Stokke Tripp Trapp Review

The Stokke Tripp Trapp is a highly adjustable and ergonomic seat that grows with children from infancy until adulthood. The Tripp Trapp's unusual design omits the attached high chair tray and brings the baby straight to the table for family dining. It's more expensive than most chairs, but its  sleek modern look and all-wood construction appeal to those who want to avoid having a cumbersome, plastic high chair in their dining space.

Some safety components sold separately

The Tripp Trapp is built to support children at all heights and weights with fully adjustable seat height and depth, as well as adjustable footrest height. A five-point harness, included with the chair, attaches to the back support  to secure children from 6 to 36 months of age. Optional adaptor kits are also available for younger children. The Stokke Tripp Trapp Baby Set (*Est. $70) provides babies who are able to sit up unaided (6 to 9 months old) with a high back and a solid plastic yoke between the legs and across the midline. This system is intended for support, not security, and it must be used with the five-point safety harness. For babies from 0 to 6 months, Stokke has developed a Newborn Set (*Est. $70), an upholstered cradle with a five-point harness that enables the baby to recline.

Most parents and reviewers say the Stokke Tripp Trapp's Z-shape is stable. To further guard against the possibility of the chair tipping over backward, Stokke sells extended gliders (*Est. $16) that attach to the chair's feet.

Easy to clean, easy to use

Most parents and reviewers praise the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair's ease of use. Made of solid wood, the Tripp Trapp can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. However, parents and reviewers do note that painted models may chip, while the unfinished wood models may absorb moisture and/or stains.

Unlike traditional high chairs, the Stokke Tripp Trapp does not have a tray. Instead, the Stokke is designed to be pulled right up to the table, as you would any other chair. However, parents and reviewers note that without a tray to contain messes, food will spread. Stokke does sell an attachable tray (*Est. $50), however. Stokke also sells a Table Top (*Est. $70) that attaches directly to the table with suction cups, preventing damage to the table from food and spills. Both are dishwasher-safe.

Reviewers and parents praise the Tripp Trapp's ladder-like design, which enables even small toddlers to climb in and out of the seat on their own. Users say this encourages self-reliance in children. However, parents also say that use of the Baby Set can be a challenge, and that while the Baby Set is marketed for use up to 36 months,  it becomes a tight fit fairly quickly.

A chair that lasts a lifetime

The Stokke Tripp Trapp chair makes it possible for children to become part of the family meal from the newborn stage and onward. It also provides extra seating for an older child or adult. It has a modern look that does not imply baby furniture, with a choice of colors.

However, that product longevity comes at a cost. The Stokke Tripp Trapp costs  $250 -- without any of the optional kits that make it truly an all-ages chair. However, despite this higher price tag, parents and reviewers tend to agree that the Tripp Trapp's longevity and utility make it well worth the investment.

Extended warranty coverage

The Stokke Tripp Trapp chair carries a seven year warranty on all wooden components  

The bottom line

The Stokke Tripp Trapp is one of the most expensive high chairs available, but users and reviewers agree that it is also one of the best, making this our top pick in wooden high chairs. The Tripp Trapp is one of the few high chairs that brings the smallest infants up to the table to enjoy meal time with their families, and its adjustability makes it a comfortable for young or old. It's expensive compared to other high chairs, but it likely will last forever.