When I first came across the Bombol Pop-Up Booster online I was skeptical. It’s marketed as a sleek booster chair that hides the secret ability to fold up like a book. Too good to be true right?
Then I traveled to Ontario with my 2 little kids under 2 for a wedding and got the chance to check it out in person at a baby store called West Coast Kids.
Never mind the fact that I spend trips researching new baby stores, this product is impressive.
The biggest expectation hurdle for me to get over was it’s sturdiness. I envisioned something cardboardy and uncomfortable, but to my surprise it was quite the opposite.
It really was sleek, solid, and a little feat of engineering to boot. I ended up buying one and adding it to my growing arsenal of baby gear.
Overall, I love it, but the downsides might be something you wouldn’t expect. Below is my review of the Bombol Pop Up Booster Seat.
Pros and Cons
What Makes Bombol Stand Out?
1. The Most Compact Portable Booster Seat
The biggest pro of the Bombol is pretty obvious; you did hear me say it literally folds up to the size of a book, right? A thin book!
I mean, the day after buying this thing I found myself getting compliments from staff and guest at a Chick-fil-a. “That is one slick contraption” – “Never seen anything like that before!”
There is a certain ‘bell of the ball’ factor with this highchair I will admit. It’s unique and people find it interesting.
The Pop Up Booster is ideal for travel with little ones as it takes up minimal space. Easy to store, easy to pack, light and portable — this is by far the coolest feature it has to offer.
2. Super Easy to Clean
Another bonus I didn’t see coming was how easy it is to wipe clean. I’m impressed by how easily food stains come off with just a simple wipe from a wet cloth or wipes.
Other booster chairs have those impossible to reach nooks and crannies that will inevitably become soiled with mystery crumbs.
The way the Pop Up Booster is built, there is really nowhere for spills to hide. After half year of use, our Bombol still looks like brand new!
The harnesses are also removable. You can wash them separately.
3. Very Comfortable and Sturdy
The chair is made of quality material that’s slightly padded on both bottom and back.
I found it cozier for my children than some of the heavier plastic boosters in my current fleet. The whole piece is comfortable and surprisingly sturdy.
The Pop Up Booster can fit most adult chairs, it’s rare to come across a seat it won’t affix to.
If your favorite restaurant has chairs with those thin steel backs, or seating that’s super strange in shape you might have an issue, but for the most part this is uncommon.
What Bombol Can Improve On?
Slight Learning Curve on Folding and Opening
Rehearse opening and folding at home before gametime. It’s not too difficult, but you don’t want to be pressured at the restaurant while attempting setup for the first time.
Expensive
Another consideration is the price, right now it is listed at $149.00 USD (the original price) on the Bombol website, you may be able to find it for cheaper, but not much. As far as booster chairs go this is on the high side.
5-Point Harness not Effective
The biggest con however for me is the straps. I see them as not a true five-point harness.
In reality, it’s more of a three-point, securing child mainly at the waist – at least until your child is big enough for them to fit properly.
I somewhat hacked the unit by clipping them in the back, so that the shoulder straps would fit tighter on my youngest. Who said that pipe cleaner was just for crafting?
I think due to this the minor flaw the seat works best for bigger children rather than babies (9 months old was the sweet spot for my kids).
I would recommend your child be close to 1 years of age and experienced in sitting up before trying this highchair.
With a maximum weight recommendation of 75lbs, it can pretty much be used until your toddler is old enough to no longer require a booster.
Other Moms Experiences and Reviews
Fantastic for Travel (From Amazon)
This booster seat is awesome for travel as it packs very thin and is easy to put in a suitcase. It’s very easy to setup. The straps to attach it to a chair are quite long, so they will work with chairs of different sizes. The only complaint I have is that the material has a texture that makes it a bit hard to clean (food bits get stuck in the dimples of the texture), but it’s a minor issue.
I will agree the texture is unique, durable enough to handle a mess but also plush on toddler’s bottom.
In my experience, the use of a wipe or wet rag undoubtedly cleaned the chair spotless – easier than competitors.
Not Sturdy (From Amazon)
… my daughter has fallen off of this TWO times. The first time we thought it was probably on my husband and I, so we checked it and again it was strapped just right and her straps were on right. So we still kept it. The second time just happened the other night while we were making cookies. The idea is cute but it is not sturdy whatsoever. I’m glad it can work for other families but it does not work for me or mine. Returned today as I am a unhappy mommy due to my daughter getting another head injury on top of the chair going down with her.
This is not at all the experience I had, but I will agree there is something lacking in the snugness of the straps.
I also found if the adult chair doesn’t fit well, Bombol booster could be hard to tighten properly. If the Bombol booster chair wobbles, the child can fall off.
Life: Changed (From Bombol)
Honestly, I’m in love. Not only does it look cool but, as a parent, I feel like I gained a super power ahah. It’s so sturdy, portable and easy to clean ( trust me, it’s been put to the test). We even have a second one in the car just in case we need it for an on the go meal. 10/10 would recommend
Conclusions
Overall, I love it! I would recommend the Bombol Pop Up Booster to any family.
I carry it like a purse or toss it in the stroller everywhere I go — it’s so light and discreet that if it doesn’t get used, no big deal.
If I discovered Bombol earlier, I wouldn’t have bought any other booster chair. It can be used both at home and going out.
This contraption is so easy to tow and hide away it sometimes goes unnoticed– just don’t leave it at the restaurant.
I use my Bombol Pop Up Booster as an ‘in case of emergency break the glass’ backup for any situations our family may get into where highchairs are dirty or nonexistent.
