A booster seat raises a child to table height on an ordinary chair. It does not hold a baby upright for them, so it suits children who can already sit upright without help. If your baby cannot sit on their own yet, a booster seat is not the right tool for now.
This checklist helps you decide, and it covers how to set one up safely. It is general guidance, not medical advice. If you are unsure about your child's development, ask your child health nurse or GP.
What a booster seat does, and what it does not
A booster seat sits on a regular dining chair and brings your child up to the height of the table. That makes it easier to join the family meal, whether you are at home, at a cafe or at a relative's house.
It is different from a full high chair, which is a standalone seat with its own frame. A booster seat relies on the chair beneath it and on your child being able to sit upright. It may not replace every function of a traditional high chair, so it helps to think of it as a travel and flexible-seating option.
Readiness checklist
Tick each point before you start using a booster seat at the table:
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Your child sits upright on their own. They can stay upright without being held or propped up. High Kiddie is designed for children who can sit upright unassisted.
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They are within the seat's age and weight range. High Kiddie is designed for children from 9 months to 5 years, up to 20 kg. Check the limits of any booster you consider.
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They can stay seated for a meal. A child who is constantly trying to climb out may not be ready for a seat that sits on a chair.
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You have a sturdy chair. The seat is only as stable as the chair it sits on. Use a solid dining chair on a flat floor.
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You can supervise the whole meal. A booster seat is not a substitute for watching your child while they eat.
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You have read the manufacturer's instructions. Follow them for set-up, inflation level, cleaning and what the seat can be placed on.
If any point is not a yes, wait. Waiting costs you nothing, and you can come back to the checklist in a few weeks.
How to set up a booster seat safely
Good habits matter more than the seat itself:
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Place the seat on a stable chair at a table, not on a stool, bench or anything that can tip.
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Check that the seat is fully inflated or fitted as the instructions describe before each use.
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Settle your child in, adjust the position, and stay within arm's reach.
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Do not leave your child alone in the seat, even for a moment.
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Stop using it if your child outgrows the weight limit or starts standing or climbing in the seat.
Packing and cleaning
Meals get messy, so cleaning matters. High Kiddie has a washable fabric with a TPU liner, so it can be wiped clean or machine washed. Let it dry before you pack it away. It weighs 1.5 kg and packs into a carry bag measuring 20 cm x 20 cm x 14 cm, which makes it easy to take to cafes and holiday stays. Fully inflated, it measures 33 cm high, 47 cm wide and 40 cm deep.
When to wait
A booster seat is not the best choice if:
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your child cannot sit upright without support yet
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your child is outside the seat's age or weight range
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you cannot find a sturdy chair to use it on
In those cases, ask your child health nurse or GP about what suits your child, and use seating that fully supports them.
Frequently asked questions
Can a young baby use a booster seat? A booster seat is for children who can already sit upright unassisted. High Kiddie is designed for children from 9 months who can do this. If your baby cannot sit on their own yet, wait and ask your child health nurse or GP for advice.
Is a booster seat the same as a high chair? No. A high chair is a standalone seat. A booster seat sits on an existing chair and raises your child to table height.
What is the weight limit for a booster seat? It depends on the product. High Kiddie is designed for children up to 20 kg. Always check the limit stated by the manufacturer.
How long can a child use a booster seat? Until they outgrow the seat's age or weight limit, or no longer need to be lifted to reach the table. High Kiddie is designed for ages 9 months to 5 years.
Take it with you
If you want a booster seat that goes wherever the family eats, you can read more in our portable booster seat guide for Australia and our guide to booster seats at the dining table. High Kiddie is currently on Kickstarter, where you can back the campaign and choose a reward. You can also find out more on the High Kiddie website.