Written by: Allison Weiss, MSOT, OTR/L, SWC
As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Feeding Therapist, I consider the Stokke Tripp Trapp the gold standard of high chairs. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it is functional and versatile. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is suitable for babies as young as six months as they first start to eat solids all the way through childhood. I love it so much that when I had my second baby I knew I needed to buy a second chair so that each of my kids could participate in meals and snacks in their own Tripp Trapp chairs. There are a few reasons why I love this high chair:
The Stokke Tripp Trapp facilitates an optimal position for feeding.
The seat base and foot rest are both adjustable, which means that your child will always have her feet on a stable base.
- Design of Chair - When eating it is best for kiddos to have neutral alignment of their pelvis, hips, knees and upper body. This helps provide stability in their lower body as a solid base in order to have good control in their upper body when reaching, chewing and swallowing. Kids who are properly positioned are more safe during feeding as they chew and swallow solids and liquids.
- Small Footprint: Many of the traditional high chairs with their big seats and tall backs place the child in a posterior pelvic tilt with a rounded back and slumped shoulders. The shallow seat base of the Stokke along with the customizable foot support facilitate upright posture. Additionally, the smaller footprint of the chair allows for more room for the upper body to have freedom to explore. This facilitates babies bringing hands to mouth and increases their ability to explore their food
Versatility:
This chair is meant to be used from infancy through adolescence. It can hold 242 pounds, meaning that even an adult could use it with the proper set up. I love that I can buy one piece of furniture and not have to replace it for my child as he grows. In my small condo in Los Angeles already overrun with toys and clothes, the less stuff I have to buy, keep and store, the better.
Durability:
This chair is solid. My wild toddler climbs all over it and it never falters. It is sturdy and I always feel comfortable placing my kids in it knowing that it is a safe place for them to eat, hang with family at the table, or just chill for a second while I supervise and maybe multitask for a minute to prep a snack or empty the dishwasher.
I recognize that the Stokke might cost a bit more than other high chairs, especially when purchasing the baby set that is required for feeding babies. However, it is a valuable piece of equipment that you and your family will use for years to come. Plus, they have a great re-sale value; if and when your babe eventually grows out of it, someone will happily buy it from you second hand!
The Pump Station is a great place to see this high chair for yourself in person, and they will even assemble it for you if purchased from them. Happy feeding!
Written by: Allison Weiss, MSOT, OTR/L, SWC
Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Feeding Therapist and Mom of two young children
