Hook-on and booster seats are essential for safely transporting children in vehicles once they outgrow traditional car seats. These seats position the seat belt correctly over the child’s body and boost them to the proper height to achieve maximum protection. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain in booster seats until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, typically between ages 8 and 12.
There are two main types of booster seats – high back boosters and backless boosters. High back boosters provide extra side impact protection and help position vehicle shoulder belts, while backless boosters are more portable and can be easily moved between vehicles. Most children can transition to backless boosters around ages 5-6 if they weigh at least 40 pounds.
When used properly, booster seats reduce the risk of serious injury in crashes by 45% compared to seat belts alone. They should always be used with both lap and shoulder belts as instructed by the manufacturer. Checking the manuals for weight and height limits is key – a booster should boost the child so knees bend at the vehicle seat edge and the belt crosses the collarbone and sits low on the hips.
Our Top Picks For 2025
Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat
The Graco Tranzitions is a versatile 3-in-1 harness booster car seat that transitions from harness booster (22-65 lbs) to highback booster (40-100 lbs) to backless booster (40-100 lbs). This lightweight seat grows with your child.
The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat is designed to grow with your child, transitioning seamlessly as they grow. This versatile seat by Graco features three modes of use, keeping your child safe and comfortable at every stage.
Key Features and Benefits:
- 3-in-1 design transitions from harness booster to highback booster to backless booster, accommodating children 22-100 lbs
- Simply Safe Adjust Harness System adjusts harness and headrest together in 8 positions without rethreading
- Lightweight, portable design perfect for busy families and carpooling
- One-hand adjustable headrest easily adapts as your child grows
- Integrated cup holders keep drinks within reach
- Machine washable seat pad, body insert and harness covers for easy cleaning
- Meets or exceeds all applicable US safety standards
With its intelligent design that adapts to your growing child, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat is the perfect choice for safety, comfort and convenience.
Hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat
The Hiccapop OmniBoost is a portable, lightweight booster seat that can be used at home, while traveling, or eating out. It straps securely to most chairs and has a removable dishwasher-safe tray. The machine washable fabric cover and stability feet help prevent tipping.
The Hiccapop OmniBoost Travel Booster Seat is a must-have for families on the go. This innovative booster seat is designed for versatility, convenience, and safety.
Key features and benefits:
- Portable and lightweight – Weighing just 4 pounds, it folds down easily for travel and storage. Comes with a carry bag.
- Secures to most chairs – Dual straps and buckles attach it securely to kitchen chairs, restaurant seats, etc.
- Removable dishwasher-safe tray – The BPA-free tray swivels open and snaps off for easy cleaning.
- Machine washable fabric cover – Helps contain messes. Easily remove and toss in the washing machine.
- Stability feet – The “duck feet” distribute weight evenly to prevent tipping on uneven surfaces.
The Hiccapop OmniBoost allows your child to join in family meals and activities anywhere while being comfortable, secure, and mess-contained. It’s the perfect companion for eating out, travel, camping, or everyday use at home.
Summer Pop 'N Sit Portable Booster Chair
The Summer Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster Chair is an all-in-one booster seat solution for indoor and outdoor use. This portable booster can be used as a floor seat, attached to a chair, taken to restaurants, the park, or anywhere you need an on-the-go feeding and activity chair.
The Summer Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster Chair provides a versatile seating option for your baby or toddler ages 6 months to 4 years. This innovative booster seat features a compact fold design and included carry bag, making it easy to bring along on your family adventures.
Key Features and Benefits:
- For Indoor & Outdoor Use: Can be used as a floor seat, attached to adult chairs, taken to restaurants, the park, or anywhere you need an on-the-go booster seat
- All-In-One Solution: Use as a feeding booster, activity chair, or restaurant high chair alternative
- Compact Fold Design: Innovative pop and fold mechanism makes set up quick and storage simple
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighs only 4.5 lbs and includes a carry bag for easy transport
- Removable Tray: The dishwasher-safe tray easily removes for transitioning from feeding to play
- Safety Features: 3-point harness, non-slip rubber feet, and chair safety straps keep baby secure
The Summer Pop ‘N Sit Portable Booster Chair is the perfect portable seating solution for feeding, play, and travel with your little one. Its innovative design and versatility make it easy to use this booster seat anywhere you go.
