The I-Sit has four height positions, a 2-position footrest, 5-point safety harness, removable tray, the facility to switch between modes with a one-handed mechanism, and comes in three colours (red, green and brown).
What we love
The Chicco I-Sit Highchair was one of the easiest I’ve ever assembled. It basically comes in three pieces - the seat, the stand and the back. All of the pieces are beautifully made and fit together perfectly. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, I set the chair up for Freya, 14 months, without the tray so the chair fits to the table.
From when your child’s 1 year and up, Chicco says that this chair can be used at the family table. Freya gets so much out of being at the table like everyone else, so she loves the I-Sit in child chair mode. She looks so comfortable in it, too. Freya even shouts “up” to get in it and play at the table between meal times - although I am aware that this novelty may wear off!
The I-Sit is the first highchair at a table that I’ve used that really works. Because of the design – sloping back frame and angled seat line - this chair actually does fit up to the table properly without the gap of a few inches I normally get with highchairs - you know, that gap down which all the food falls! The I-Sit fits so well under our table that Freya’s tummy is at the table edge. Perfect.
The Chicco I-Sit has a large footprint, but most of it is under the table. The angled frame means that it’s very sturdy, too. The base of the chair is large and the seat back nicely high so Freya can throw herself about as much as she wants and the chair remains extremely stable.
When transformed into a ‘proper’ chair, the Chicco I-Sit is still very stylish and my eldest was keen to appropriate it for himself. So for those who like the style and intend to use beyond the highchair phase, the price seems more reasonable.
To use the I-Sit from 6 months, the back is attached with your child facing the wraparound bar so that it can support a tray. Freya’s little friend Margarete still sits in a highchair with a tray so we let her have a go this way. She was well supported and the tray fitted in just the right place.
What to watch out for
If you’re looking for a discrete foldaway highchair this is not for you. The Chicco I-Sit is a statement piece that stands out in your dining area. If, like me, you hanker after clean lines and trendy fabrics you will love it. However at £269, this look won’t be within budget for everyone.
When we had baby Margarete trial the I-Sit with the tray attached, the tray let the I-Sit down. The tray looks and feels like it’s made for a different highchair. The I-Sit is beautifully made and really sturdy yet this tray is made of a flimsy bendy plastic. It just didn’t go.
The I-Sit is not as easy as some to clean. The lovely texture to the seat means it need a good rub to remove stubborn dried on food – but then what highchair doesn’t? More of a worry is the number of gaps/ridges within the seat design that could harbor little bits of food. Highchairs need to be easy to wipe down. With a small child and indeed one who delights in getting their food everywhere you might have a problem. Once your child is a little bigger - at the sitting at the table stage - then they would fill out the chair more and block the passage of food into those worrying gaps.
Who is the Chicco I-Sit Highchair best for?
Parents after a chic investment piece that will see their tot eating with the family.
The Chicco I-Sit Highchair is a great stylish 3-in-1 chair. If you intend to use it for the long term, you would get your money’s worth. Just be prepared to put up with the flimsy tray for the first six months of use.
