Prima Pappa-Safe and Sturdy
Written: Sep 13 '02 (Updated May 15 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Height adjustable, reclines for infants, very safe and sturdy, wheels.
Cons: More expensive than some, but worth it!
The Bottom Line: The safest and most sturdy highchair available. Maybe more expensive, but you can actually use this highchair for several years and with several children.
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| amomfromca's Full Review: Peg Perego Prima Pappa High Chair 2001 |
I bought the Peg Perego Prima Pappa for my daughter when she was about 5 months old and was just starting baby cereal. We lived in Germany at that time, so there were not a lot of highchairs to choose from. Other possibilities included the Chicco Mamma and one or two American highchairs, probably Gracos or something similar. The American highchairs were made mostly of plastic and I did not think they would last or were worth the price (which was about the same as the Peg and Chicco in Europe). The Chicco Mamma was about the same price, but I ruled it out because it was very bright colored and the seat had a loud print. After researching the Prima Pappa, the Mamma, and several other American highchairs, I decided that the Prima Pappa was the best for my daughter. She has been using her Prima Pappa several times a day for a year and a half now and it works great and still looks like new.
We do have the European version, which is slightly different from the American versions. First, I did not have several colors and seat prints to choose from. The only one that was available was the navy and white check pattern with navy legs, which I like very much because it is not loud and will look good with most decors. Ours also does not have the crotch post, which with a five-point harness is not necessary anyways and makes cleaning easier. The American Prima Pappa also comes in different versions. There are versions with both the vinyl and fabric cover and ones with an extra tray set into the main tray.
Our Primma Pappa came almost fully assembled. All I needed to do was install the wheels, open the highchair from its folded position, and put the tray on.
The highchair has seven different height adjustments, which I think is its best feature. You might not think this is necessary when your child is a baby, but it’s a great feature when they are toddlers. I adjust ours every day. I adjust it towards the lowest position so my daughter can climb into it by herself. I can also adjust it so it is the right height for sitting at our table. When I was still feeding her I could adjust the height so I was comfortable and could sit and feed her. There are handles on both sides of the chair seat that you squeeze to adjust the height. I can adjust the height with my daughter sitting in the chair or with her out of it. Regardless of the highchair you buy, the adjustable height feature is one you will really use.
The seat reclines to four different positions. This is useful if you are feeding a baby who cannot sit up yet. I rarely use this feature and do not feel it is a necessity, but it’s nice to have if you are feeding a young baby. When the seat is reclined the tray is still flat and therefore can still be used. To recline there is a handle on the back of the seat, which you just lift to either recline or raise the seat similar to adjusting a stroller seat. The seat can be raised and reclined with either the child in or out of the seat.
The swivel wheels are great. I move her chair a lot and the wheels make it so easy. Both the back wheels have brakes, which are applied by pressing down on both red levers and released by pushing up on both levers. The brakes do a good job of holding the chair still, but I hardly use them myself. I can push the chair very smoothly with or without my daughter in it over tile, wood, or carpet.
The highchair has a footrest that can be folded up if not in use, but otherwise does not adjust.
The tray goes on and off with one hand by use of a central handle underneath the tray that you just squeeze to put on or take off. The tray is easy to clean and can be put into the dishwasher if you really want to. Some foods such as carrots and marinara sauce can temporarily lightly stain the tray, but with at worst a couple of cleanings with soap and water these stains will come out. I have a white tray and after 1-1/2 years it still looks perfectly white.
The Prima Pappa can be folded for storage. The tray adjusts vertically to attach to and fold with the chair. There is a lock that holds the chair together so it does not unfold unexpectedly. It is self-standing when folded. I leave the chair out so I do not use this feature except when I moved, but if you are short on space this might be helpful.
The Prima Pappa has a five-point safety belt (the same one as those on their strollers). Maybe a bit overkill, but if you have a wiggly child she will not be going anywhere.
This seat is very safe. There is a bar with a safety latch between the two legs that gives the Prima Pappa extra stability. This chair does not wobble at all, even when my daughter moves around in it like she’s trying to knock it down. If you want a safe and very stable highchair, the Peg Perego Prima Pappa is the one.
The vinyl seat is very padded, roomy, and comfortable. It can be completely removed for washing. I hand wash it with a bit of dish soap occasionally and it comes out like new. In 1-1/2 years of heavy daily use our seat shows no wear and looks as if it is new.
I usually take the entire seat outside a couple of times a year and give it a good cleaning with just water and dish soap. It’s very easy to clean and comes out looking like new. If you wipe it after each use then you will not have to do a major cleaning very often.
This chair will stand up to many years of use by several children. It is well worth the extra cost.
I could not find any information on how much weight this chair can hold. If this is an issue, call the company and verify. I am assuming its at least 50 pounds. Each child should be able to get 3-4 years out of it. Since it reclines you can use it from birth.
The Peg Perego Prima Pappa weighs 18.7 pounds. It’s dimensions when standing are 41” high, 30” deep, and 23” wide. It’s dimensions when folded are 37” high and 11” in thickness.
Part numbers are given individually for each part so if something breaks you can easily order a replacement part.
I bought my Prima Pappa at Toys R Us in Germany in April 2001. It cost 200 DM (102 Euros) tax free, which came to about $75.00. These highchairs are readily available at Babies R Us, The Right Start, high-end baby chains and stores, and online for about $130-$200 depending on features and sales. If you buy used be aware that there was a recall because the armrests were too short. I am not sure of the year, but it had to be chairs made in 1999 or earlier. The problem can, however be repaired.
Made in Italy.
For more information:
Peg Perego USA Inc.
3625 Independence Drive
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
1.800.671.1701
www.perego.com
UPDATES:
5/15/03-I just took this highchair outside and took it apart to totally clean it for my son. Now that my daughter is 2-1/2 years-old, I have decided to move her to the dining table and give this to my son who will be starting solids soon.
The highchair cleaned up beautifully and easily and looks almost brand new (and my daughter is a very messy eater).
The Prima Pappa will easily stand up for more than one child.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
amomfromca
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Member: Cindy Wagner
Location: Sacramento, California
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Mother of three who enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.
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