Ingenuity SmartClean Toddler Booster Seat
The Ingenuity SmartClean booster seat is an easy-to-clean toddler booster that securely straps onto most dining chairs. It has a removable foam insert for comfort and a 3-point harness for safety. The wipeable design saves time on mess cleanup.
The Ingenuity SmartClean Toddler Booster Seat is designed to make the transition from high chair to big kid table seating safe and mess-free. This booster seat from the popular baby gear brand Ingenuity is made to be an ultra-convenient solution for mealtimes with toddlers.
Key features and benefits:
- Fits most dining chairs with adjustable straps to secure it in place
- Removable foam insert provides a comfortable seat for squirmy toddlers
- 3-point harness keeps child secure and can be removed as child grows
- Easy-clean design just wipes down for simple mess management
- Lightweight and portable for use at home or on-the-go
The SmartClean booster allows your toddler to join the family at mealtimes while keeping them safe and secure. Its innovative mess-proof materials make this a must-have for parents.
Regalo Baby Basics Booster Seat
The Regalo Baby Basics Booster Seat is a durable, easy to clean plastic booster seat that enables your child to join you at the table. This lightweight booster seat features safety straps and a 3-point harness to keep your little one secure.
The Regalo Baby Basics Booster Seat is the perfect solution for giving your child a little boost at mealtimes. This booster seat is designed for safety, convenience, and easy cleaning. Key features include:
- Safety: Equipped with anchoring straps and a 3-point harness to keep your child secure
- Portable: Lightweight, compact size for easy transport and storage
- Easy to Clean: Made from durable plastic that wipes clean easily
- Adjustable: Fits most standard chairs thanks to adjustable anchoring straps
- Certified: Meets ASTM and JPMA safety standards
With its sleek profile and sturdy design, the Regalo Baby Basics Booster Seat enables your child to join in at mealtimes while keeping them safe and secure. Its convenient size makes it easy to bring along for travel or visits. Give your little one the perfect boost up to the table with this top-rated booster seat.
Upseat Baby Floor Seat Booster Chair
The Upseat Baby Floor Seat Booster Chair is an ergonomic, portable booster seat and floor seat designed to promote proper posture and healthy hip development in babies 4 months to 2 years old. Made in North America from soft, durable foam.
The Upseat Baby Floor Seat Booster Chair is an innovative baby product designed to provide comfort, safety and versatility for feeding, playing and promoting healthy development.
Key Features and Benefits:
- The Upseat Baby Seat is developed with the guidance of physical therapists to promote proper upright posture, engaging the muscles responsible for healthy development. It is safe for a baby’s developing hips, ensuring natural and healthy hip development.
- Comfortable Design: The Upseat is made of soft squishy foam, providing maximum comfort for your baby and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Perfect for children aged 4 months to 2 years or up to 30 lbs.
- Sleek and Modern Design: The Upseat Baby Seat features a modern design that complements any home decor style. Proudly made in North America, it is the perfect addition to your baby gear collection.
- Versatile: Use the Upseat Baby Seat as a floor seat, booster seat with tray, or a baby feeding chair. It provides ample room for those adorable chubby legs and safely positions your baby’s hips.
- Portable and Travel-Friendly: Whether you’re going out for a family meal, visiting relatives, or attending a playdate, the Upseat Baby Seat’s lightweight design and convenient handle make it easy to transport. It is the perfect choice for parents on the go!
The Upseat Baby Floor Seat Booster Chair is designed to grow with your child, providing comfort and proper support from early infancy through the toddler years. Its thoughtful design and quality construction make it a must-have for safety-conscious parents.
