For me it depends on the child, if the child is a "fidgiter" and may possibly fall from the table due to too much wiggling or moving around....put them in a booster. I have most kids up to about 2.5 in boosters, after that, they are encouraged to sit on their knees to eat. I push table manners big time and one the things I have found with most boosters is, when a child sits in one they can't get as close to the table to eat over their plate as they could on their knees, therefor making a bigger mess. having a daycare it def doesn't hurt to have a few boosters on hand. I have three and a Regalla high chair that attaches to the table. I store then in the back room and bring them out as they are needed.