Packing for a family trip can feel like a giant puzzle. You want to keep your child safe in any car, but dragging a bulky booster seat through an airport is no one’s idea of fun. What’s the best way to ensure their safety without the heavy lifting?
You’re in the right place. We’ve done the research to find the best travel-friendly booster seats. This guide compares the top lightweight and portable options, so you can find the perfect one for your family’s needs.
| Product Image | Product Name | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Bo | Ultimate Travel Luxury | Prices |
 | Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless | Everyday & Carpooling | Prices |
 | BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car | Packs In A Backpack | Prices |
 | Hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Bo | Ultimate Travel Luxury | Prices |
 | Cosco Topside Backless Booster C | Best Budget Buy | Prices |
 | mifold Grab-and-go Compact Boost | Smallest & Lightest | Prices |
 | Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Boost | Comfort & Side-impact Protec… | Prices |
 | BubbleBum Twin Pack Inflatable B | Siblings & Carpools | Prices |
Hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Bo
If you’re a family constantly on the move, the hiccapop UberBoost is the perfect travel companion for turning any chair into a safe and comfy spot for your little diner.
Its genius lies in the super-fast, battery-free foot pump. You can have it fully inflated and ready to go in under 30 seconds, which is a lifesaver when you have a hungry toddler and a wobbly restaurant chair. The firm, adjustable seatbelt then keeps them securely in place, giving you peace of mind.
Despite being inflatable, it’s built tough with heavy-duty, BPA-free vinyl that’s a breeze to wipe clean after messy meals. When you’re done, it deflates in a flash and packs down incredibly small, easily fitting into a diaper bag or backpack. For a booster seat that truly lives up to the “travel-ready” name, the UberBoost is a fantastic, hassle-free choice.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly compact and lightweight when deflated
- 👍 Ultra-fast, no-battery-required foot pump
- 👍 Very easy to wipe clean after meals
- 👍 Sturdy and secure with an adjustable seatbelt
Cons:
- 👎 The vinyl surface can be a little slippery on some chairs
- 👎 Best for toddlers who can sit upright on their own
- 👎 Might not be as comfortable for very long meals as a padded seat
Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless
If you’re a parent who needs a super simple and portable booster seat for carpools, travel, or your child’s grandparents’ car, the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Backless is a perfect fit.
Its secret weapon is the hidden, pop-out Latch system. This lets you securely click the booster onto the car seat, so it stops sliding around when your child gets in and out. No more leaning across the seat to wrestle it back into place before you drive off! It makes life so much easier.
We also love the durable, easy-to-clean fabric and the fact that the armrests are cup holders, which kids absolutely adore. It’s a no-fuss, brilliantly designed seat that takes the hassle out of short trips, making it a reliable and smart choice for older kids.
Pros:
- 👍 Hidden Latch system prevents sliding for a secure, hassle-free fit.
- 👍 Extremely lightweight and easy to carry or move between vehicles.
- 👍 Removable, machine-washable cover makes cleanup a breeze.
- 👍 Built-in cup holders are a huge hit with kids for holding drinks and snacks.
Cons:
- 👎 The Latch connectors can be a bit stiff to use at first.
- 👎 It’s a wider seat, which might be a tight squeeze in some compact car setups.
- 👎 Lacks the extra side-impact protection of a high-back booster model.
BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Car
If you’re a family that’s always on the go, the BubbleBum inflatable booster is a game-changer for travel.
Its genius lies in being fully inflatable by mouth or pump, letting you deflate it to fit in a backpack or glove compartment when not in use. Imagine landing for a vacation, pulling the BubbleBum from your carry-on, and having a safe seat ready for the rental car in minutes. It takes the usual hassle out of transporting a bulky booster.
Despite its air-filled design, it’s surprisingly sturdy and features a comfortable, machine-washable cover. The seat belt guide is a crucial safety feature that properly positions the lap and shoulder belt on your child. For anyone who carpools, uses ride-shares, or travels frequently, its unique convenience is simply unmatched.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly portable and easy to store when deflated.
- 👍 Simple to inflate and deflate without any tools.
- 👍 Machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.
- 👍 Meets or exceeds all U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Cons:
- 👎 Requires reinflation before each use, which takes a moment.
