Trib Tested: Evenflo BabyGo High Chair
Three toddlers. Three different personalities. My 1-year-old triplet sons more than tolerated the highchair. All three happily ate meals while sitting in it. But the chair had its drawbacks. For starters, the harness was a little much -- this isn't a car seat, after all -- and, depending on how tight the straps were, prevented them from reaching food on the edge of the tray. The tray itself was limited in space, and food often found its way to the floor, much to our dog's delight.
While surely designed for stability, the highchair's legs stuck out and could create a tripping hazard for an unsuspecting or distracted parent. Lastly, the heaviest of the triplets weighs about 22 pounds and barely fit comfortably. I can't see how this chair could accommodate a 40-pound child.
On the other hand, the device's light weight made for easy hauling, and the chair packed nicely into a cramped minivan for a trip to midtown Manhattan. Plus, it was easy to wipe down after meals.
Overall, a decent buy for those who travel often or for grandparents whose family visits often.
-- Rob Amen
The BabyGo High Chair is no match for single parents or any who travel with their children companion-free. If, by portable, Evenflo means "it moves," to quote my husband, then the chair is great. If, by portable and lightweight, the company means it is easy to carry and convenient to use ... nope! It weighs just under 10 pounds, but that's not light in addition to other items a mom-on-the-go carries.
I will give credit where it is due. The chair functioned well, and I would recommend it as a fixture at grandma's or a day care. It closes up to store nicer than a traditional highchair, takes up less space when in use and is sturdy.
Evenflo claims the chair will hold a child up to 3 years and 40 pounds. My twin boys are 13 months and 20 pounds and would not fit much past 18 months, if I had to guess. There is little "wiggle room" around the baby, and the tray has an extra-large plastic divider between the baby's legs.
My assumptions about the portability were spot on. I often travel alone with my kids and, while preparing to leave, had to make two trips to load the chair. As predicted, a gentleman felt bad for me and held the door as I approached my destination. My next assumption came true as I cracked an innocent bystander in the leg with the bottom of the chair as I tried to squeeze myself -- with a diaper bag and purse -- the kids and the chair through the door.
I would recommend this chair only if you're sure you'll always have an extra pair of hands.
-- Melanie Wass
First and foremost, our 17-month-old son immediately gravitated to the highchair when we set it up. He still prefers it over the one we've always used. Beyond Christian's preference, the benefits of the chair are its carrying case, easy-to-clean fabric and segmented tray, which is useful for dividing different foods.
However, the chair sits lower than most highchairs. You definitely have to sit when feeding the baby.
The tray is a little cumbersome to attach, because you have to slide it into place. It requires two hands to remove and attach the tray, which isn't a benefit when you're holding the baby. The other downside is that the tray only pushes so close to the baby's belly, which leaves room for him to drop food into his lap.
The chair is relatively compact and easy to transport and set up. My wife was surprised with how light it is.
-- Michael Aubele
Additional Information:
Evenflo BabyGo High Chair
The claim: This portable, lightweight collapsible chair takes just seconds to set up, weighs less than 10 pounds and fits into its own integrated carry bag -- so it won't clutter your car or weigh down your beach bag. A 5-point harness keeps baby safe and secure, while the laminated seat pad makes for easy cleanup. The chair is designed for children up to 3 years old with a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
Cost: $49.99
Where: Online
