At around $80, the Meal Time high chair from Graco is one of the middle of the road options in terms of price. It’s an attractive chair, and available in a variety of colorways and fabric designs, which match other Graco products, like swings, car seats and so on, so if you’re a fan of their other products, and have invested in a few, you can match the look.

FEATURES

5 out of 5 points

For a mid range high chair, the Graco Meal Time offers a very impressive features list. For starters, there are removable pads for newborn heads and bodies, meaning you can use this high chair with very small kids, as well as older babies. A reclining feature that really does operate with one hand adds to the ability to use this with smaller babies, and those who are still learning to eat. The chair comes with a five point harness, that converts to a three point configuration as baby grows, meaning your little one will be securely strapped in at any age. The tray comes with a pull out insert, that is dishwasher safe, so cleaning up is easy, and the main tray moves easily out of the way when you want to get baby in and out.

There are Mix and Move toys available, that clip into the tray, which should keep baby busy, although these are sold separately to the main unit.

When it comes to maneuverability, the folks over at Graco have made it easy by adding lockable wheels, and since the high chair folds up, its easy to store, or even, if you have a larger car, to take with you when you go out.

ASSEMBLY AND SETUP

5 out of 5 points

Despite being robust, which is what you want in a high chair really, this model is easy to assemble, and lightweight, so it’s also easy to move around. As far as space requirements go, bear in mind that you will need about three feet of floor space, from front to back, for this model, so if you have minimal space available, this might not be the chair for you.

ADJUSTIBILITY

3 out of 5 points

No complaints on the height adjustability front, with four settings, and the three reclining positions, with the infant pads, mean you have a lot of configuration options, whatever the age of your baby. That having been said, although the main tray is  removable there is a smaller tray underneath that isn’t, and as your baby grows, you may find you have trouble getting them in and out easily because of this. This is really the only area as far as adjustability where Graco has missed the mark, since the chair itself is quite roomy, and designed for children up to three years old.

EASE OF CLEANING

4 out of 5 points

Most of the seat pad is vinyl coated, so it wipes clean easily, however, there is a fabric section at the top that may get dirty when your older child turns and grabs it with grubby fingers. The tray insert is machine washable though, and the coated steel frame and plastic components will wipe clean easily.

LOOKS AND STYLE

5 out of 5 points

The Graco Meal Time is an attractive high chair, and looks sturdy and dependable, a big factor for most parents. With a selection of fabrics and colors on offer, there will almost certainly one that appeals to you, or, if you have other Graco baby furniture, you can co-ordinate your high chair with those. Then again, because it folds for storage, if you are having a baby free function, and want your dining room to be an adults only area, you could always store it in the closet when necessary.