A Biomedical Scientist by trade I am currently enjoying maternity leave following the birth of my ba...
A Biomedical Scientist by trade I am currently enjoying maternity leave following the birth of my baby When having a break from being mum I enjoy music, socialising, internet and shopping - if I can combine the above I am over the moon!
Member since:22.03.2005
Reviews:6
Members who trust:1
Whilst I was pregnant I couldn't imagine the time when I would need a high chair, but the time came astoundingly quickly. My little lad was only 4 1/2 months when he decided that milk was only any good if it was constantly available, and so, despite my best intentions to keep him on milk until 6 months, I tried a little solid food and was rewarded by a generally happier and more satisfied baby. I started feeding him in his bouncer, but soon realised that it was just impractical, with me uncomfortable on the floor and the bouncer a complete mess to clear up afterwards - it was time to purchase a proper highchair. I mistakenly set off on the misconception that all highchairs were pretty much the same, but it didn't take long before I realise certain features were essential. I required a reclining seat as
my baby cannot sit confidently. I needed it to be very easily cleaned, and really wanted one with a double tray so that I could leave the baby to play for a few minutes whilst beginning the clean up. Of course there was also the 'oh so important' safety aspect to consider.
The Aurora Plus has all these features; The chair has several recline positions. The cover is removable for serious cleans, and is easy to wipe clean on a day to day basis. It is nicely padded so my baby looks really at ease in it. It comes with a 5 point safety harness which, although perfectly functional, does not seem overly comfortable. They don't have any extra padded bits to slip over the straps like so many harnesses seem to come with these days. It can be slung in the washing machine, but is a little tricky to remove and you have to take some care refitting it correctly. The shoulder straps have to be clipped into the strap that goes between his legs, so there's no temptation to take shortcuts when strapping him in, although the buckle itself is a bit vicious - I have to ensure little'uns hands are well out of the way, at least there's no chance of him undoing it himself! The double tray is great, it's a lovely wide tray with a molded cup holder - they have kindly stated that it can go straight in the dishwasher, but the fact that it doesn't fit in mine makes it a bit of a useless sales claim. It's easy enough to wipe down.
As well as all the functions I insisted upon for the high chair, the aurora plus also has; Multi height positioning - I haven't quite worked this out. It's supposedly so you can bring it down to normal family dining table height - great! However, I can't get it near my table even with the tray detached as the legs get in the way. I suppose it'd be OK with other dining tables though. I do use the lowest position in order to fold up the chair to its most compact form (not every day) The actual mechanism to change the height is a right fiddle. I have to get my husband to do it as my fingers aren't strong enough to release the locking mechanism. Having said that it is getting easier, either because it's loosening off or I'm getting the knack I'm not sure. Place to store the tray whist folded - this is fab! Storage basket - I love this, I can keep baby wipes, bibs and a few toys all within easy reach. Multi-position tray - so you can move it as your baby grows. This is excellent, with a very simple mechanism so it's extremely easy to get the tray on and off. Free standing whilst folded - I'm so glad it has this feature - it's been really useful. The chair is very sturdy whilst folded, but doesn't fold down very compactly so would be useless for traveling.
I can't comment on the durability of the chair as I've only had it a few weeks. I hope it will wear well so we can use it for a second child (ours or someone else's - we haven't decided!)
The Cosatto Aurora Plus retails at around £90. We got it a lot cheaper than this through an internet site £59.99 so it's well worth shopping around for a good deal. When the box arrived and I excitedly rummaged through the packaging I was disappointed to find that the assembly instructions were pretty dreadful. They gave you an idea what order to put the bits together, but that was about it. I managed it with a bit of head scratching but it was certainly not foolproof. My mother-in law has bought the same model and had to ring me up to find out how to fit it together - she's usually pretty practical.
I'm very happy with the seat in general. Day to day it's easy to use and my baby now gets excited when he sees me setting it up. As the harness is easily adjustable and has a selection of shoulder anchorage points I think it will suit my child for a good few years to come, until he's old enough to refuse his greens at the big table with us anyway!
(+) folds flat, reclines, tray comes off easily, underchair storage. (-) Can be difficult to collapse impossible if you only have one hand free, bits get trapped.
Advantages: Padded seat and reclines help make my daughter feel comfortable Disadvantages: Can get sweaty and the middle recline is a little tricky to get secure
Advantages: Padded seat and reclines help make my daughter feel comfortable Disadvantages: Can get sweaty and the middle recline is a little tricky to get secure
Jul 27th, 2005
exceptional by (33%):
very helpful by (67%):
