There comes a moment in every new parent’s life when you look around your once-curated living space and realize it has been conquered by an army of brightly colored plastic. For us, the commanding general of this army was a bulky, feature-laden high chair. It had reclining positions we never used, a tray the size of a small tabletop, and wheels that seemed to have a magnetic attraction to our toes. Meal times were a whirlwind of wiping down cushioned crevices and wrestling with a complicated harness, all while our little one seemed to slump uncomfortably. We knew there had to be a better way—a solution that brought our child to the family table, not just near it, and one that didn’t scream “baby gear” from across the room. This search for harmony, function, and design led us directly to the legendary Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2.
- HIGH CHAIR - The Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 was designed to bring your baby right up to the table, where they can learn & develop alongside the rest of the family. It includes the Tripp Trapp Chair and...
What to Consider Before Buying a High Chair
A high chair is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for integrating your child into one of the most important family rituals: mealtime. It provides a safe, secure, and ergonomically correct space for your baby to explore food, learn motor skills, and socialize with the family. The right high chair promotes good posture, aids in digestion, and makes the inevitable cleanup far less of a chore. Choosing poorly can lead to a frustrating experience for both parent and child, with uncomfortable seating, difficult cleaning, and a large, cumbersome piece of furniture that clashes with your home’s aesthetic and takes up valuable space.
The ideal customer for a premium, design-focused high chair like this is someone facing the limitations of conventional models. They value longevity, timeless design, and superior ergonomics, seeing the purchase as a long-term investment that will evolve from a high chair to a child’s desk chair and beyond. It’s for the family that wants to pull their child right up to the dining table to foster a sense of inclusion. Conversely, this type of product might not be suitable for those who prioritize portability and foldability above all else, or for those on a very tight budget who need an all-in-one solution with every accessory included from the start. For them, a more conventional, multi-function high chair might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure your dining area and table height carefully. A key benefit of a chair like the Stokke is its relatively small footprint, designed to slide under a standard table. Unlike bulky high chairs with wide-splayed legs, it aims to integrate seamlessly without becoming a tripping hazard.
- Capacity/Performance: Think beyond the baby stage. The best high chairs have a high weight capacity and adjustability that allows them to be used for years, even by adults. The primary performance metric is how well the chair supports a child’s posture at every stage of growth, particularly with an adjustable seat plate and footrest.
- Materials & Durability: High chairs come in plastic, metal, and wood. While plastic is often cheaper and feature-rich, high-quality wood like the European beech used in the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 offers unparalleled sturdiness, durability, and a premium aesthetic. A solid wood construction is less likely to crack or weaken over time, ensuring it can handle years of use.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is paramount. Look for smooth surfaces without deep crevices where food can get trapped. Fabric cushions should be machine-washable, and straps should be easy to remove and clean. A simple, elegant design often proves to be the easiest to maintain day after day.
Considering these factors will guide you toward a choice that not only meets your baby’s immediate needs but also serves your family for years to come.
While the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Convertible Design: 6 growing stages from infant highchair to toddler booster to big kid's step stool
- Convertible- 2 in 1 Portable high chair that converts to booster when your child is ready. 5 point harness. 3 recline positions. Removable infant seat pad provides extra comfort detachable extra tray,...
- 7-in-1 Baby High Chair: This multifunctional highchair can be easily converted into various modes: full size baby high chair, small dining chair, toddler chair with padded cushion, universal kids...
First Impressions: Unboxing an Icon
The arrival of the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 box was an event in itself. It’s compact and surprisingly heavy, hinting at the solid wood components inside. Upon opening, every piece was neatly organized and felt immediately substantial. We chose the Natural finish, and the quality of the European beech wood was evident—smooth, with a beautiful grain and a durable, water-based lacquer. There was none of the chemical smell you sometimes get with new furniture. The package includes the main chair frame and the Baby Set (a high backrest and a restraint bar), which is specifically designed for the 6-36 month age range.
Assembly was our next task. As several users noted, the instructions are purely pictorial, much like IKEA furniture. While one reviewer managed it in a breezy 15 minutes, our experience was closer to the 30-45 minute mark. The key is to keep the screws slightly loose until all pieces are in place, allowing you to slide the seat and footrest into the grooves, then tighten everything at the end. Once assembled, the chair’s brilliance becomes clear. It is incredibly solid and stable, with an elegant, minimalist profile that immediately upgraded our dining space. Compared to our old plastic chair, it felt less like baby equipment and more like a permanent, beautiful piece of furniture. You can immediately see the high-quality craftsmanship that justifies its reputation.
