You’ve probably seen the Pinterest-perfect kitchens with that sleek, wooden chair tucked neatly against the table. It’s iconic. But if you’re staring at a newborn and a piece of furniture designed by a Norwegian guy in 1972, you might be wondering how those two things actually go together.
I’ll be honest: when I first looked at the Stokke setup, I was confused. Is the "infant seat" the plastic bucket? The fabric nest? The whole chair? Let’s clear the air. When people talk about the tripp trapp chair infant seat, they’re usually talking about one of two specific add-ons: the Newborn Set or the Baby Set.
One lets your baby hang out at eye level before they can even hold their head up. The other is for when the "tornado phase" of solid foods begins.
The First Six Months: Life in the Nest
Most high chairs are useless for the first half-year of a baby’s life. They just sit in the corner collecting dust while you eat dinner with one hand and bounce a bouncer with your foot. This is where the Newborn Set (the actual first "infant seat" phase) changes things.
It’s basically a padded cradle that clips onto the top of the wooden frame. No tools. Just a click.
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- Weight Limit: 9kg (about 20lbs).
- Safety: It has a 5-point harness because, believe it or not, even tiny babies try to launch themselves.
- The Angle: Modern versions have two positions. One is flatter for "resting" (though not for unsupervised overnight sleep), and one is slightly more upright for when they want to watch you struggle to eat hot soup.
Here is the thing most people miss: the red-to-green indicators. On the side of the attachment, there are literal color-coded sliders. If you don’t see green, it’s not locked. Don't find out the hard way.
Why eye level actually matters
There’s a lot of talk about "bonding," which sounds a bit fluffy. But practically? It’s about eye contact. When a baby is at the table with you, they aren't just staring at your shins from a floor bouncer. They’re watching you use a fork. They’re hearing the clink of plates. Experts suggest this early inclusion helps with social development long before they ever taste a mashed sweet potato. Plus, it saves your back from constant bending.
Moving to the Baby Set: The "Big Kid" Transition
Around six months, things change. Your baby starts sitting up. They start reaching for your coffee. This is when the Newborn Set retired and the tripp trapp chair infant seat evolves into the Baby Set.
This is the plastic backrest and rail combo. It’s designed specifically for babies who can sit unaided. If your little one is still a bit "slumpy," don't rush this. The ergonomics of the Tripp Trapp rely on the child being able to support their own torso.
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Pro Tip: If you bought a second-hand chair, check the manufacture date. The current Baby Set only fits chairs made after May 2003. If your chair is a "vintage" find from the 90s, the new plastic sets won't click in.
The "Gap" Dilemma
I've seen parents hit a weird wall around month five. The baby is over 20lbs (hitting the Newborn Set limit) but can't quite sit up alone yet (not ready for the Baby Set). What do you do? Honestly, many parents just use a floor blanket for a few weeks. Safety labels are there for a reason. Don't prop a floppy baby into the Baby Set with a mountain of pillows just to make it work. It’s a short phase. Wait for the core strength to kick in.
Common Mistakes with the Infant Setup
Even with a "simple" chair, people mess it up.
- The Footplate Trap: The whole point of this chair is the footrest. For the Baby Set phase, the footplate should be high enough that your baby’s knees are at a 90-degree angle and their feet are flat. If their legs are dangling, you’ve basically just bought an expensive, pretty version of a cheap grocery store high chair.
- Skipping the Gliders: The chair comes with "extended gliders"—those long plastic feet that slide onto the bottom wood. Use them. The Tripp Trapp is designed to slide backward if a kid pushes off the table. If you’re on a rug or don't have the gliders on, the chair can tip instead of sliding.
- The Tray Confusion: The tray is actually an accessory for the Baby Set, not the chair itself. You don't need it if your table is the right height (72-76 cm). The original 1970s philosophy was to pull the baby right up to the wood of the family table.
Cleaning (The Reality Check)
The Newborn Set cover is machine washable. Thank god. The Baby Set is plastic and wipes down easily, but food will get into the cracks where the plastic meets the wood. You’ll find yourself taking the whole thing apart once a month to excavate dried yogurt. It's just part of the deal.
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The harness is the real enemy. Stokke’s 5-point harness is notorious for being "fiddly." It’s safe, sure, but it’s a nightmare to remove for a deep clean. Most parents eventually figure out how to wipe the straps in place with a damp cloth and a prayer.
Is it worth the investment?
It's pricey. Let's not pretend otherwise. A full setup with the chair, the Newborn Set, and the Baby Set can easily clear $500. But here is the logic: it doesn't end up in a landfill. Because it's made of European beech or oak (and as of 2024, it's all FSC-certified), it lasts decades.
You can literally remove the tripp trapp chair infant seat attachments when they're three, adjust the wood, and use it as a desk chair for a teenager. Or, you know, sit on it yourself. It holds 300lbs.
Actionable Steps for New Parents
- Check your table height. If your table is counter-height or has a very thick "apron" (the wooden lip under the surface), the Baby Set might not slide under it. Measure before you buy.
- Look for used Newborn Sets. Since they only get used for 5-6 months, they are almost always in perfect condition on secondary markets. Save your money for the chair itself.
- Tighten the screws. New chairs need their screws retightened about 2-3 weeks after assembly. The wood settles. If the chair feels "creaky," grab that Allen key.
- Position the seat plate correctly. For the Baby Set, the seat plate should only be in the top groove. If you move it down, the plastic crotch strap won't reach the hole.
Setting up the infant seat properly is mostly about that "click" and ensuring those feet are flat. Once you get the ergonomics right, it’s one less thing to worry about during the chaotic early months of parenthood.