Portable Booster Seats
Key Summary
Portable booster seats let your bub join family meals anywhere, for example at home, restaurants, or visiting friends
They're compact, lightweight, and way easier to move around than traditional high chairs
Different types suit different needs (feeding boosters for home, travel boosters for holidays, car-based ones for road trips)
Safety features like secure straps and stable bases are non-negotiable
Perfect for small spaces, grandparents' houses, and families on the go.
Why Choose a Portable Booster Seat?
Portable booster seats are the chef’s kiss for families who need flexibility. They bring your child up to table height for meals without taking up the space (or budget) of a full-size high chair. Pop them in your bag for restaurant trips, keep one at the grandparents' place, or use them at home when you don't have room for bulky furniture. They’re especially handy once your little one starts eating more independently, which is a big part of toddler feeding
Key benefits:
Takes up minimal space - perfect for small homes or apartments
Easy to transport - most fold flat or fit in a bag
Saves money - cheaper than a traditional high chair
Grows with your child - many work from baby to toddler stage
Makes eating out easier - familiar seat means less fuss
Wipes clean quickly after messy meals.
Types of Portable Booster Seats
Feeding Boosters
Designed specifically for mealtimes, these attach securely to dining chairs and bring your eating learner up to table height. They usually have a tray, safety harness, and enough support for babies learning to sit independently. Perfect for everyday use at home or when visiting family. If you’re navigating mealtimes beyond the high chair stage, especially at the table, our guide to feeding your toddler at home has practical tips to make shared meals less messy and more enjoyable.
Car-Based Boosters
These are for older toddlers and designed for car travel safety, not feeding. They help position the seatbelt correctly across your child's body.
Travel Boosters
Lightweight, foldable feeding seats designed for holidays and eating out. They pack down small, often have carrying bags, and work on most standard chairs. Less sturdy than home feeding boosters, but much more portable.
Features to Consider Before Buying
Lightweight and Compact
Look for boosters that fold flat or small enough to fit in your bag. The lighter the better if you're carrying it around (we recommend aiming for under 2kg). Check how it folds too as one-handed folding is brilliant when you're juggling a baby and bags.
Safety
This is non-negotiable. Choose boosters with a secure 3-point or 5-point harness that your child can't wiggle out of. The base should be stable and non-slip, with straps that attach firmly to the chair. Check weight limits and ensure it's appropriate for your child's age and size.
Versatility
Can it attach to different chair types? Does it work with or without a tray? Some boosters adjust to multiple heights or convert from baby to toddler mode. The more versatile, the longer you'll use it.
Portability
Consider how you'll actually transport it. Does it have a carrying handle or bag? Will it fit in your nappy bag or pram basket? Can you wipe it clean quickly between uses, or does it need a full wash every time?
The Final Word
Portable booster seats give you flexibility to feed your little one anywhere without lugging around a full-size high chair. Choose one with solid safety features, easy cleaning, and portability that suits your lifestyle. A good portable booster makes mealtimes on-the-go so much easier.