- 👎 The inflated seat has a slightly different feel than a hard-backed booster.
- 👎 Best for occasional or travel use rather than daily, heavy-duty use.
Hiccapop UberBoost Inflatable Bo
If you’re a family that’s always on the go, the hiccapop UberBoost is the perfect travel booster seat for you.
Its genius lies in the super-fast, battery-free foot pump. You can have it fully inflated and ready for your toddler in under 30 seconds, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to get settled at a busy restaurant. It easily straps to almost any chair, providing a secure and familiar spot for your little one.
Despite being inflatable, it’s made from rugged, puncture-resistant material that feels surprisingly sturdy. When mealtime is over, it deflates in a flash and packs down into its own compact carry bag, making it incredibly easy to stash in a diaper bag or under a stroller.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly fast and easy inflation with the built-in foot pump.
- 👍 Packs down super small and is very lightweight for travel.
- 👍 Wipes clean effortlessly with a damp cloth after messy meals.
- 👍 Works securely on a wide variety of chair styles.
Cons:
- 👎 Might feel less stable for very wiggly children compared to a hard plastic seat.
- 👎 The inflatable seat surface may not be as comfortable for long meals.
- 👎 You have to remember to pack it, unlike a permanent high chair.
Cosco Topside Backless Booster C
If you’re a parent who frequently carpools or needs to quickly move a booster seat between vehicles, the Cosco Topside is practically made for you.
Its biggest win is the incredible lightness—it weighs just two pounds! This makes it a dream to carry, whether you’re running to a friend’s car or packing it for a flight. For example, you can easily tuck it under your arm while holding your child’s hand, no heavy lifting required.
Despite its light feel, the seat is surprisingly sturdy and the clean, simple design is a breeze to wipe clean after any spills or crumbs. While it’s a backless model, it offers solid value and does its primary job of positioning your child safely with a vehicle’s seat belt exceptionally well.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly lightweight and easy to carry.
- 👍 Very affordable, offering great value.
- 👍 Simple to install in seconds.
- 👍 Compact size is perfect for travel and storage.
Cons:
- 👎 The lack of armrests might be less comfortable for some kids.
- 👎 The seat cushion is on the thinner side compared to some premium models.
- 👎 Limited color options available.
mifold Grab-and-go Compact Boost
If you’re a parent who carpools, uses ride-shares frequently, or is simply fed up with lugging a bulky booster seat, the mifold Grab-and-go is practically made for you.
Its biggest advantage is its incredibly slim size; it folds down to be about the size of a lunchbox. This means you can easily stash it in a backpack, a tote bag, or even a large glove compartment, making it perfect for spontaneous taxi rides or traveling on an airplane without the hassle. For example, your child can carry it themselves in their school bag for the ride home with a friend’s parent.
Beyond being compact, it’s also very durable and a breeze to clean. The entire seat is made of a hard, wipeable plastic, so spilled juice or crumbs are no problem at all. While it works differently than a traditional booster, it’s a brilliant, space-saving solution for older kids who have outgrown a car seat but still need a boost to be safe.
Pros:
- 👍 Unbelievably compact and portable
- 👍 Super easy to store in any bag
- 👍 Simple to clean with wipeable materials
- 👍 Lightweight enough for a child to carry
Cons:
- 👎 Has a steeper learning curve to secure correctly
- 👎 The low profile might be less comfortable for long journeys
- 👎 Best for kids on the taller, slimmer side
Chicco GoFit Plus Backless Boost
If you’re a parent who frequently carpools, travels, or needs to move a booster seat between vehicles, the Chicco GoFit Plus is practically made for you.
Its best feature is the super-simple installation. You just route the seatbelt through the color-coded guides and you’re good to go. This means you can get it set up correctly in your car in seconds, and then just as quickly move it to a grandparent’s car or a rental vehicle without any hassle.
It’s also surprisingly sturdy and comfortable for a lightweight, backless booster. The contoured, cushioned seat and integrated armrests make it much more pleasant for kids on longer rides, while the easy-to-clean cover handles the inevitable messes. For a no-fuss, reliable travel seat, it’s a fantastic choice.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly quick and simple seatbelt installation.
- 👍 Very lightweight and easy to carry or store.
- 👍 Thickly cushioned and contoured for child comfort.
