7 Best Booster Seats to Help Toddlers Eat at the Table

Travel frequently or have a tot resisting eating meals in his high chair? It might be time to consider investing in a booster seat. 

Designed for little ones who can sit up well unassisted (between 6 to 9 months) until they're up to 5 years old, booster seats strap onto your regular dining chairs or sit alone on the floor.

Many children are ready to move from high chairs to booster seats at the dining table between 18 to 24 months. Portable booster seats can also be helpful in situations when you don’t otherwise have mealtime seating that’s age-appropriate and safe for your baby, like vacations and visits with family and friends.

Consider whether you’re looking for an on-the-go option or a sturdier chair that’s made for regular at-home use. Before you buy, be sure to check the booster seat’s recommended age and weight limits. Most are adjustable for various developmental stages and table heights, so they can continue to serve you as your little one grows.

If your goal is portability, choose a seat that is lightweight and foldable, and one that ideally comes with a travel bag.

Mealtime booster seat safety

As of January 2, 2020, federal law requires all new child feeding booster seats comply with the CPSC’s Safety Standard for Booster Seats. Manufacturers must certify that their products meet design standards to reduce the risk of injury or death.

The CPSC’s regulations certify that booster seats are stable and won’t pinch, cut, scratch or entrap any part of a child’s body. Seat materials also can’t contain hazardous levels of chemicals like lead or phthalates.

Check that the booster seat meets requirements set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and is certified to meet ASTM International (ASTM) or Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) standards. These groups apply rigorous safety protocols.

Beyond safety certifications, it’s critical to install and use your child’s booster seat properly at every meal. “Most injuries are due to falls when a child is trying to climb into or out of a high chair, when a child pushed back and forth enough to tip the chair over, or when some part of the chair, like a restraint or table, failed to work properly,” says Steph Lee, M.D., a community pediatrician, preventive medicine specialist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 

Dr. Lee adds that many parents fail to fully secure a toddler in the seat at every meal. “Toddlers may protest initially, but it is important to do, because slipping out could cause serious injuries. Having another adult distract them while you secure them safely in the seat could help them get used to it in the long run,” says Dr. Lee.

A few safety precautions to follow before using your booster seat:

• Double check the seat’s age and weight limits and assemble the seat correctly following the instruction manual
• When using a hook-on seat, a table should be heavy and thick enough to support the child's weight without tipping over
• Attach the seat so that your child’s foot can’t touch table supports, since children can push on these and potentially dislodge the seat
• Test the seat to ensure that it’s locked securely onto the table or chair before putting your child in it
• Always use the chair’s safety straps and adjust them to fit snugly, including the middle strap between the legs, to prevent your child from slipping out
• Make sure that the dining chair you’re attaching the booster seat to is stable and sturdy (not lightweight), has a back rest and isn’t a folding chair or bar stool.
• Never allow your baby to stand or climb on his booster seat, as the seat could tip over, and never leave him alone in it

Below, we’ve found our favorite booster seats for mealtime, all of which are JPMA-certified and meet ASTM safety standards and come with a three-point safety harness.