Key Benefits
- Timeless Scandinavian design that complements modern home decor
- Exceptional adjustability in seat and footrest depth and height
- Made from solid, durable European beech wood for longevity and stability
- Extremely easy to clean with smooth, crevice-free surfaces
Potential Drawbacks
- Premium price point can be a significant investment
- Essential accessories like the tray must be purchased separately
A Deep Dive into the Tripp Trapp Experience
After weeks of daily use, subjecting it to everything from spaghetti bolognese to avocado smears, we’ve developed a comprehensive understanding of where the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 excels and where it has its quirks. This isn’t just a chair; it’s a thoughtfully designed system for a child’s developmental journey at the dinner table.
The Genius of “Grows-With-You” Ergonomics
The single most revolutionary feature of the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 is its profound commitment to ergonomics. This isn’t about gimmicky reclining positions; it’s about fundamental postural support. The ability to independently adjust the height and depth of both the seat and the footrest is a game-changer. When we first placed our daughter in the chair, we adjusted the footrest so her feet were flat and her knees were at a 90-degree angle. The difference in her demeanor was immediate. Instead of slumping or fidgeting, she sat upright, stable, and focused. As one user aptly noted, “my baby loves being able to touch her feet on the bottom.” This isn’t just a preference; it’s crucial for stability and concentration. Without that grounding, a child’s core is less stable, leading to restlessness and shorter attention spans during meals. The Baby Set, included in this bundle, provides excellent back and side support, keeping her snug and secure. This ergonomic design is a feature that truly sets it apart and makes a tangible difference in the mealtime experience, transforming it from a challenge into a more pleasant, engaging family activity.
Design Philosophy: Blending In, Not Standing Out
Stokke’s design philosophy is centered on connection, and the chair’s physical form is a direct reflection of this. Its brilliant Z-shaped frame is not just for aesthetics; it’s designed to bring your child directly to the heart of the family—the dining table. By forgoing an integrated, oversized tray (though one is available separately), the chair encourages you to pull your child up to the main table. Our daughter loved this. She was no longer isolated in her “baby station” but was at the same level as us, sharing the same space. This simple act fostered a greater sense of inclusion and made her more interested in what we were eating. Several users echoed this sentiment, praising its “minimalistic and beautiful” look and how it “fits well in our dining space and doesn’t feel bulky at all.” The chair is crafted from high-quality, safe materials with non-toxic finishes, which provided us with immense peace of mind. While some may see the separate tray as a negative, we came to see it as a deliberate choice that reinforces the chair’s core purpose: to unite, not separate.
The Reality of Daily Use: Assembly, Cleaning, and Customization
Living with the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 day-to-day is, for the most part, a dream, especially when it comes to cleaning. The smooth, lacquered wood surfaces are incredibly easy to wipe down. There are no seams, fabric crevices, or hidden corners for food to fester. Even after a particularly messy meal, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to make it look brand new. Many users confirm this is a massive upgrade from fabric-covered chairs, calling those a “nightmare” and praising the Stokke as “absolutely amazing! Easy to clean.” The harness straps, while effective, can be a bit trickier to clean, but one user astutely observed that food “doesn’t really stick or stain the straps, it just comes off,” which we also found to be largely true.
However, the experience isn’t without its caveats. The biggest point of contention, shared by us and many other users, is the à la carte accessory model. As one reviewer put it, “I wished it came with something as necessary as a tray given the high price tag.” While we adapted to using the chair at the table, there are times when a dedicated tray is simply more practical. Having to purchase it separately adds to an already significant investment. Furthermore, while our assembly was smooth, a few users reported quality control issues like receiving scratched or mismatched parts. One customer noted that “screws cannot be fully tighten” due to incompatible parts, and another was disappointed by peeling paint after just a month. These appear to be exceptions rather than the rule, but they are important to consider when you check the latest price and availability.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment for the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 is overwhelmingly positive, with most users viewing it as a worthwhile long-term investment. A recurring theme is regret over not buying it sooner. One user, who bought it for her niece, said, “I only regret that didn’t buy it earlier. My niece loves it, she definitely sits there longer and with a great pleasure.” Many praise its sturdy build and high-quality materials, calling it “an upgrade to a Graco one” and noting that “from the moment you take this out of the box, it just feels so so well made and sturdy.”
