I don’t usually think too much about things I won’t need for a while. Instead, I file them in my mind under the “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it” category. “Get a highchair” fit into that category since I didn’t think I would need one for some time. My son is only 3 months old, you see, and he won’t be introduced to solid foods for at least another month or so. I’ve hardly given highchairs a second thought.
During the very few times I have spent brainpower pondering them, I’ve decided I want a self-standing model that’s not plastic, bulky or cheap looking. That is, these were the conclusion I had come to prior to being offered the opportunity to review The First Years Deluxe Reclining Feeding Seat. Upon receiving it, I was pleasantly surprised by the modern design and attractive palette of the seat cushion, as well as by the sleekness of the seat. It definitely wasn’t as bulky as other booster seat-style highchairs I had seen, and it would easily fit into a small apartment or home.
Once assembled, I played around with the tray and found it to be a little tricky to attach and detach. The tray attaches by aligning the knobs on the side of the seat with the holes on the tray. While not impossible, I can see it being a bit of a hassle in the future when I have a fussy child flailing around, hungry for his next meal.
Next, I placed food and drink on the tray to test out its stability and to see how easy was is to clean. Although the plastic the tray is made from seems a little flimsy, it does its job and has not failed to hold food on it yet. In regards to cleaning, the tray is very easy to wipe down and can also be put into the dishwasher. The cushion on the seat can also be removed for easy washing.
After my own experimentation, it was time to let my little man give it a go. I secured my son in the seat, and he seemed to really like it. As I mentioned previously, he is not old enough for solids; however, the seat can recline and accommodate babies from the newborn stage through toddlerhood (50 pounds), so I’m able to let my son hang out in it while I wash dishes or cook dinner (which is a huge plus and super helpful feature that not all highchairs offer). I have never once felt uncomfortable or worried about my son’s safety or comfort. The Deluxe Reclining Feeding Seat has a 5-point harness that ensures he’s secure, and the padded cushion on the seat seems relatively cozy for him.
I am a huge fan of the chair’s light weight and compact design. It will be easy to pack up and bring with us when visiting family.
When I originally envisioned my family’s highchair, I pictured a sleek, stand-alone style seat with a trendy design. But considering the extremely affordable price of The First Years Deluxe Reclining Seat and the shear fact that I am able to use it for my son at just 3 months old, it’s safe to say I’ve amended my mental picture. The Deluxe Reclining Seat is a great buy and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in the market for an inexpensive, easy-to-use chair that fits nicely into small spaces.
Price: $40
To buy: diapers.com
