Is this the world’s happiest chair?

Stokke’s iconic Tripp Trapp chair is not only ergonomic and stylish but a treasured family hand-me-down

Amid the exhaustion, emotional unsteadiness and endless laundry that comes with having a baby, any new parent will also tell of being on the receiving end of a marketing onslaught. Instagram ads and Google pop-ups exclusively showcases must-have products that promise to keep your baby safe and thriving - or to give you five minutes peace.

Many of these products are plastic and flimsy, soon to contribute to our rabid throw-away culture. That’s one reason why the Stokke Tripp Trapp highchair is so beloved of parents worldwide. First designed in 1972, the Tripp Trapp has remained virtually unchanged ever since and has become iconic in the world of family furniture. It was a pioneer of what is now an ever-increasing clan of convertible wooden high chairs that last from babyhood into adulthood.

Famous fans of the Tripp Trapp include singer John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, and reality TV star Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams. But its appeal stretches far beyond celebrity endorsements. You can adjust the height of the seat and footrest as your child grows, meaning it is a chair for life. As Stine Brogaard, Stokke’s Regional Marketing Manager for the UK and Ireland, explains; “It lets the baby enjoy a completely inclusive table experience, and there are few better ways to teach than by example, so allowing the baby to partake in meals like a fully-fledged member of the family from the outset just makes good sense.”

The Stokke brand was founded in Ålesund, a small coastal town in Norway, in 1932 with a simple ethos to embody their Norwegian heritage, embracing quality, nature, sustainability, craftmanship, and balanced living.

The Tripp Trapp was Stokke’s first product for children, designed by Peter Opsvik who wanted to create something that would mean his young son would be able to join him and his wife at meal times.

Opsvik’s adult chair designs incorporate the idea of giving the human body the freedom to move, as opposed to conventional products that force a certain position and posture onto its user. With the Tripp Trapp, Opsvik created a design that follows a young body’s natural movement and therefore encourages a healthy relationship with the chair. Ergonomically designed, it also slides under a dining table just like an adult chair would so parents don't need to buy additional seating once their child starts to grow.

Brogaard adds; “The Tripp Trapp promotes better eye contact and interaction to bring parent and child closer, to foster connection and promote bonding, ensuring children feel safe and secure. It is is centred around connection, and bringing our children closer, while also delivering functionality, exceptional ergonomics and unparalleled comfort.“

It’s a genius design that not only looks great but also lasts forever. And the power of nostalgia also plays a big part in the chair’s continued success. People who have fond memories of growing up with their Tripp Trapp are now buying them for the next generation. While much-loved original chairs - naturally with a few scrapes and possibly some impossible-to-remove Scooby Doo stickers - are quickly snapped up on resale sites.

The Tripp Trapp is an antidote to society’s passive acceptance of products designed to deliberately fail - or which cannot be repaired - something that is seemingly now so ingrained in our culture that few people question it. It has both style and substance, and that’s something all parents can feel happy about.

For more information visit www.stokke.com