However, the feedback isn’t universally glowing. The most common complaint is the high price and the fact that essential accessories like the tray are sold separately. Beyond that, a smaller but significant number of reviews highlight serious issues with shipping and quality control. One buyer was shocked to find their expensive chair “arrived damaged and with a DEAD BUG inside the product.” Another reported receiving a clearly used and scratched item. These negative experiences, while not representative of the product’s design, point to potential fulfillment issues that can mar the premium experience Stokke aims to provide. When it works as intended, it’s beloved; when it doesn’t, the disappointment is amplified by the high cost.
How Does the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 Compare to Alternatives?
While the Tripp Trapp is in a class of its own, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options on the market. Each alternative serves a different type of user with different priorities.
1. Graco Table2Table LX 6-in-1 Highchair
- 6 Growing Stages from Infant Highchair to a Table & Chair for your big kid
- Stage 1: Infant Highchair with 3 recline positions provides the right position for baby's comfort
The Graco Table2Table represents the “all-in-one” philosophy that stands in stark contrast to Stokke’s minimalism. This high chair is a true transformer, converting from an infant seat to a traditional high chair, a booster seat, and even a toddler table and chair. If you’re looking for maximum functionality and features on a budget, the Graco is a compelling choice. It includes a large tray, multiple recline positions, and plush seating. However, the trade-off is significant: it’s made primarily of plastic, has a much larger footprint, and involves far more nooks and crannies to clean. It’s built for versatility, not for timeless design or longevity in the same way the wooden Stokke is.
2. Stokke Tripp Trapp Adjustable Convertible Chair
- A CHAIR FOR LIFE - The Tripp Trapp Chair is essential for families, bringing your baby, toddler, or child right up to your table. The all-in-one chair grows with your little one and can be customized...
- TIMELESS & ADJUSTABLE - With an adjustable seat and footplates, Tripp Trapp allows freedom of movement. Plus, it’s available in a wide range of colors & two wood finishes, guaranteed to look...
This might seem confusing, but this is the standalone Tripp Trapp chair without the included Baby Set. The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 we are reviewing is a bundle that packages this exact chair with the necessary accessories for babies aged 6-36 months. Buying this alternative makes sense if you have an older child who no longer needs the baby harness and high back support, or if you plan to purchase different accessories (like the newborn set) separately. For parents starting with a baby who can sit up, the “High Chair 2” bundle is the more direct and often more cost-effective way to get started.
3. INFANS Foldable Adjustable High Chair
- Focus on Safety & Quality: INFANS High chair for eating, relaxing and playing in maximum comfort with a 5-Point safety harness. The scientific frame and stable pyramid structure prevent the toddler...
- Easy Use Clean Fold: The highchairs requires no installation. Removable BPA-free plastic trays that are dishwasher safe. Also has a removable waterproof PU leather cushion that can be wiped off with a...
The INFANS high chair sits in the middle ground between the feature-packed Graco and the minimalist Stokke. Its primary advantages are its adjustability (multiple heights, backrest, and footrest positions) and its ability to fold for compact storage—a feature the Stokke lacks entirely. It uses a mix of metal and plastic with a PU leather cushion, making it relatively easy to clean. This is an excellent choice for families with limited space or those who need to put the high chair away between meals. While it offers more versatility than the Stokke in terms of storage and recline, it doesn’t have the same aesthetic appeal, premium wood construction, or the “grow-with-you” capability to become a full-fledged adult-usable chair.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our answer is a resounding yes, with a few important caveats. The Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair 2 is more than a high chair; it is a beautifully designed, exceptionally well-made piece of furniture that genuinely improves the family mealtime experience. Its ergonomic support is unparalleled, its ease of cleaning is a lifesaver for busy parents, and its timeless design allows it to grow with your child from infancy to adulthood. It’s a true “buy it for life” product that stands in stark opposition to the disposable nature of many baby products.
It is an investment, and the need to purchase a tray separately can be frustrating. It’s not for everyone, especially those who need a portable, foldable chair or are on a strict budget. However, if you value design, durability, and a philosophy that brings your child to the table as an equal member of the family, there is simply no better choice on the market. For families looking to make a long-term investment in their child’s comfort and their home’s harmony, we wholeheartedly recommend it. If you’re ready to transform your mealtimes and invest in a chair that will last a lifetime, you can explore all the available colors and full feature set right here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API