REASONS TO BUY
Very portable
Easy to place
4-point shoulder harness
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Leg holes small
Tool needed to remove seat cover
phil and teds Lobster Review
With the smallest weight and size, this chair is very travel friendly, but it lacks comfort and is harder to clean
phil and teds Lobster
Credit: phil and teds
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ June 16, 2018
RELATED: The Best Portable High Chairs
Our Verdict
The phil and teds Lobster is a hook-on style portable high chair that includes a tray. It is lightweight and folds into a small package, storing nicely in its included carry bag, making this option very travel-friendly. However, it is less comfortable than other contenders in our review, and a tool is needed to remove the canvas cover, which is a hassle come cleaning time. While the seat leaves something to be desired, we still think there are enough pros for this to be considered when looking at hook-on chairs, especially if your little one is petite and you want the smallest or lightest option around.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Founded in 1994 by a father-son team and later purchased in 1998 by current CEO Campbell Gower, phil and teds is an innovative company whose mantra is “adapt and survive.” This New Zealand-based company has infused the baby industry in the US with contemporary inspiration and vigorous competition.
The Phil and Teds Lobster works for babies 6 months - 36 months, or a maximum of 37 lbs. However, we think it is best for petite babies as seating space is limited.
Credit: Micah James
Portability
At 4.3 lbs, the Lobster is easy to carry and falls right in the middle for weight in the group of chairs in this review. When folded, it is one of the smallest hook-on chairs in our lineup. The chair and tray fit together snugly in the included carry bag and can be transported using the tote handles, or the whole kit and kaboodle can fit into a large diaper bag.
Ease Of Use
The Lobster is simple to set up, unfold, slide onto the table, and twist tight. Then, voila, you're finished!
There are limitations to the type of surfaces that work with the Lobster. For example, it only works with tables that have straight edges and no skirts or lips, which can make it challenging to use at all restaurants.
The Lobster has a 4-point harness and is suitable for use with babies from 6-months to 37 lbs. However, the seat feels cramped inside. We had a 25 lbs tester who pushed its space limits and was downright irritable in the seat. Sadly, the Lobster isn't as comfortable as some of the other chairs we reviewed.
In the phil and teds Lobster, there's less room for children to move and really pressed against the table. Also, the seat is deep, which places them lower than they'd like to be to the table or countertop.
Credit: Jackie Boeheim
Putting the baby inside and strapping them in is not a walk in the park either. The smaller leg holes can be difficult to maneuver, especially if you have a baby with chunkier thighs, shoes, or an older child. It can be challenging to get them settled into the seat as the leg holes are not as large as most babies will likely need. Also, the seat installs close to the edge of the table, and if you have a wiggly toddler, it can be difficult to get them into the tight space. With the baby in the seat, you have an even smaller space to fit your hands so you can buckle your baby in and tighten the straps. This design creates a very frustrating experience. The harness straps include large, padded covers that you can remove for more space, but you sacrifice comfort for more room to maneuver.
We appreciate the tray, which isn't fancy but is helpful when avoiding potentially germy surfaces.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease Of Cleaning
Though a quick wipe with a wet cloth should be sufficient after most meals, the polyester seat fabric is removable for a more thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, you will need a tool to remove the cover from the frame. In addition, the chair is hand wash and air dry, which will take more time and forethought than if you could use a washer and dryer. The tray is top-rack dishwasher safe, but we suggest hand washing to minimize plastic degradation and potential chemical leaching into your baby's food.
Manufacturer Video
Side-by-Side Comparison
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