One of my mama friends is a firm believer that high chairs are a waste of money and space and I think she very well may be right. We splurged on the beautiful Svan high chair for its’ sleek, compact design but the infant table was a nuisance to clean, we have a distinct Svan-shaped wear spot on the hardwood floor, and most alarmingly, the base sometimes isn't stable enough when our toddler is in rambunctious mode at the table. I’m just not keen on being cast alongside Britney Spears in the mama’ing domain.

So what’s the alternative? The Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat will only set you back $22.99 (compared to $270 for the Svan chair + cushion...ouch). Fab mama friend and I are thinking that so long as you have a low priority dining chair with a nice sturdy base, you can forego the high chair in favor of a booster seat. Plus, the booster packs up easily for travel or restaurant visits.

The Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat has a removable feeding tray, 3-point harness and 3 height adjustments and is available at Amazon for $22.99 and $24.99 at Babies R Us.