A portable booster seat for the table and a car booster seat are two different products for two different jobs. A table booster raises a child to table height on an ordinary chair so they can eat with the family. A car booster seat is a child restraint that positions a child correctly for the seatbelt in a moving vehicle.
They are not interchangeable. A dining booster seat should never be used in a car, and a car booster seat is not made for the dining table. The word "booster" covers both, which is why searches like "travel booster seat" and "portable car booster seat" can overlap.
Dining booster vs car booster at a glance
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Dining booster seat |
Car booster seat |
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Main job |
Raises a child to table height on an existing chair |
Positions a child so the seatbelt fits correctly in a vehicle |
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Where it is used |
Cafes, restaurants, holiday rentals, family homes |
Inside a car |
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Used in a moving vehicle? |
No, never |
Yes, that is its purpose |
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What to look for |
Weight and age limits, stability on a chair, easy cleaning |
The Australian standards label (AS/NZS 1754) and a fit for your child and vehicle |
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Who sets the rules |
The manufacturer's instructions |
Australian child restraint laws and the standard |
What the rules say about car restraints in Australia
By law, children must be restrained appropriately at all times when travelling in a car in Australia. The Victorian Government's Better Health Channel also states that all child restraints must comply with the Australian Standard for child restraints, AS/NZS 1754.
The details of which restraint suits which age and size are set by each state and territory, so check your own road authority before you buy or change seats. When you shop for a car restraint, look for the Australian standards label rather than relying on the product name.
Why a dining booster should never go in the car
A dining booster seat is built to sit on a chair and lift a child toward the table. High Kiddie is a dining booster seat. It is not a child car restraint, and it should not be used in a vehicle.
If you are travelling, keep the two jobs separate. The car restraint stays in the car and is chosen for your child's size and your vehicle. The dining booster goes in a bag and comes out when you sit down to eat.
How to travel with both
For a road trip or a holiday, a simple routine keeps things clear:
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Before you leave, check that your car restraint still suits your child's size and carries the Australian standards label.
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Pack the dining booster separately, in its own carry bag, so it is not mistaken for part of the car setup.
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Set up the dining booster only when you are seated at a table, on a sturdy chair, with your child supervised.
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Wipe it down and let it dry before packing it away.
A portable dining booster is worth carrying only if it is easy to carry. High Kiddie weighs 1.5 kg and packs into a carry bag measuring 20 cm x 20 cm x 14 cm, so it fits in a nappy bag. It inflates in under 30 seconds, and the fabric is washable with a TPU liner.
How to choose a dining booster seat
Whichever product you look at, check these points before you buy:
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Age and weight range. High Kiddie is designed for children from 9 months to 5 years who can sit upright unassisted, up to 20 kg.
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Stability on a chair. The seat should sit securely on the chairs you will actually use. Check the manufacturer's instructions for what it can and cannot be placed on.
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Setup time. If it takes too long, it will stay in the bag.
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Cleaning. Food ends up everywhere, so a wipe-clean or washable surface matters.
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Pack size and weight. Measure your nappy bag, not just the product listing.
For a deeper look at choosing one, read our portable booster seat guide for Australia. If you eat out often, see the portable booster seat guide for restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a dining booster seat as a car seat? No. A dining booster seat is not a child car restraint. Use an approved car restraint that carries the Australian standards label for every car trip.
Can I use a car booster seat at the dining table? Car booster seats are made to position a child for a seatbelt, not to sit on a dining chair. Use a product made for the job you need it to do.
Does a dining booster seat need an AS/NZS 1754 label? That standard covers child restraints for use in motor vehicles. A dining booster is not a car restraint, so follow the manufacturer's instructions for age, weight and use.
Which rules apply in my state? Child restraint rules are enforced by each state and territory. Check your local road authority for the requirements that apply to your child's age and height.
Ready for the table
High Kiddie is a portable, inflatable booster seat for the dining table, and it is currently on Kickstarter. You can back the campaign and choose a reward, or see how it works on the High Kiddie website.