I have a 5 mo. old who will be introducing solids too soon (he's been on 1 serving of rice cereal a day for over a month now). We currently feed him in his bouncy, but he's constantly trying to pull himself forward, so it's time to get a highchair. I've read the consumer reports on how the Graco Contempo got excellent reviews and the Evenflo Majestic and another evenflo got good reviews, but the reviews I've read online about them have mixed ones. I really like one by Chicco but it's expensive ($130). Does anyone have firsthand experience with either the Graco Contempo or the Chiccos? Are they worthe $$ (we plan on using it for any other children we might have). Any input would be great. I know they sell booster seats that you can strap down to a chair, but I really don't like those. Also, my 5 mo. old is ~25-26 inches and ~16-17 pounds, if that matters at all! Thanks mommas!
I know it's pricey, but I would highly suggest checking out the Stokke Tripp Trapp. You'll use it forever, and they can join you at the table. Worth it's weight in gold!
Corylee,
The best advice I ever received was to not buy a high chair but to get an infant to toddler seat :) I have the First Years Reclining Seat as well and I LOVE it!! It was $30 and it attaches to our regular chairs. It has three reclining options. I used the most reclined setting when my children were 5 months old and just starting solids. Both of my children have used the seat and my son is currently old enough to use it without the tray and sits in it facing the table with us. I like that he can participate in dinner with us now by sitting at the family table. I don't have the room in my house for a big high chair so this one is great. I have also taken it off the chair and taken it to my parents or inlaws house when needed.
Here is the link to the seat that I have:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2601162
I know that you said that you don't like the boosters that attach to the chairs but I have found it to be a great space saver and it has lasted now for 4 years.
I hope that helps and good luck!
D.
I also have a 5 month old and have been feeding her cereal in her highchair for a few weeks now. It is the Chicco and I love it! She can recline back a little until she's ready to sit upright and it's very easy to change. I had a Graco highchair with my first (she's 2 now) and I hated it. The tray sat up way too high and came up to her neck! I would definitely recommend the Chicco - it's worth the money. Good luck!
I know you said you don't really like the chairs that you strap to an adult chair, but our son has exclusively used his First Years Infant to Toddler chair since he was 4 months old. (he's 2 1/2 now) The best part about it is it only costs $30!! We live in a small apt, so we just set a plastic mat on the floor underneath his chair, set him in it, and he has a lot of fun eating! He also uses it for watching tv, and playing with a few of his toys when I need him "contained" so I can do something and keep him safe at the same time. The company started off with a 'cushioned' back that attaches by pulling "loops" through to the back, but now they come with "full covers", which I think you just slide them over the chair. When they get dirty, you just slide them off and throw them in the washer with your son's clothes...
Now that he's older, the only time we use the buckles on it, is when we do have it attached to an adult chair. If he's on the floor, we just snap his tray on. The seat comes with several positions you can lock it into, so it adjusts as your child grows (reclining for beginners like your son, and "full upright" when they get older, and a few positions in between).
If you are absolutely set on having a high chair, you might try Once Upon A Child, or Kid to Kid, which are "resale" shops. You can buy a really good high chair at either place, and not pay nearly as much as you would for a new one!
Good Luck with your hunt, and don't feel like you have to "settle" because there are way too many options now! (BIG hint here: More $$ doesn't always mean "better", either!)
Blessings!
~J.~
What ever you decide on may I suggest a chair that is one piece. No covers or cushions. I have a PregPreggo and I hate it! I wish I had a solid wood one piece chair. Way easier to clean.
I really like the Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster seat. It's great! My son has been in it since he was 4 months old. I've also used the Graco Mealtime highchair at other people's houses and really liked it as well. I'm going to get one like that for my next baby...I really want to be able to move the chair around. That's my only complaint with the booster chair.. with it being strapped to a regular chair, it's not portable.
Anyway, I'm sure if the Mealtime highchair is nice, then the Contempo is probably pretty good too. The Mealtime highchair comes with a place for detachable toys that you can buy to keep your baby occupied.
Don't count those strap down seats out. I got one for my son for Christmas last year and it is awesome. We don't have to worry about to many chairs in the dining room. I think it is the best space saver ever. It was $50 I believe at Target.