OXO Tot Nest Booster Seat
The OXO Tot Nest Booster Seat is a hook-on booster seat from OXO that securely attaches to most dining chairs. It has a 3-point harness to keep toddlers safe and a removable cushion for easy cleaning.
The OXO Tot Nest Booster Seat is an excellent option for transitioning your toddler from a high chair to the family dining table. This booster seat from OXO has many great features:
- Attaches securely to most dining chairs with adjustable straps
- High back and sides cradle child for comfort and support
- Removable cushion is stain-resistant and wipes clean easily
- Non-slip feet keep booster stable and protect chairs from scratches
- Side-release buckles prevent escape attempts
- 3-point harness adjusts as your child grows
- Built-in handle for easy transport and storage
With its sleek, simple design the OXO Tot Nest Booster Seat will complement any dining area. It gives your toddler a comfortable, secure seat at the table so they can join the whole family for mealtimes.
SMZCTYI Toddler Booster Seat for Dining Table
The SMZCTYI Toddler Booster Seat is a hook-on booster seat that provides a comfortable lift for toddlers at the dining table. Made of durable PU leather and high-density sponge, it attaches securely to chairs and wipes clean easily.
The SMZCTYI Toddler Booster Seat is designed to give toddlers a boost at the dining table so they can eat comfortably with the family. This booster seat from SMZCTYI attaches securely to most dining chairs and features several benefits:
- Made of high-quality PU leather and sponge for comfort and support.
- Safety straps and non-slip bottom keep booster firmly in place.
- Detachable and washable for easy cleaning.
- Lightweight and portable design for use at home or on-the-go.
- Suitable size fits most standard dining chairs.
The SMZCTYI Toddler Booster Seat is an ideal solution for giving little ones a comfortable lift at mealtimes. Its durable and easy-care design provides safety and convenience.
PandaEar Portable Baby Booster Seat
The PandaEar Portable Baby Booster Seat is a lightweight, foldable booster seat from PandaEar that is great for travel and indoor/outdoor use. It has a safety belt and removable dishwasher-safe tray.
The PandaEar Portable Baby Booster Seat is a must-have for parents on the go. This innovative booster seat from PandaEar makes dining out and travel easy with your little one.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Foldable Design: The seat folds up into a compact size for easy portability and storage. Great for travel and transporting from room to room.
- Safety Belt: Comes with a safety belt to securely restrain your child while seated. Helps prevent falls and injuries.
- Removable Tray: Features a detachable dishwasher-safe tray with cupholder for easy feeding. The tray can be removed to convert the seat into a booster.
- Machine-Washable: The seat fabric is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning.
- Indoor/Outdoor Use: Lightweight and portable so you can use it for dining at home, restaurants, camping trips, picnics, beach days and more.
The PandaEar Portable Baby Booster Seat makes mealtimes and travel easy and convenient, while keeping your child comfortable and secure. It’s a parenting must-have for babies and toddlers.
Infantino Discovery Fun 3-in-1 Baby Activity Seat
The Infantino Discovery Fun 3-in-1 baby activity seat from Infantino is an entertaining and practical baby seat that converts into a booster seat and snack tray. It features light-up musical toys to stimulate your baby’s senses.
The Infantino Discovery Fun 3-in-1 Baby Activity Seat is an all-in-one entertainer, feeding seat and booster seat for babies and toddlers. This versatile seat from Infantino provides engaging developmental activities to keep your little one happy and supported as they grow.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Converts from activity seat to booster to snack tray, offering 3 modes of use
- Interactive light-up piano with 20 songs & sounds promotes sensory development
- Slide-apart activity pods reveal hidden snack tray and cup holder
- Machine-washable seat cushion for easy cleanups
- Adjustable safety straps and harness keeps baby secure
- Portable and lightweight for use at home or on-the-go
- Accommodates babies from 4 months up to 4 years (33 lbs)
With stimulating lights, sounds and textures, the Infantino Discovery Fun seat entertains babies while strengthening their fine motor skills. The convenient 3-in-1 design also adapts as your child grows, providing an interactive place to play, eat and interact.
