Your baby’s high chair has likely seen countless first bites, messy faces, and family meals, but as your child grows, so do their needs. Eventually, the high chair that once offered comfort and security may start feeling a little too snug. If you're wondering when it’s time to make the switch to a booster seat, you’re not alone. This guide covers everything you need to know about recognizing the signs, understanding your options, and making the transition confidently. Understanding High Chairs, High Chair Mode, and Boosters A standard high chair is designed to keep babies seated and secure while eating. It typically features a raised seat, a five-point harness for safety, and a built-in feeding tray. This setup helps keep younger babies properly positioned and minimizes messes during mealtime. There are also modular and convertible high chairs, like the Chicco Zest™ and Stack® high chairs, that are designed to grow with your child. These versatile models can transform from a full-sized high chair into a booster or toddler seat to extend their usefulness and adapt to your child’s developmental stages. Booster seats, on the other hand, are strapped to regular dining chairs. They elevate toddlers to table height and often use simpler harness systems. Some have tray attachments that allow them to be used like high chairs for younger babies, or to make eating away from home easier. Boosters are also lighter and more portable, making them a convenient option for travel or small spaces. When to Start Using a Booster Most booster seats can be used by children starting at 6 months old until they reach 50 lbs. However, every child is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all age to make the switch from high chair or high chair mode. Below are the key signs your child may be ready to transition. 1. They Have Met the High Chair’s Age or Weight Limit Every high chair has age, weight, and sometimes height limits specified by the manufacturer. Most Chicco high chairs, for example, can be used in multiple configurations and accommodate children up to 60 or 100 pounds. Continuing to use a high chair after the weight or height limit has been exceeded can cause: Reduced stability or tipping risk Inadequate support or restraint Increased chance of injury due to the child’s size Even if your child is within the high chair’s age or weight limit, transitioning may be necessary if they appear cramped or are consistently trying to get out. 2. They Can Sit Unassisted for Extended Periods Good posture is essential for eating because it helps prevent choking. If your child can sit upright on their own for the full duration of a meal—without slumping, sliding, or leaning—they may be ready to move into a booster. This level of trunk control allows for better engagement during meals and encourages developmentally appropriate independence. 3. They Are Uncomfortable or Unhappy in the High Chair A once-happy high chair sitter who now squirms, fusses, or attempts to escape may be telling you they’ve outgrown their current setup. As children develop physically and emotionally, they begin to seek more autonomy. If your child is consistently unhappy during meals, a booster seat could help restore comfort and cooperation at the table. 4. They Want to Sit at the Table with You Around age two, many toddlers start to imitate the behavior of adults and older siblings. If your child expresses a desire to sit directly at the dining table, it’s a strong social and emotional cue that they’re ready for a booster seat. A booster seat brings your child to the same level as everyone else, making it easier to engage, converse, learn, and feel included during family meals. These small moments can go a long way in building confidence. 5. They Can Get Out of the High Chair on Their Own If your child has figured out how to stand up, unbuckle the harness, or climb out of the high chair, it’s a clear sign that the current setup is no longer working. Falls from high chairs can cause serious injury, so once your child figures out how to escape, it may be time to transition to a booster, or they may want to sit directly on the dining room chair. Keep in mind, however, that a child who can get out of a high chair can likely get out of a booster as well, so you should never leave your child unattended at the table. How to Transition to a Booster Switching from a high chair to a booster is an exciting milestone, but like any change, it can take time for your child to adjust. The key is to approach the transition with patience, consistency, and a positive mindset. Below are practical steps to help make the move feel natural for both you and your baby. Move the High Chair to the Table Ease your child into the transition by modifying how you use the high chair. If the manufacturer allows, try removing the tray and positioning the high chair directly at your dining table. If your high chair has adjustable height settings, raise or lower the seat to align with the table surface. This small change helps your child get used to eating without the tray barrier and introduces the concept of shared meals at the table. It also mimics the feel of a booster seat, giving your child a gradual introduction to their next mealtime stage. Eat with Your Child Children learn by watching. Making mealtimes a shared experience encourages your child to engage, observe, and model your behavior. Sit with them during meals and use simple, positive language to reinforce expectations, like staying seated until everyone is finished or trying new foods. This time together not only supports their social development, but also helps build positive mealtime routines that can carry over once they’re using a booster. Select a Booster When you're ready to move to a booster, choose a model that fits your child’s needs and works well with your dining setup. Look for features like: A secure harness or lap belt to keep your child seated comfortably Non-slip bottoms or grip material to help keep the booster in place Easy-to-clean surfaces to simplify cleanup after meals Compatibility with standard adult-sized dining chairs Caregiver Tip: Involving your child in picking out their new booster can help them feel excited and empowered about the change. A new seat can even become a fun part of your family’s mealtime routine. Attach the Booster Securely Before the first use, carefully read the product manual for specific setup instructions. Each booster seat is designed to attach a certain way, usually with straps that wrap around the back and bottom of a chair. Make sure the booster is installed snugly on a sturdy, adult-sized chair with a flat seat and solid backrest. Consult your booster’s product manual to see which types of chairs are compatible. Folding chairs, barstools, or soft-seated chairs are typically incompatible and may not provide the proper support or positioning. Buckle and Monitor Your Child in the Booster Features like a harness or safety straps are designed to help keep your child comfortably positioned and promote good posture throughout the meal. Never leave your child unattended while in the booster seat. Stay nearby and engage with your child during meals to help reinforce mealtime expectations, minimize distractions, and encourage them to remain seated until mealtime is over. With consistency, your child will become more comfortable and confident in their new seat. Make Mealtimes More Enjoyable With Chicco Outgrowing the high chair is a sign that your little one is gaining independence and developing new skills. Transitioning to a booster can support that growth while keeping mealtimes meaningful and manageable. By recognizing the signs and making thoughtful adjustments, you can help your child feel confident and included at the table. At Chicco, we’re here to support every phase of your parenting journey with intuitive products and expert-backed resources. Explore our full range of high chairs and boosters, or visit the Baby Talk Blog for more tips and advice. When to Stop Using a High Chair FAQs At what age should you stop using a high chair? Many children begin to transition out of high chairs at 18 months. However, readiness depends more on your child’s developmental milestones and the high chair’s height and weight limits than age alone. Some adjustable high chairs, like the Chicco Zest™, for example, can accommodate children up to three years old in high chair mode. Is a 2-year-old too big for a high chair? Whether a 2-year-old is too big for a high chair depends on their height, weight, and developmental readiness, as well as your model’s specifications. Many 2-year-olds are still within the weight and height limits of most high chairs, but may be ready for the independence offered by booster seats.