Best High Chairs Scandinavian Design

Last Updated: May 8, 2023 @ 1:39 pm.

Best Easy-to-Clean: Tripp Trapp High Chair from Stokke

The Tripp Trapp is the Apple iPhone of Scandinavian high chairs—it set the standard and spawned a raft of me-too competitors.

Debuting back in 1972, the Tripp Trapp was the brainchild of Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik. With 10 million copies sold, this high chair’s secret sauce is its “grow with me” concept. It starts as a high chair then morphs to a place for an older child to sit at the dinner table.

Here’s a quick overview of the Tripp Trapp’s pros and cons:

What We Liked

• Sturdy design with stable base.

• Pulls right up to table.

• Adjustable to different heights.

• Easy to clean.

• Clear instructions.

• Multiple color and finish options.

What Needs Work

• Even with seat pad, some kids think the seat isn’t very comfy.

• Pricey. Unfortunately, a tray and cushion are extra expenses. Or you can buy a version with the tray and cushion.

• Older kids don’t have a harness option. That is, once you remove the baby rail, the seat doesn’t have a harness.

Best Small Footprint: Nomi High Chair

Let’s be honest: many “modern” high chairs have wide bases that can take up a good chunk of kitchen real estate.

However, that runs headlong into the reality of smaller living spaces. If space is tight and you still like the concept of a Scandinavian inspired high chair, our pick would be the Nomi.

And the Nomi has the same parent designer as the Tripp Trapp, Peter Obsvik. As such, it has the same baby-to-teenager adaptability. Here’s a run down: 

What We Liked

• Wheels! Unlike the wheel-less Tripp Trapp, the Nomi is easier to move around.

• Lightweight. At 10.8 pounds., the Nomi is about a third lighter than the Tripp Trapp.

• Footrest support.

• Easy to assemble.

• Stylish.

• Easy to clean.

• Sturdy.

• Compact. This high chair takes about 20″ by 25″ of floor space when including the base.

What Needs Work

• Tray is extra purchase.

• Pricey.

• Strap and buckle could be easier to use. Our readers who have this chair note that all four parts of the harness/buckle must clip at the same time . . . that takes some practice.

• Seat pad is extra. And the hard seat isn’t very comfortable, in our opinion.

Best Budget Friendly: IKEA Antilop

Yes, high chairs with Scandinavian flair can be rather pricey.

The Antilop high chair is an easier-on-the-wallet alternative—a metal and plastic chair with anti-submarining bar molded into the seat and three-point safety belt. Yes, a tray and seat pad are extra purchases.

What We Liked

• Simple design.

• Affordable,

• Easy to clean.

What Needs Work

• Tray and pad are extra purchases.

• No height adjustment.

• No wheels.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!