Saturday, October 2, 2010

The First Years MiSwivel Feeding Chair Review

Purchased the MiSwivel Feeding Chair by The First Years a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I'm loving it.  It lives up to its claims about being a chair that can go from birth to 4 years old.  My son turned 8 months a few days ago, and I wish I had known about this chair sooner.  We definitely could have used it.  Everything about is so simple to use, install, and adjust that I didn't even have to read the manual!


Alternate side of "Dot to Dot" pattern, and fits well
under the table for comfortable use as a booster.
Why I Chose It


I was looking at few different options including the Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair, another model that attaches to dining chairs, and a few traditional style high chairs.  I ultimately chose this because it was was less expensive than high chairs with the features I wanted (washable cover, sturdy, etc.) but had more features than the Fisher Price which doesn't swivel, has fewer recline positions, doesn't fit under most dining tables because the arms are too tall, and doesn't convert into a low back booster seat.

Overall, it was the best value I could find for my needs because it was the most versatile and had the most features for the least money.  It is a little smaller than the Fisher-Price chair, so it may not last quite as long.  But the smaller size is what makes it work well as a booster seat and as a travel high chair.  The Fisher-Price would not have really worked for me as a booster because the arms wouldn't fit under my or my parents' dining table, so my son would be too far from the table to eat comfortably and without making a mess on the floor.




Dishwasher Safe
Features I Love
  • Economical seat can be used as an infant chair, feeding chair, booster seat, and travel high chair.
  • The cover is reversible, easily removable, and machine washer safe.  It actually came out better after washing because it was softer (I use Charlie's Soap...it does that!) and the inner padded became fluffier.
  • Reclines from 45˚-90˚.  I don't use this feature that much, but I would have used it a lot if I had gotten it when he was a newborn.  It is very easy to use the recline, the seat slides smoothly into position and locks securely.
  • 180˚ swivel.  This is really nice because our chairs are heavy, solid wood formal dining chairs and they can be cumbersome to pull out from the table.  You can swivel the chair to the side and get your child out without moving the chair.  The pivot is smooth, able to be used with one hand with some practice, and locks securely into position.
  • Dishwasher safe tray with removable, snap on shield.  It's like having 2 trays!  Use the shield at breakfast and the main tray is still clean for the next meal.  The smiley face imprint on the shield is a nice touch.
  • Fits well under the table so it can be used without the tray for a larger eating/playing area.  This is particularly useful for me because I can let my son play with his toys while the family is eating and he still gets to interact with us.
  • The straps that secure the feeding chair are very long.  They fit around our large dining chairs with plenty of extra left over, so the chair can be safely attached to any chair without problems.  No worries when you take it with you to visit the grandparents or decide to use it at a restaurant.
  • Harness converts easily from 5-point harness to 3-point lap belt.  There are 2 shoulder heights to choose from.
  • Converting from high chair mode to booster mode is a snap...literally.  The high back snaps into place when you need it (see video demo below).
  • It's a compact, space-saving solution that also travels well, especially in booster mode.

Things That Could Be Improved
  • It's probably fine, but I wish the seat were a little bit bigger.  My son will be able to use it for a while, but I'm concerned it might be snug before my son reaches 4 years old.  The part that concerns me is the raised guard in the crotch area that keeps the child from slipping out of the chair.
  • Could be made of sturdier plastic, but it is by no means flimsy.
  • The shoulder harness could definitely be softer or could come with harness covers.  The webbing used for the harness is stiff and sometimes cuts into my son's neck if he's in an extra wiggly mood.  But he'll soon outgrow the need for the shoulder portion of the harness and it won't be an issue any more.

The crotch guard may eventually be snug, and the
chair itself might be a tight fit later on.  My son is
currently 8 months and 23 pounds.
Versatile Functions


Besides the obvious, it's convenient place to put him while the rest of the family is eating dinner.  We put all his toys in front of him, and it allows him to interact with us during meal times without having to hold him.  For younger babies, I can see this being a very comfortable and useful alternative to a bassinet, swing, or baby papasan.  In full recline, it seems like it would be very comfortable for newborns.  It sits up higher than the swings and papasan chair so your infant has a better view and is closer to you, and it's easier to see out of than a bassinet.  If I had purchased this chair sooner, I would have used it as a place to put him while I was cooking or washing his bottles and other kitchen-related chores.  If you have back troubles, the recline is perfect for bottle feeding to give you a break.  It's also the perfect angle for introducing first foods to 4 and 5 month olds who can't sit up well or get tired easily.

I haven't used it for eating out or traveling yet, but I'm looking forward to taking it along with me as a more sanitary option to restaurant high chairs and booster.  It fits easily in the trunk, especially since the high back snaps off and quickly reattaches when you're ready for it or can be left at home for an even more compact travel feeding chair.  If you don't have a full vehicle, it can be placed in one of the seats or even the floor board if it's in booster mode.

Overall, I think this is a great feeding chair and very affordable alternative to a high chair, especially since it has so many more uses.  When I purchased mine, it was on sale for $45 from Amazon, and I got free shipping.  I usually see it for $45-60.  Since he'll most likely be tall enough to sit at the table without it by the time he outgrows it, it's a great value because I won't need to buy a separate booster.  Because I won't be buying an extra baby item and all the packaging that goes with it, I'm actually creating less post-consumer waste too!

To see a demo and all the features in action, check out this video: