wooden high chairs/ gift from in-laws

[HollowSquirrel]

My in-laws have always said they wanted to buy us a high chair (before we were even pregnant). Of course, back then, I was fine with hit, but now that I'm 6 mo. pregnant, and I'm realizing what they want to buy us, I don't know what to do. Here's the sitch: my in-laws are european, living in America, and do not like anything plastic or colorful. They like sturdy, wood stuff without frills. I don't like frills either, but I also want something SAFE, easy to clean and light weight, so I can move the chair fairly easily.

First, they wanted to buy us an IKEA high chair. Please note: they have never once asked what we want or like. I've seen what's now available at IKEA, and I'm not too psyched. I really want a plastic tray that I can pop into the dishwasher.

Then, my father-in-law said he was going to build us a high chair, like that he used to have growing up in europe. But, we haven't heard about him building one in almost a year, so I think this is out the window.

I overhead my sister-in-law this weekend telling my husband that they want to get us a high chair...so I don't know what to do. I'm very appreciative that they want to buy something for the baby, but I want to make sure the baby is safe and that the purchase isn't a pain in the ass.

Any suggestions?! Sorry for the long post. But, I felt like I had to "set the stage!"

Happy weekend to all...

[mamalia]

I'd suggest telling your in-laws exactly what you said about easy to clean, light weight, easily movable, and dishwasher friendly...stressing the convenience factor. Then add that you've read about how safe they are built - with the five point harness, the connected leg piece that prevents "submarining," etc. You could say that you've done your research and "x-chair" meets all of your needs. If DFIL is still adamnant on the wooden thing then maybe suggest that a booster chair for when DC has outgrown the highchair and is demanding to sit at the table like mom & dad...the kinderzeat from stokke for example...be his perfect gift for baby.

If all else fails, tell DSIL (if she knows the dilemna & is on your side) which seat you want and then make sure she gets it before DFIL has the chance to buy you a wooden one & then let him know once your mischief is done. :)

Good luck!

[darby24]

Do you like the Kinderzeat at all? If you do, why not suggest they buy the European twin, the Tripp Trapp with the baby kit. The only thing different between the two is the Tripp Trapp can come with the bar that holds a smaller baby.
http://www.lullabys.co.uk/shop/images/Stokke/TrippTrapp/TrippTrappBaby_blu_med.jpg http://www.lullabys.co.uk/shop/images/Stokke/TrippTrapp/TrippTrappbaby_red_sml.jpg

That way you can use the chair from 6+ months, the bar holds the baby in. It's go clean lines, not too heavy, is wood and of course is European! Seems like a good bet to me. Here is two links to UK sites; http://www.twoleftfeet.co.uk/Two_Left_Feet_Tripp_Trapp_597.html
http://www.lullabys.co.uk/shop/index.html

What about the Svan chair? here it is at babystyle; http://tinyurl.com/akn7x
http://a940.g.akamai.net/7/940/449/0004/www.estyle.com/images/product/14339_MID_r.jpg

Remember to search the archives. Searching Kinderzeat will give you plenty of results alone.

[HollowSquirrel]

Thanks for the response. I think I will talk to my DSIL first. She's young and I don't think sees the safety/convenience issues yet. :) It's nice they want to get us something at all.

THANKS! :)

[HollowSquirrel]

Thanks for the links. I will definitely check these out more thoroughly in the archive and suggest them to my sister-in-law. That style is SO up their alley. Whew. This might be the solution!

Thanks again! :)

[laretce6]

FWIW, we have a wooden chair from IKEA (the gulliver) and I LOVE IT! I'm not positive this model is still made anymore though, as I don't see it on their website. Ours has a plastic tray which I think would pop in the dishwasher just fine (although I haven't found wiping it down to be a big deal and believe me I am not into housework).

I think the suggestions for a kinderzeat style chair are great, that's what I would have gotten if it was in the budget ;-)

Look at it this way, you might get lots of fabulous wooden toys from them if they're into european styling!

Caroline
Mama to Eleanor Katherine 8.2.04