- 👍 Removable, machine-washable cover for easy cleaning.
Cons:
- 👎 The open belt guides can sometimes allow for a little slack, requiring a quick re-tighten.
- 👎 Lacks the side wings and head support of a high-back booster.
- 👎 The cup holder is a bit small for larger water bottles.
BubbleBum Twin Pack Inflatable B
The BubbleBum Twin Pack is the ultimate solution for families who frequently travel, carpool, or need a reliable spare seat for grandparents’ cars.
Its genius lies in its inflatable design; simply blow it up when you need it and deflate to store in the glove compartment when you don’t. This means you’re always prepared for an extra passenger without sacrificing precious trunk space. For example, if a last-minute playdate turns into a carpool situation, you can have a safe, legal booster ready in under a minute.
Beyond its space-saving magic, the BubbleBum is deceptively sturdy and features a soft, comfortable cover. It also includes a clip to ensure the seatbelt is positioned correctly on your child. For frequent flyers and urban adventurers, this twin pack offers unbeatable convenience and peace of mind.
Pros:
- 👍 Incredibly portable and stores anywhere when deflated.
- 👍 The twin pack is perfect for carpools or having a spare.
- 👍 Quick and easy to inflate without any tools.
- 👍 Includes a seatbelt positioning clip for added safety.
Cons:
- 👎 Requires manual inflation, which might be a minor hassle for some.
- 👎 Not suitable for everyday, long-term use like a hard-backed booster.
- 👎 The soft back offers less side-impact protection than hardshell models.
Buyer’s Guide: 3 Key Factors to Consider
Portability & Packability
This is the “travel” in travel booster seat. Look for models that are lightweight and fold down as flat as possible. A seat that comes with its own carrying case or strap is a huge plus, making it easy to stash in a suitcase, carry-on, or hang on a stroller without it becoming a burden.
Ease of Cleaning
Travel means messes—from spilled juice to crumbs. Prioritize seats with removable, machine-washable fabric covers. A smooth, seamless plastic construction is also easier to wipe down quickly than one with many seams and crevices where grime can hide, saving you time and hassle on the go.
Versatility & Security
Your seat should work on a wide variety of chair types, from wooden dining chairs to bulky restaurant booths. Ensure it has a secure, reliable attachment system (like a stable back clasp or a robust strap) that prevents wobbling and keeps your child safely in place during meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are these booster seats approved for use in vehicles?
A1: No, the seats featured here are designed for use at a table, not in a car. They lack the rigorous safety certifications required for vehicle travel. Always use a dedicated, certified car seat when driving.
Q2: What is the typical age and weight range for a travel booster?
A2: Most travel boosters are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, typically from about 18 months up to 5 years old, or for children weighing 15 to 60 pounds. Always check the manufacturer’s specific weight and height limits.
Q3: How do I clean the fabric seat cover?
A3: The best travel boosters have removable covers that are machine washable. For a quick clean, most covers can also be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Always check the care label first.
Q4: Will it fit securely on all types of chairs?
A4: Most are designed to fit standard dining chairs and many booth seats. However, very thick, round-backed, or armless chairs can sometimes be a challenge. Look for models with adjustable straps or clamps for the best compatibility.
Q5: Can my child use it at home as their primary high chair?
A5: Absolutely! Many families use these as a space-saving alternative to a traditional high chair. They are durable enough for daily use and easy to clean, making them a fantastic dual-purpose solution.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
For the ultimate combination of packability, durability, and ease of use, the Mifold Grab-and-Go Booster stands out as our top pick. It’s the perfect choice for frequent flyers and families on the move. If you prioritize a plush, comfortable seat for daily use that also travels well, the Guzzie & Gia Traveller is an excellent, premium alternative. No matter your choice, you’re investing in stress-free meals away from home.
Pros:
- 👍 Unbeatable portability, folding incredibly flat.
- 👍 Durable, easy-to-clean materials withstand travel rigors.
- 👍 Simple, secure attachment system works on most chairs.
- 👍 Lightweight and often includes a carrying case.
Cons:
- 👎 May feel less plush than a full-sized high chair.
- 👎 Can be tricky to secure on unusually shaped chairs.
- 👎 Has a weight limit, eventually requiring a replacement.
