Anyone NOT use a highchair?

[Innat]

Not sure if this is the right place to post...

Have 4.5mo so thinking about all things weaning.

I really really don't want to buy a high chair. I think it will take up valuable space in my kitchen. Also trying to be ecofriendly and don't like thought of buying a plastic contraption that won't be used for that long.

Has anyone coped without one? i've vaguely heard about booster seat type things are these suitable? i have a bumbo which i am planning to use for a wee while.

DH is keenish to get a trip trap as he saw one at our friends and it seems like it will be useful for a lot longer than a traditional highchair.

any ideas? comments? am i crazy/naive to think i don't need one?

[flowerybeanbag]

We love our Tripp Trapp. We have a couple of different booster things but DS is only just able to go in them 7.5mo as they don't offer as much support as a 'proper' highchair.

[Innat]

Thanks fbb, i thought that might be the issue with booster seats - are they useful to take to other people's houses or are they not very portable?

[MaeWest]

We've been using the highchair (just a £30 job from John Lewis) since DS was 6 months and started eating, he's now 17 months.

TBH it does take up room (the legs splay out IYKWIM) and if I was doing it again I would look at getting a seat that fits onto a normal chair. My MIL has one for when we go to stay, which is like a booster seat with a tray (more plastic tat tho I'm afraid). Tray is really useful for when they're feeding themselves (pretty much from day one in our case).

However, the highchair has seen plenty of use, and I'm not the sort of person to get a new one if we have subsequent children. I would say that I would then pass it on to someone else, but whether anyone would want it with the liberal crusting of weetabix is another matter.

[MaeWest]

Oh, and if you want to be eco-friendly, try second hand, NCT sales can be good

[bubblejumping]

I am using my knee at the mo! But highchairs can come compact to fold away and also think along the lines of what ever you choose has to keep your baby safe in for those times when the phone might ring, you might need the loo, forgotten something in the kitchen etc. and you leave them unattended. I also didnt want a highchair at first because of the space thing, but I have to say it has been a god send. ds also sat in it in rooms all over the house when i have been cleaning or what ever, with toys on or he did coloring jigsaws etc on it, so I suppose it also got used as a desk almost.

[glamourbadger]

I think you would be alright without a highchair until your baby is mobile - after that it becomes a struggle to keep them in one place long enough to eat! If you're pushed for space one of these these might work, my friend has a small eating space and recommends.

[MrsBadger]

we have a reclining booster thus which straps to a dining chair.

tbh it is ugly as sin (we have lined it with a less offensive quilt) but the 'from 3mo' recline feature means she could sit at the table with us (which she lurves) much earlier, even if she wasn't eating.

[amidaiwish]

you could always use the bumbo then move to one of these handysitt

or one of those clip on ones. i guess it depends whether you are likely to all sit at the table or whether you will want her to sit in a highchair entertaining herself whilst you get on with things for a while! In that case, make sure you get one with a tray.

[flowerybeanbag]

We have one this style which is very portable, good for going places.

[Innat]

Thanks for all your replies. I hadn't thought about when she gets mobile (derr!) and that it could be used like a desk too. Also hadn't realised the number of different clip-on/booster style seats there are - thanks for all the links.

[Bodkin]

Or you could get one of those wooden ones that converts into a little table and chair for when they are older. DD (4) still uses it now!

[MerlinsBeard]

we never put DS2 into a high chair, he was in a booster with a removable tray from weaning day 1. With this baby we are going to get a tripp trap type chair as we will need an extra chair around teh table anyway so works out well - if we can find one thats nice and cheap that is!!

Those boosters are often in charity shops so imagine you could easily find one in NCT sale if you are brave enough to go!

[HairyIrene]

i do recommend tripp trapps personally
there are alot of threads about them though

it would save outlay on booster seat and they are attractive can be used forever

and
uber useful and stylish good colours and cushion sets baby bit extra i think
grows with the kid and can be used for adult too...

bugger to assemble there was thread on that recently too but you only do it the once (if you are me)....

dont think you would regret it...

[ArrietyClock]

We too have a Tripp Trapp. Comment from my Dad was 'nice, stylish, but you can't fold it up after the meal'. Um. No. But then it gets used so often I can't be bothered with folding anyway. The only thing I find a pain is that, because it's the same height as a normal chair and at the table in the 4th space, I keep trying to sit in it without thinking.......

[TiddlerTiddler]

For what its worth... here is my experience...We bought an expensive high chair from JL first time around (cos my mum said I had to as she used them for all 5 of us!) but we found it was a waste of money and we stopped using it after a while.

Once they are a bit older its so much nice to have them at the table eating with you. DS felt very isolated and protested when he was made sit in the high chair at my mum's house!!! This time around we are going to go for a tripp trapp or a clip on seat at the table. we also have a bumba from first time around which I am using at the mo'