In my household we are big fans of the Stokke Tripp Trapp. It might just seem like another highchair, but it’s really not.
What Is The Tripp Trapp?
The Stokke Tripp Trapp is a customizable highchair that is good for kids of all ages that can convert from a baby’s chair to a toddler’s, to a kid’s, and later an adult’s chair. It does this because the components can be removed and both the seat and footrest can be moved up and down to suit the user. The seat and footrest can go in and out in addition to up and down.
The chair is of Norwegian design, being the creation of designer Peter Opsvik. It was first made in 1972.
Materials Used
The Tripp Trapp’s frame is made out of beech wood, though some more expensive models are made of oak. Parts are screwed together with metal screws. Some parts of made of plastic, which is both phthalate and BPA-free.
Why I Buy Tripp Trapp Chairs
My I buy Tripp Trapp chairs for my kids and have gifted at least three Tripp Trapps at this point because I believe them to be stylish, safe, long-lasting, versatile, and comfortable.
Downsides of the Stokke Tripp Trapp
While I remain a big fan of the Tripp Trapp, there are some notable downsides.
Price
At $349 when fully configured and $269 in the most popular configuration, the Tripp Trapp isn’t cheap. It’s fans will say that it’s actually a very good deal considering that you’ll get much more use out of it than a normal highchair (and I agree) but the price to get one in your house is still high.
Falling Backwards
When used with a tray the Tripp Trapp is shaped like a “Z.” The problem with this is that earlier designs of the chair had lower legs (the bottom horizontal part of the Z) which were too short. This mean that some children were able to push back against their table and flip the chair backwards, in clearly unsafe manner. To counter this Stokke includes plastic extended gliders to length the legs and prevent backwards tilting.
These gliders are included with the Tripp Trapp, but they come off and are easy to lose. More importantly, they should never have been necessary in the first place.
Stokke has said on their website that the Tripp Trapp should be used on smooth floor, so if a child pushes backwards the chair will slide, as opposed to on carpet.
Versions
It isn’t at all obvious when you are researching them, but the Tripp Trapp has been sold in a few different versions. The biggest problem here is that the parts are not compatible with one another. So, and I’m speaking from experience here multiple times over: think twice before buying a used Tripp Trapp!
The unclear versioning means that not all parts work with all chairs. For example the Infant and Baby sets doesn’t work with chairs made before 2003. The only way to check when your chair was made is by finding the serial number, which often isn’t possible.
Also, older models will have an around-the-waist safety belt design that bigger kids will be able to wiggle out of while newer models use a 5-point harness.
Also, the extender gliders changed their design in 2013, so if new gliders don’t fit your chair then you have an older model and need to contact Stokke to get replacements.
The current version of the tray will only fit chair versions 2 and 3 (V2 and V3). Most V3 parts (what you should be looking for) will clearly say “V3” somewhere on them.
For example, we have a hand-me-down Tripp Trapp from 2002, and it has the old lap belt harness and I can’t find any trays to fit it. This chair is best used by older kids or adults, where a new (or at least newer) Tripp Trapp is better for infants, babies, and toddlers.
Stokke Support
I’ve had a few encounters with Stokke support in order to figure out mismatch parts and replace some lost hardware. I can say that their support is prompt and helpful.
If you are missing gliders for and older chair they will (or at least they used to) provide them for free.
FAQs
What is the appropriate age for the Stokke Tripp Trapp?
When setup as a highchair the Tripp Trapp is good for children from 6 months to 3 years of age. After that you can remove the highchair components and use it as a standard chair from ages 3 to adult. To do this you simply can remove the straps, pads, and tray and then start to move the lower shelf (the foot rest) down to the appropriate level. The chair can support and infant with a special infant accessory.
What is the maximum weight the Tripp Trapp can support?
The wooden frame of the chair can support adults up to 110 kg (about 242 pounds).
What is the latest version of the Tripp Trapp?
The 2020 version of the Stokke Tripp Trapp is considered to be part of version 3 (V3).
Where is the serial number on a Tripp Trapp?
The serial number of a Stokke Tripp Trapp is located on the underside of the legs. This will be on the bottom of the horizontal portion that is closest to the floor, not on the diagonal downward section.
How do I contact Stokke support to get help?
You can give Stokke a call at 877-978-6553 or email them through their website, Stokke.com. The company is quite responsive on Twitter as well.