Do I need a proper highchair or can I get away with a compact booster one?

Becles

I've only used a folding booster seat with mine. My 3rd baby is currently using it!

I like her being at table height. Before she was feeding herself meals, she would sit with us and nibble on a rice cake or a biscuit or something while we ate. Now she's eating whatever we have for tea, and I like her being part of the meal.

Whichever one you buy, make sure it's easily cleaned. You'd be amazed how far food can go, and you don't want any corners or gaps that little hands can stuff things in

full-time-mum

I haven't time to read the entire thread, but there is no reason why you can't manage with just the travel booster highchair - my sister has done just that.

One or two points that you need to consider are:

How stable your kitchen/dining room chairs are.
How well the seat fits on to said chair
In general,
How easy is the chair to dismantle and clean - it will get very yukky with all those sticky fingers/dropped food etc
What kind of safety harness can be used with it - a lap strap only is NOT sufficient. My DD climbed out of one when my back was turned and broke her arm. A travel highchair needs some way of strapping on additional reins.
How much space you have and whether the chair folds away neatly.
How easy the tray is to move for getting baby in and out (remember they will get a lot bigger before you are finished with the chair.

Janepig

Becles wrote: »

Whichever one you buy, make sure it's easily cleaned. You'd be amazed how far food can go, and you don't want any corners or gaps that little hands can stuff things in

That is so true! I used to have to use a tooth pick to clean the first high chair I had because it had so many nooks and crannies and crevices where food used to gather, it was rank!! Food even used to make its way into the creases of the cushion and everything, it was soooooo difficult to clean. This one I've got now needs a quick spray and a wipe and you're done!

Jxx

Katyag

My friend has two kids (aged 3 & 1) and has never had a highchair! She doesnt like them and says she doesnt have room for them so they both have (and have had since 6 months old) a booster seat. They are perfectly safe and have never fallen out.

So if you dont have much room then id say they are perfect for you.