What’s the Feed Me Deli like to use?
Relatively inexpensive as it is, the Feed Me Deli is nevertheless equipped with an impressive number of useful features.
It’s convenient to be able to alter the height of the seat between six positions so you can have your baby at eye-level and reach them easily while feeding them. It also means that, without the tray attached, the baby can sit right up at the table with the rest of the family, which they may particularly enjoy as they get older.
The tray adjustment adds to the longevity of the seat too, although Katrĩna felt it could have done with one more position added – even on its closest setting, the tray still sat quite far away from her nine-month-old baby.
Additionally, the three-step recline helps to get the baby in and out without having to remove the tray, and also allows them to sit at an angle that suits them.
Overall, the adjustment mechanisms are easy to manipulate with two hands and the generously padded chair feels nice and comfortable. The moulded plastic frame also keeps little legs in place without the possibility of slipping, and the tray comes with an extra wipe-clean tray insert, which should cut down on the post-mealtime clean-up.
Good news for those with smaller kitchens – the Feed Me Deli folds up easily and is freestanding when folded, with a folded footprint of 51cm x 28cm. You should be able to stand it in a corner or behind a door when not in use, freeing up space for the whole family.
How safe is it?
Lightweight as it is, the Feed Me Deli nevertheless feels sturdy and well-anchored thanks to its wide base (its open footprint is 51cm x 77cm). It can be dragged without effort around the kitchen and the feet don’t leave any marks on the kitchen floor.
There are no sharp corners and even though the rounded plastic tray stands at about toddler head-height from the ground, it shouldn’t do more damage than a bump.
The reclining seat mechanism feels secure when in use, as does the five-point harness which can also be adjusted without too much difficulty.
The Feed Me Deli is surprisingly stable when folded and freestanding – only a hard push from an adult made our tester’s model topple over. The padded chair back comes over even a toddler’s head, so a just-weaned baby will feel cradled and safe when in position.
During our drop test, the Feed Me Deli survived being dropped repeatedly without any scratches. The tray, made from a slightly softer plastic, did scratch a little when dropped over and over, but it didn’t crack. The footrest did not bend or buckle when an approximate toddler weight was applied and it was impossible to rock the chair over from the side.
Red Kite confirms that this highchair conforms to the safety directive BS EN 14988:2017, and while it might not be made of the same stern stuff as some of its competitors – say, the Chicco Polly Magic Relax – it performed surprisingly well under stress, and should stay in one piece over time.