The Babysitter 3 in 1 isn’t short on features, which could well bamboozle unpractical parents. It can be used from birth to when your baby is sitting unaided (about 6 months) in swing or cradle mode. When in highchair mode, there are nine height positions and it can be used from when your baby is sitting unaided, or roughly 6 months. It has four recline positions when in highchair, swing or cradle mode. There’s also a removable double tray and a 5-point safety harness and t-bar for extra security.
The Mamas & Papas Babysitter 3 in 1 isn’t cheap at £325, so if you were after value for money, you’d be looking to purchase this for all its features, not just the highchair aspect.
What we love
I’m a fan of the Mamas & Papas brand because of the classy looking products and the Babysitter 3 in 1 didn’t disappoint with its seat cover in a chocolate leatherette finish and a shiny plastic frame and base, which seemed really tough and durable.
It’s not that common to find a highchair on wheels and this is really invaluable for moving your baby around the house while getting on with chores in different rooms. My 5-month-old Joseph likes to keep an eye on what I’m up to at all times!
I liked the fact that the Mamas & Papas Babysitter 3 in 1 folds up for storage when not in use.
The removable top tray is a great idea to remove mealtime mess and leave your baby with a clean tray to play on. The seat cover and plastic trays are really easy clean, too.
Joseph isn’t on solids yet but he enjoyed sitting in the highchair amusing himself with toys on the tray. He seemed comfortable in the padded seat in highchair and cradle mode.
The adjustable safety harness reassured me. When in its tightest setting it kept Joseph, who is small for his age, securely in place.
Once Joseph eating solids the Babysitter will ensure he’s able to eat with us at the dining table as the nine height sittings mean it can be adjusted to fit your own furniture.
What to watch out for
Although it’s a clever idea to have one product that does the job of three I have to confess to being nonplussed by the cradle and swing features of the Babysitter 3 in 1. As a crib or Moses basket is an essential for newborns to sleep in, the cradle feature seems to me to be rather redundant and Joseph much preferred his simple bouncy chair to the Babysitter in swing mode.
The size of the Babysitter 3 in 1 has to be seen to be believed. The base is really broad and this negates the usefulness of the wheels. As I tried to whizz it around our average-sized open plan kitchen diner and into the living room I kept getting stuck between bits of furniture and in doorways as the base got in the way. This was really frustrating and it was still pretty bulky when folded up.
I was quite bewildered by the assembly instructions. I think this is because the Babysitter 3 in 1 is trying to do too many things and so is overcomplicated.
Who is the Mamas & Papas Babysitter 3 in 1 best for?
Gadget-loving parents who have cash to splash and acres of space to make the most of the mobile base.
The Mamas & Papas Babysitter 3 in 1 is an attractive but bulky highchair. However, by trying to do too many things, it runs the risk not doing any perfectly. It has a very wide footprint, too, so if you’re buying it for the wheels and ease of moving, make sure you’ve got the floor space.
