Though Peg Perego’s Italian baby products win high points for stylish design, the Prima Pappa Diner high chair misses the mark in some of its key components.

FEATURES

4 out of 5 points

The Pappa Prima Diner is a tall high chair, at 42 inches, and features a five-point safety harness and passive restraint system certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Baby is securely held in a large seat cushion, and mom and dad can select from seven height positions and four ‘tilt-in-space’ reclining positions. This unit folds for storage, and comes with a dual-tray system; just pop off the cover and toss it in the dishwasher. Non-scratching rubber wheels protect delicate floor surfaces, and rear-wheel locks protect children from rolling across the kitchen floor.

ASSEMBLY AND SET-UP

5 out of 5 points

The Prima Pappa Diner comes fully assembled and ready to use. No headaches here.

ADJUSTABILITY

3 out of 5 points

The Pappa Prima Diner boasts seven height positions and four reclining poses, and it’s a comfortable lounger for the under-two set. However, the tray is not adjustable, and, in all but the biggest toddlers, the gap between tray and baby leads to spills and messes; the tray height is also ideal only for older or taller babies, and adjustments can be tough to accomplish. Folding the Pappa Prima requires two hands and some concentration; it’s a difficult task for harried parents distracted by squirming babies.

EASE OF CLEANING

2 out of 5 points

While the anodized aluminum and PVC frame can be wiped with a damp cloth, lots of nooks and crannies hide rolling peas and stray bits of cereal. The chair cushion cover must be removed in order to wash it, and the underlying cushions split after minimal use; replacements are expensive.

LOOKS AND STYLE

3 out of 5 points

The Peg Perego Pappa Prima Diner is a substantial and luxurious high chair; the plush seat cushion is available in a range of colors, ready to match most every contemporary kitchen décor. While the aluminum and PVC frame of the Prima Pappa isn’t likely to be mistaken for anything other than baby furniture, unlike its wooden alternatives, it folds for quick storage.