'N More Support Seat comes with a nice little feeding tray included.
Keep in mind
No Fun – Floor seats for babies often come with toys and interactive games for stimulation, which this product does not.
#6. Bumbo Toddler Booster Seat
If you are on the hunt for a very simple yet effective booster seat for any table, the Bumbo Toddler Booster Seat (click here to check the price on Amazon) is a good option to check out. It might be simple, but it works just fine and it should keep your baby safe too.
We like
Versatile – The Bumbo Toddler Booster Seat comes in at the perfect size, as it should fit most sizes of chairs with ease.
Portable – This booster seat is designed so that it is very portable. It’s small, compact, and very lightweight.
Safe – The Bumbo Toddler Booster Seat comes with all of the straps and buckles required to keep it secured to a chair, and to keep your baby secured to it.
Easy Clean – This booster seat is made of plastic, and therefore it is very easy to wipe down and to get clean.
Keep in mind
Short Back – The fact that this chair has a very low and short back is not great, as if offers limited support and comfort.
#7. Peg Perego Rialto
This good-looking Rialto seat by Peg Perego (click here to check the price on Amazon) is suitable for infants from nine months old. This seat will suit your needs until your child is a larger toddler.
It features five positions for height adjustment, a three-point safety harness and holding straps to secure the seat both behind and below the dining chair offering peace of mind for parents.
We like
Great for on-the-go. The Rialto folds down very compactly, is lightweight and comes with a convenient carrying bag.
Easy to use. The tray is removable, foldable and dishwasher-safe making life a little easier for busy parents.
It’s stable. Both sturdy and easy to set-up, it features non-skid rubber pads on the base to keep it in place and protect your chairs.
Keep in mind
Tends to lean. While the tray itself is great, occasionally the tray may tilt downward causing drinks to spill.
It’s too secure. The seat belt release can be difficult to release which can be annoying when your little one is fussy and covered in his or her afternoon snack.
In conclusion, a booster high chair was the best choice for me.
It didn’t take up a lot of room, was easy to move, travel with, and I got a lot of use out of it!
Consider a booster for your own home and baby, and be sure to shop for a safe and effective model that you also get lots of your out of!
