When my oldest son was a baby, we bought this as a less-expensive, portable alternative to a high chair. He recently turned four, and has long since graduated to sitting at the table in a "real" chair, and his little brother, who just turned two, is now using it. It's been through a lot, and is still sturdy and strong.
We have family in other states, and we take this seat with us when we visit. It is a big plus for us that it is relatively small and portable.
It's also very easy to keep clean. All pads and straps are removable and can be washed with the laundry, and the tray and the bottom part of the seat can go in the dishwasher. The back and sides of the seat have been through the dishwasher once or twice as well, but it was necessary to remove the top rack to fit them in.
The tray still snaps tight enough so that when my son hooks his toes under the edge and kicks, it still doesn't pop off.
All in all, I am extremely happy with this chair and am planning on buying another, since our 6-month-old baby will be ready for his own seat too, before the middle child is quite ready for a regular seat at the table.
We bought this because we were so nervious about our 11 month old boy bouncing/jumping so hard on his hook on chair! We have a Peg Perego high chair at Grandma's but personally, I think they are overpriced! I bought mine for $40 in Canada; Peg Perego's go for over $200 and the Fisher Price Space Saver is $70 locally.
The good: I'm very happy with the booster seat so far. The plastic piece between the legs and the smaller seat depth help to prevent slouching, which was a big problem in our other, very old model Peg Perego. Also, he can get fidgety getting in/out of seats so having the "crotch block" gives me some reassurance. While he can sit independently on the floor, he seems much more comfortable (ie. doesn't squirm) in the slight recline position. Being able to adjust the tray position close to the belly has reduced the amount of crumbs I normally find on his lap. I like the 3 point belt since he doesn't need the upper body restraint; it's so much easier to put it on since I don't have to fight flailing arms! I thought I would really miss the castor wheels of a high chair, but the felt pads on the chair is sliding easily enough on our tiled floors. And, even though I'm feeding him from a counter height stool, it's not a strain on my body. (It is harder to see if there's food left in his mouth though, if he's willing to open up.)
The bad: spot cleaning the fabric pad is not really adequate but at least it's easily removable to throw in the laundry. But to coordinate wash/drying time between meals isn't that convenient. Including 2 pads, or using stain resistant fabric or vinyl would be more practical. I don't think it's that portable and if it folded easily, I would be much more inclined to take it out. The recline buttons were very hard to hard but I figure once it's set, I'm unlikely to change it much. I was unable to insert the seat at the top position (no problem with the bottom) and not sure if mine happens to not line up properly. The plastic does seem a bit thin, but I suspect durability won't be an issue. The design is very basic, but so is the price! The tray mat is cheesy and I can't see myself using it. The tray seems a bit small which makes it easy to wash in the sink, but hope it's not going to be a problem when I'm feeding a toddler. Same goes with cup holder. A gimmick or useful feature? Don't know as first time mom. My son is a kicker and likes to brace his legs against the tray edge; I sure hope the tray doesn't warp and become loose in time but from another person's review, it seems to be okay.
I was intending to buy the Fisher Price Space Saver booster seat because of the reviews. When I saw how narrow the seat was, I reluctantly passed on it. Baby's 25 lbs at 11 months and I couldn't see how the chair would fit much longer! I also read the armrests on the FP were so high that they prevented the chair from going under the dining table! I'm glad this model doesn't have armrests..what for???
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Whoever said this chair falls apart obviously didn't put it together the right way to begin with. We have had this for over 7 months and used it on a daily basis, and have NEVER had any problems with it. It is VERY convenient, and great for places that don't have room for a high chair. Converts to a toddler seat, and WOW what a great price! 5 stars all the way on this one! Great price, great convenience, and great quality. There are different seat patterns and are very gender neutral, which is GREAT! Would definately recommend!
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This chair is great!! It saves so much room in my kitchen and my son can actually be at the table with us for meals. I love it!! It does feel kind of cheap, yes, but my son used this for over a year and it held up wonderfully. I would recommend this to everyone.
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My mother-in-law has this chair at her house, which saves her from having a highchair for my son. He has used it since he was an infant, and he's now 3 1/2. He still loves it. The vinyl pad is easily cleaned, and the base is solid (no cracks for food to go into). The tilt feature means you can use it from an early age. Just a great value.
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This set of spoons is not silicone like the other ones they have; these are plastic and (though outrageously pricey) I think they are great for a toddler learning to feed himself. My son started to feed himself with this and loves using it, it is just his size and makes it easier for him to get the hang of feeding himself rather then trying to finagle heavy steel/silver ware. Highly recommend, if you are not scared off by the price tag, otherwise I have no doubt there are comparable sets available for a lot less.
