We never bought a high chair for Babyzilla, nor did we ever really need one. Once Babyzilla was ready for solid foods around 9 months of age, we started baby-led weaning by holding her in our lap and letting her try foods from our plates. She loved to taste new things, and especially loved eating off the “big” plates. Around one year old, she finally got big and wiggly enough that we knew it was time for her to have her own chair at the table as part of the family. So, we invested in a TrippTrapp chair.
If you’ve shopped around, you may have noticed that TrippTrapp chairs (and their competitors Svan and Euro) cost between $150 and $250 dollars—far more than a plastic Costco high chair. You can often find them on CraigsList or eBay for less; they are durable, and retain their value.
Because we had saved a lot of money by breastfeeding, using cloth diapers and not having a nursery, we felt alright about spending the extra money on a TrippTrapp. After a lot of online research, as well as asking dozens of parents for their opinions, we decided that the TrippTrapp chair has some distinct features that differ from a cheap, plastic high chair which make it worth the cost:
TrippTrapp (and Svan, but not Euro) chairs are made from sustainably-harvested wood finished with non-toxic, VOC-free, water-based stains and varnishes. They are formaldehyde free, with no emissions from their glue. There are no fire retardant chemicals in their cushions, and no PVC, BPA, phthalates or non-renewable, petroleum-based materials. - The TrippTrapp is very well made, so you can be sure it will last a lifetime with proper care. It can be “recycled” many times and sold or donated from parents to parents, and unlike plastic highchairs, it won’t live forever in a landfill after it quickly wears out or breaks.
- The TrippTrapp is designed to adjust in size for the entire life of your child. It goes from a baby seat to a toddler-booster to an adult-sized chair (and everything in between!) with the turn of an allen key. I found it a little challenging to put together and adjust simply because the pieces attach so snugly, you really have to line everything up well.
- TrippTrapp chairs are designed to be pulled right up to the table with no tray, and to match the decor of your dining set or your child’s room. This means that your baby can start learning to eat with the family right away, and there is no ugly, plastic behemoth to tuck into the corner of your dining room or kitchen. TrippTrapp chairs are perfect for Baby-Led Weaning.
- Most kids love the TrippTrapp because it looks like a grown-up chair, but it’s made just for them. Babyzilla is no exception, and often climbs into her chair at the dining room table to color with crayons while I research and write these posts.
So, if you are expecting a baby (or know someone who is), and you need a high-chair, consider investing in an eco-friendly, adjustable wooden child seat like the TrippTrapp that will be with your child long after her baby years.
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