Our Honest Review Of The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
A high chair becomes part of family life very quickly. It is there for first tastes, rushed breakfasts, messy baking sessions and the occasional dinner thrown onto the floor. For that reason, choosing one is less about appearance and more about whether it works comfortably and reliably every day.
We have spent time looking at how the Stokke Tripp Trapp fits into a busy family home, from its adjustable design to the clean-up involved after a particularly enthusiastic meal. It is a premium option, so the price deserves careful consideration rather than an automatic recommendation.
This review focuses on the original chair and the accessories that make it suitable for babies and toddlers. Packages can vary, so it is worth checking exactly what is included before buying.
What Makes The Tripp Trapp Different
The most recognisable feature is its wooden, ladder-style frame. Instead of being a short-lived baby product, the Tripp Trapp is designed to bring a child up to the dining table and then adapt as they grow. The seat and footrest slide into different positions, allowing the chair to remain useful beyond the traditional high-chair stage.
That longevity is a major reason families consider spending more on it. Many conventional high chairs are bulky, brightly coloured and difficult to repurpose once a child no longer needs a tray. The Tripp Trapp has a much simpler appearance and can eventually become a regular chair for an older child or adult.
The design also makes it easier for a child to sit at the table with everyone else. Shared meals can encourage children to observe family routines and try new foods, although the chair itself cannot solve every mealtime challenge.
Comfort And Adjustability At The Table
A well-positioned footrest is one of the strongest points of this wooden high chair. Small children often sit more securely when their feet have support, rather than dangling above the floor. The adjustable footplate means it can be moved as a child grows, helping the seating position feel less cramped.
The Baby Set, tray and harness are separate components or part of certain bundles, depending on where it is purchased. With the appropriate accessories, the chair can be used from around six months, when a baby is ready to sit upright and begin complementary feeding. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance and your health visitor’s advice about readiness.
We found the chair feels sturdy rather than flimsy, and its broad base gives it a reassuring presence at the table. It does take up less visual space than many freestanding high chairs, though the legs extend outwards and still need to be considered in a smaller dining area.
Cleaning, Safety, And Daily Use
Food inevitably finds its way into every high chair, including the gaps around the seat and footrest. The Tripp Trapp is comparatively straightforward to wipe down because it does not have a padded fabric seat as standard. That means fewer worries about removable covers becoming stained or holding onto crumbs.
The tray, where included, is practical for younger children who are not yet ready to eat directly from the table. It can be removed when the child is ready to join family meals. We still prefer placing a wipe-clean mat underneath, as dropped food and spilled drinks rarely stay within the tray’s boundaries.
Safety depends on correct assembly and using the right accessories for the child’s age and stage. The harness should be fitted properly, the chair should sit on a stable surface, and children should always be supervised while eating. The adjustable parts are helpful, but they need to be set securely rather than changed casually during a meal.
For more family product experiences and household-focused opinions, our honest reviews offer useful context beyond this particular high chair.
How It Compares With Other High Chairs
The Tripp Trapp sits at the premium end of the market. Its main selling point is the years of use it can offer, while many lower-priced chairs focus on portability, reclining features or easy folding. The right choice depends on whether long-term furniture value matters more than compact storage.
| Feature | Stokke Tripp Trapp | Traditional Plastic High Chair | Portable Booster Seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main use | Dining table seating as a child grows | Dedicated baby and toddler feeding | Travel or occasional meals |
| Adjustability | Seat and footrest positions can change | Usually limited | Limited to the host chair |
| Storage | Does not fold flat in the usual setup | Some models fold | Usually easy to store |
| Cleaning | Mostly wipe-clean wood and removable accessories | Often wipe-clean, with more crevices on some models | Generally simple |
| Long-term value | Can be used well beyond toddlerhood | Often outgrown sooner | Useful for shorter periods |
| Initial cost | Relatively high | Available across many budgets | Usually lower |
A folding high chair may be more convenient for grandparents or families with limited cupboard space. A booster seat may be a better choice for travel, holidays or occasional use. The Stokke is strongest when it will stay in one place and become part of the dining furniture.
What We Like And What We Would Change
The clean, timeless appearance is a real advantage. It does not look out of place in a modern kitchen, and there are different colour options to suit a range of interiors. We also like that it encourages a child to sit close to the table instead of being separated from the rest of the family.
Its durability is another positive. A sturdy chair that can be adjusted across several stages may create less waste than buying separate seating products as a child grows. It can also have a resale value if it remains in good condition, although that should not be the only reason to purchase it.
The cost is the clearest drawback. Once the Baby Set, harness, tray and any newborn accessories are added, the total can become substantially higher than the advertised chair price. Families should compare complete package prices rather than looking only at the frame.
It is also not the easiest choice for a family who wants a high chair that folds away after every meal. The wooden frame is attractive and stable, but it is furniture rather than a compact piece of baby equipment.
Who Should Consider Buying It
This chair is well suited to families who eat together at a dining table and want a product that can remain useful for years. It is especially appealing if you value adjustable foot support, a smart appearance and fewer fabric parts to wash.
It may be less suitable if you need a lightweight high chair for frequent travel, a reclined position for a very young baby, or a model that can be tucked into a cupboard. In those situations, a simpler plastic design may provide better everyday convenience for less money.
The Tripp Trapp can work well in a family home where shared meals are important. Families planning a trip or self-catering break may also find it useful to think about seating before they book; our guide to choosing a family-friendly cottage covers practical details that can make travelling with children easier.
Getting The Best From Your Purchase
Before ordering, check measurements, accessory compatibility and the manufacturer’s age guidance. Consider where the chair will stand, how close it will be to the dining table and whether there is enough room to move around the extended legs safely.
These are the details we would prioritise:
- Buy the correct Baby Set and safety accessories for your child’s stage.
- Compare the cost of a complete bundle rather than the chair frame alone.
- Choose a footrest position that gives your child stable support.
- Wipe spills promptly and check regularly around adjustable joints.
- Keep the chair at the family table when possible to encourage shared mealtimes.
Our overall view is positive: the Stokke Tripp Trapp is a well-made, attractive and adaptable high chair that can earn its premium price through long-term use. It is not the cheapest or most portable option, but it offers a thoughtful alternative to short-term plastic seating.
If you are looking for a high chair that grows with your child and fits naturally into family mealtimes, explore the available Tripp Trapp configurations and compare the full cost before making your purchase.