Graco decided to push forward with the idea and design of the Duo Diner when it realised there was a gap in the market for a highchair that would not only see your child up to age 3, but that could also be used as a booster seat for you to take to a restaurant, round to grandma’s or even just when you want your child to sit up at your dining table.
What we love
After noting the stylish white and green colouring, the first appealing thing about the Graco Duo Diner is the unique straps. Instead of having to bend Nathaniel's arm to get him strapped in, the top and middle parts of the harness are separate and slide together to click into the middle strap, which comes up between your baby’s legs. Nathaniel was quite happy to sit in the highchair while I sorted out the straps each time, but if your baby is fractious it might just be a bit more awkward.
The two large front wheels on the Duo Diner make it very easy to push towards the table. However, when I wanted to turn Nathaniel around to face the kitchen, there was quite a bit of shuffling involved and it wasn't easy in a small space.
It’s very easy to slide the feeding tray on, and once Nathaniel’s seated there’s plenty of room between him and the tray, so he couldn’t complain of feeling squashed. However, the pelican bib he usually wears kept touching the edge of the tray, and I found I dispensed with the tray while feeding him and only put it back on when his bib was off and I could put some toys on the tray to occupy him.
Graco has obviously thought a lot about the design of the Duo Diner and the idea to have a reclining backrest, so your child could have a nap after mealtimes is admirable, though Nathaniel didn't want to know and always had to be positioned upright!
What to watch out for
During the assembly, the only part I found particularly difficult was putting the two hinge pins into the back of the seat, so I could attach the back of the seat to the rest of the chair. The holes have to line up exactly and it made my fingers quite sore, but I managed to do it on my third attempt.
The highchair would be great if you have a large open-plan dining room and kitchen, but if like me you don't, the Duo Diner takes up a lot of space. If you want to fold it, it’s still quite a size.
I definitely like the idea of having a highchair that can be used as a booster, and there's no denying that the highchair is comfortable - Nathaniel was quite happy to sit in it and show off to his grandparents one Sunday for ages! That said, when I actually took the chair off the frame, it was the biggest booster seat I’d ever seen. It would take up the seat of a person in your car. I wouldn't be able to manage pushing a buggy or carrying Nathaniel from the car, as well as lugging a changing bag and this seat – I'd rather stay at home! The other comments I’ve found online suggest that buyers only thought it should be used at home, but the booster seat was helpful for when their child was a bit older and wanted to sit on an adult dining chair.
Who is the Graco Duo Diner best for?
Parents with plenty of storage space after a highchair with longevity.
The Graco Duo Diner is a comfortable and on-trend highchair. However, its bulky size and cumbersome booster seat attachment won’t appeal to all parents or those who like to pack small and light for meals out.
