Updated September 03, 2013.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Question: When Can My Baby Move to a Booster Seat?

We live in a very small apartment with an eat-in kitchen. The high chair takes up so much room. When will I be able to move my son from his high chair to his booster seat?

Answer:

Having raised two children close together in age and lived in a small home as well, I understand the desire to save space all too well. Though high chairs provide your younger baby with support, they also can take up a great deal of room.

Booster seats can be a great solution to space woes. When looking to make the move to a booster seat, there are a few points you should consider.

Appropriate Age for a Booster Seat

The first thing you need to realize is that there are all sorts of booster seats on the market. Some of the most basic booster seats (for example: those that have no straps or back supports) are not intended for babies younger than one year of age. So, when you are out browsing the Feeding Gear aisle, be sure to take note of the manufacturer's age guidelines.

Other booster seats are designed for slightly younger babies. These seats have a firm back support and a seat belt. Depending on the guidelines and your baby's physical development, it might be possible that your son will be ready to down-size to a booster seat at or around 9 months of age.

Safety Guidelines

You will want to be sure to follow safety guidelines when using the booster seat, so be sure to read through the feeding chair's manual. Some points worth considering:

• Only use a booster seat if your baby can sit up unsupported.
• Always secure the belt restraints (you may also want to look for a seat with a crotch guard that helps keep your baby from slipping).
• Only attach your booster to for a sturdy, heavy chair that is very stable and not likely to tip over.
• Never use a booster seat unless it is securely attached to the chair.
• Keep the booster seat well a way from walls or other objects from which your baby could kick off and topple the chair.
• Never leave your baby unattended in the booster seat.
• Always follow sound feeding advice.