When we first started our weaning journey, highchairs was one of the things I spent hours agonising over. I wanted something that would fit in to our family life without taking over. It should be easy to use (and clean!) and be comfortable for our son to spend time in. We went for a ‘traditional’ highchair, the Cosatto Noodle Supa, which served us well through the first few months of weaning. I’m sure we’d still be using it today had we not gone on holiday and discovered the Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On highchair. A high chair that quickly found it’s way into our hearts for many different reasons. Intrigued? Read on to hear our review.

Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On High Chair Review

What is the Mountain Buggy Pod?

The Mountain Buggy Pod Highchair is a clip-on twist on a traditional highchair. You may have seen them in restaurants; the Pod clamps directly on to your table or eating surface (it’s perfect for our breakfast bar!) allowing your little one to be as involved in the meal as possible. A solid aluminium frame is clamped at either side of its horseshoe shape, from which a sturdy fabric seat with plastic insert is supported. Its design means it folds flat in seconds and can easily be stored in a cupboard, under a buggy or even popped in a suitcase. Finally, it’s available in three colours; chilli red, lime green or flint grey; our colour of choice!

Tell me more…

Mountain Buggy describe their clip-on Pod highchair as ‘the ultimate portable highchair’ and they really aren’t wrong. Weighing in at one kilo in weight, it comes with a storage bag and can be in place within moments. The two clamps will fit the majority of tables and surfaces, even those with a slight lip. Officially, it’s touted as fitting a surface from 1.8cm to 4.5cm wide. In practice, that means most tables we’ve found. Put it this way, we’ve used it extensively and never had an issue.

Let’s Talk Travel

Our Mountain Buggy Pod was initially a travel based purchase. We were off on a family holiday to Antigua and I wasn’t sure how available high chairs would be (there were loads FYI, but ours was the best). Having run out of time to give it a trial run prior to sliding it into the suitcase, I’ll admit to being a little worried it wouldn’t live up to the reviews I’d read. I needn’t have worried. Every meal time we took it with us, removed a chair from the table and used that spare dining space to screw the pod into place. It meant our son could eat off of the table. There was nothing to wipe down and at the end of the meal we just unscrewed it and left.

But what about when we got home?

At home, the Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On High Chair performs just as well. Fitted to the breakfast bar side of our kitchen island, it allows him to be a part of the action, whilst allowing me to continue to do those fun parenting chores such as prepping dinner, washing up or (rarely!) sit with him and enjoy a moment of peace. With the design keeping him right against the table, we also use it for activities such as baking and drawing; basically anything where we want him contained and the mess limited!

Okay, okay, but what’s it REALLY like?

Honestly, I’m a little in love with our Mountain Buggy Pod. I find it incredibly well made and sturdy as well as easy to use. The size of it makes it great for travel but also for homes with limited space or where you don’t want a highchair on display constantly (it’s a firm hit with the grandparents for this exact reason!). It’s easy to wipe down and after over six months of constant use, shows no signs of wear. You can also slip the seat off the frame to give it a proper wash – something we need to do after these spaghetti hoops shots!

Mountain Buggy say that you can seat a child from roughly 3 months to 3 years in here, providing they can sit on their own. For me, I’d say three months is probably a little early. The seat itself is deep andour son would have banged his head on the table. I’d wait until at least 6 months when they’re that little bit bigger although we’ve found that a year onwards has been perfect in terms of sizing. The highchair does have straps but they’re the one part that I would say is lacking. We’ve not managed to find a way to strap him in recently without them being very tight. The lack of having something to rest his feet on means he’s unable to lift himself up and out but I’d certainly use them on a smaller child.

Overall

At just over £50, the Pod is a more expensive travel solution than taking a booster seat. However, as we quickly learnt, it’s far more than that. It’s a simple, well designed product that fits effortlessly into your lives. Whether that’s at home, on a day out or off on a travel adventure. Honestly, you won’t regret it.

You can purchase a Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On High Chair from Amazon via this link!