Our Honest Review Of The Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair
A highchair has a surprisingly important role in family life. It is used for breakfast, rushed lunches, messy weaning sessions, baking afternoons and the occasional dinner when everyone is too tired to sit properly at the table. For us, choosing one meant looking beyond bright colours and detachable toys. We wanted something sturdy, practical and capable of lasting longer than the baby stage.
The Stokke Tripp Trapp is one of the best-known wooden highchairs available in the UK, and its distinctive design has remained popular for years. It is built to pull up to the dining table rather than keeping a child separate from the rest of the family, with an adjustable seat and footrest intended to grow with them.
After living with the chair and considering its everyday strengths and drawbacks, this is our honest view of how it performs in a busy family home.
What Makes The Tripp Trapp Different
The main feature is the adjustable wooden frame. Both the seat and footplate can be moved as a child grows, allowing their feet to be supported while they sit at the table. This is a welcome alternative to the short lifespan of many conventional baby highchairs, which can become cramped or unsuitable once a toddler starts climbing in and out.
The chair is designed to be used from around six months with the baby set and tray, although the newborn attachment can be purchased separately for use from birth. Later, the safety components can be removed so the chair becomes a standard dining chair. That long-term approach is central to its appeal.
It also has a relatively slim footprint. The legs extend out for stability, but there is no large plastic base or bulky storage basket to navigate around. In a home where keeping walkways clear matters, this makes a difference. Our clutter-free family home approach means we value baby equipment that has a clear purpose without taking over the room.
Everyday Comfort And Mealtime Use
A properly adjusted footrest is one of the strongest features. Children are generally more settled when their feet are supported, particularly during longer meals, and the Tripp Trapp makes it possible to alter the position as leg length changes. The seat also brings a child close to the table, helping them take part in family meals rather than eating separately on a tray.
The baby set includes a supportive backrest and harness, while the tray gives younger babies their own eating surface. The tray is useful during the early stages of weaning, especially when a dining table is difficult to clean or too high. Once a child is ready, removing the tray creates a more sociable table setting.
The chair feels solid rather than flimsy, and ours has stayed steady during enthusiastic toddler movements. The harness provides useful reassurance, although it should never replace proper supervision. The upright design may feel less padded than a plush traditional highchair, but that is part of the chair’s simpler, more furniture-like style.
Cleaning, Storage And Durability
Cleaning is fairly straightforward, especially compared with highchairs covered in fabric, deep cushions or complicated joints. Food can still collect around the harness and corners, but the smooth wooden surfaces and removable tray are easy to wipe after meals. A silicone bib and washable mat underneath are still worthwhile because no highchair can prevent food from reaching the floor.
The tray is practical for messy food, but it is not especially generous compared with some oversized plastic models. A child who enjoys pushing plates or cups may quickly test its boundaries. The harness can also take a little patience to clean thoroughly, particularly after porridge, yoghurt or tomato-based meals.
Storage is both a strength and a limitation. The chair cannot be folded flat, so it needs a permanent place at the table or nearby. However, because it is attractive enough to look like ordinary furniture, it does not feel like something that must be hidden after every meal. Its sturdy construction gives it a better chance of being passed between siblings or used for many years.
| Feature | Stokke Tripp Trapp | Conventional Plastic Highchair |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Adjusts from baby seating to an adult-sized chair | Often most useful through the toddler years |
| Foot support | Height-adjustable footplate | Frequently fixed or limited |
| Mealtime position | Pulls close to the family table | Usually sits separately with a tray |
| Cleaning | Wipe-clean wood and removable accessories | Often easy to wipe, but may have more crevices |
| Storage | Slim but does not fold flat | Some models fold or include storage |
| Cost | Higher initial investment, with accessories extra | Wider range of lower-cost options |
The Cost And Included Accessories
The chair’s price is its biggest barrier. The main frame is already a considered purchase, and the baby set, tray, cushion and newborn attachment are additional costs depending on the configuration needed. The final price can therefore be much higher than the headline figure seen in shops.
That does not automatically make it poor value. If the chair replaces a baby highchair, toddler chair and later dining chair, its long usable life can justify the investment. It may also appeal to families who prefer to buy one well-made item rather than replace cheaper equipment every couple of years.
However, buyers should calculate the complete package before committing. A chair alone may not provide the support needed for a young baby, and accessories are not always interchangeable across every age or stage. Checking the recommended age, included harness and current bundle contents is essential.
What We Like Most
The Tripp Trapp works particularly well for families who want children included at the table. Its narrow, upright shape encourages shared meals and conversation, while the adjustable footrest supports a more comfortable sitting position. It feels like part of the dining area rather than a piece of nursery equipment.
The wooden construction is another positive. It has a timeless appearance, and there are several colour choices to suit different interiors. Even after the baby stage, it remains useful as a desk chair, breakfast chair or everyday seat, so it does not have to be stored away once a child starts using a regular table.
The chair also feels reassuringly robust. It is not something that needs to be replaced because a toddler has grown taller or more active. For households thinking about future siblings, that durability may make the higher upfront price easier to accept.
Points To Consider Before Buying
There are a few compromises. Assembly and adjustment are not difficult, but they require more effort than unfolding a basic plastic highchair. The chair is also heavier and less portable than a lightweight travel model, so it is not ideal for moving between rooms or taking on trips.
- Add the baby set and tray if the chair will be used during weaning.
- Measure the space around the table, including the outward-reaching legs.
- Check that the footplate is adjusted so your child’s feet are supported.
- Consider a wipe-clean mat for floors and a cushion only if extra padding is needed.
- Compare the full accessory bundle rather than the chair price alone.
The wooden surface is durable, but it still benefits from prompt cleaning. Dried food is less convenient to remove, and the chair is not a substitute for a dedicated travel highchair when visiting relatives or staying away from home.
Our Verdict For Family Life
The Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair is a strong choice for families who value longevity, table-level dining and a well-designed piece of furniture. It offers better adjustability than many standard highchairs and can continue to be useful long after a child stops needing a tray or harness.
It is not the cheapest option, and the extras can make the overall purchase expensive. Families who need a foldable chair, generous storage or a very padded seat may prefer a different design. For everyday use at home, though, its stability, foot support and extended lifespan make it one of the more thoughtful highchair choices available.
If you are comparing feeding chairs for your family, look at the complete Stokke Tripp Trapp setup in person where possible, check the accessory costs and consider how many years you expect to use it. That practical approach will help you decide whether its premium price matches the way your household actually eats, grows and lives.