If your child suddenly seems uncomfortable in their highchair, it may be a good time to move to a booster seat. Here are the best Booster Seats for Toddlers—vetted by real moms and toddlers—that are easy to clean and comfortable for the kids.
If you have a kiddo over age one and they suddenly seem uncomfortable during healthy family meals, they might be ready for a booster seat. This can help them to be happier at mealtimes, which means less drama for everyone when it’s time to eat.
The picks here came from my website community and have been tested and vetted for ease of use, price, and comfort factors for the kids. I also have personally used two of them so am also speaking from experience.
We love our Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair to use from baby up to early elementary years, but if you have more than one kid you may need a booster, too!
(You may also like my Portable Highchair recommendations, best picks for toddler highchairs, and my top Toddler Travel Cribs.)
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What’s the best way for my toddler to stay in their booster seat?
The number one, main tip is to strap them in. Honestly, you should do it longer than they want you to do it, up until age four. Kids are naturally squirmy and being able to move around and get up and down during healthy family meals can be incredibly distracting for them and your other family members.
So make strapping them in a habit, not a punishment, and praise them when they let you do it without distress.
TIP: All of these picks have straps and they have a variety of back heights, so read through and see which one works best for your needs.
I love the simple design of this chair since it has very few areas for food to get stuck, it’s easy to wipe down and fold for storage or travel, and it’s a nice modern design. Also, this will last as your child grows since there aren’t any walls alongside where their legs will be—which means they can get bigger and it won’t feel too small. It also has nice back support and an easy to adjust strap.
Priced at less than $45.
With a sleek design and the ability to be used on almost any chair, this is a great booster seat option for modern homes. It comes in white and mint green and is easy to wipe clean with a damp sponge.
Priced at less than $45.
This incredibly popular booster is one that we’ve used for over a year. Our four year old is just now outgrowing it—she sits on the back of it unless we prompt her not to since being in it is uncomfortable—but it was a good fit for her earlier toddler years. The gray part comes out for easy cleaning, and it’s also easy to take on a trip if needed.
The only downside to me is that the back isn’t very high, so it’s not as supportive as some kids need. (Just imagine yourself sitting on a stool without a back versus on a chair with a back for a meal and consider which one you would find more comfortable.)
Priced at less than $25.
I like this option since it has a nice and high back, it folds for easy travel with toddlers, and it has a tray. This would be a great option for one year olds. It also turns into a more classic booster (the little feet fold under and you can remove the tray.)
Priced at less than $40.
When my middle kiddo was 4.5, she’d outgrown a standard booster seat but was still too short to comfortably sit in a regular chair. Which meant that she spent the majority of meals squirming, spinning, and generally doing everything except sitting and focusing on her food. This booster cushion has been a lifesaver! It’s easy to strap onto a chair, easy to wipe clean, and works for any size kiddo.
Priced at under $25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booster seats are typically used by young toddlers all the way up to the age of about 5, and they’re specifically designed for children who can sit up well by themselves. This milestone can occur anytime between the four- to nine-month mark, but it varies between children.
If you have a kiddo over age one and they suddenly seem uncomfortable during family meals, they might be ready for a booster seat.
One that is easy to clean, is safe, can strap your child in, and one that fits at your table; these are all important things to consider when purchasing a table booster seat.
Best Tips for Success
- Wipe clean after each use with cleaning spray and a cloth or a damp sponge.
- Make sure the seat is secured to the chair according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- If the seat comes with a strap, use it to secure the child properly.
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Did I miss your favorite booster seat or do you have experience with one of these? I’d love to know to make sure I’m sharing the best information so please comment below to add your voice to the conversation!
This post was first published in September 2020.