She Can't Be So Big Already!
Written: Nov 21 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: washes in dishwasher, removable tray, height adjustments
Cons: have to remove straps before washing
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| rmgood's Full Review: Safety 1st 3 Level Booster Seat |
By 15 months my daughter wanted absolutely nothing to do with a high chair. Getting her to eat was enough of a battle without having to struggle over where to sit! Already displaying her independent nature (probably gets it from me!), she wants to eat what we eat, drink what we drink and, yes indeed, sit where we sit. So into storage went the high chair and the search began!
Booster seats are not something I considered essential when making a mental list during my pregnancy. In fact, I hadn't thought about them at all. So off to the baby store I trot and read every booster seat box I could find. I had 3 main areas of concern: safety, price and easy-to-clean.
In the end, I narrowed it down to 2 choices, both by Safety 1st -the Fold-Up Booster and the Deluxe 3-Level Booster. It came down to a choice between height adjustments or travel convenience. In the end, I decided since we're at home more than we're out, I would go with the 3-Level booster. Also this deluxe seat was on sale for $13, as opposed to the fold-up model for $20 so that helped break the tie.
Great choice! I've already covered the price factor so I'll start by addressing my other two main areas of concern, safety and washability. as far as booster seats go, this is one of the sturdiest I've seen. It attaches to the chair with two straps, one that secures on the bottom and one that secures on the back. They buckle and adjust similar to a car seat.
The seat has 3 height levels (hence the name) and adjusting the level is an easy process. Simply pull outward on the locking tabs and slide the top of the seat forward. Pick which row best suits your child and slide the seat back in. A click lets you know its locked in place and a tug will confirm it. Once locked in place, it doesn't budge.
Next we move to the ultimate "mom" question: How easy is it to wash? Okay moms, are you ready for this? It washes in the dishwasher! Bug selling point for me! I can put both the tray and the base in the dishwasher and presto! One clean chair germ free! The only caution is to avoid drying on the dishwasher's high heat setting.
Now in all honesty, nothing is that easy. Before putting the booster in the dishwasher, you do have to remove the straps which isn't such a bother but sooner or later you'll have to weave them back through those little holes and we all know what a chore that can be! That being said, I personally will take the weaving over the scrubbing any day so dishwasher here we come!
One feature about this booster that I didn't really consider at the time of purchase but has since proven invaluable is the removable tray. At home I like to let my daughter eat at the table so she feels more involved with the family. However, when visiting grandparents who are found of using their best china, this isn't always the most practical option. So the tray goes on, the tray comes off. Easy as that -no fuss, no bother, no struggles. I have found the tray to be quite secure, however I have heard others complain about it being too easy to push off. Because we don't use the tray as often as others, I thought it important to mention what I've heard in case this is a problem that arises after excessive use. I certainly would not suggest using the tray to secure your child in the booster -that's what the straps are for, but we haven't had any trouble with it as of yet.
My daughter has discovered that this booster not only works for eating at the table but is also great for carpet picnics. It sits alone on the ground without wobbling over and makes for a great play chair just her size. I should note, however, that this is a very lightweight chair so I'd be careful with very little ones climbing on it. My box claims this chair is designed for 6 months through 4 years, but I think 6 months would be too early for the typical baby. By a year, though, its perfect.
So do I miss the fold-up option? Not really. This booster is small enough and lightweight enough to throw in the car for any visit. I don't think a fold up seat could've folded up into anything too much more compact than this seat already is. I suppose it would be a nice option for those with limited car space or for use primarily when visiting others.
After all is said and done, tried and true and put to the test, I would recommend this booster to anyone.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rmgood
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Member: Raquel
Location: Minnesota
Reviews written: 89
Trusted by: 85 members
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