How to Choose a Safe Seat for Your Baby to Eat with Kirsti Vandraas

Kirsti Vandraas (0s):

We don’t want our children to fall off a high chair, but you want them to acquire the skill of knowing where the border is. The strapping is there to stop them moving, and that can be inhibiting for children.

Katie Ferraro (15s):

Hey there, I’m Katie Ferraro—registered dietitian, college nutrition professor, and mom of seven—specializing in baby-led weaning. Welcome to the Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy podcast. I help strip out the noise and confusion about feeding so you can give your baby a safe start to solid foods using baby-led weaning.

Today we’re talking about the seat in which your baby learns how to eat—the high chair. When it comes to high chair design, there is no one more well-known than Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik.

Katie Ferraro (57s):

Peter Opsvik designed the Tripp Trapp high chair in 1972 after looking for a chair that allowed his son to sit naturally at the family table. When none existed, he designed one himself so his child could be included in “life around the table.”

The Tripp Trapp is a wooden chair with an adjustable seat and footrest that grows with the child. The company Stokke, headquartered in Norway, has sold more than 12 million of these chairs worldwide.

Katie Ferraro (1m 40s):

I personally love this chair. I use seven Tripp Trapp chairs for my seven children. They’re a great investment, especially for smaller spaces or families with multiples, because they have a much smaller footprint than traditional high chairs.

In 2013, Peter introduced another chair—the Nomi—designed for his grandchildren. Peter continues to work actively, and today’s guest, Kirsti Vandraas, is a physiotherapist and ergonomist who has worked closely with him for more than 13 years.

Katie Ferraro (2m 27s):

Kirsti will share Peter’s philosophy behind these chairs, now used by millions of families worldwide. If you own a Tripp Trapp or Nomi—or are considering one—you’ll enjoy this interview. Scandinavian design principles differ greatly from what many of us are used to.

Katie Ferraro (3m 12s):

We’ll discuss differences between American and European safety standards, why Norwegian families don’t strap children in the same way, why these chairs don’t come with trays, and why the adjustable footrest is one of the most important safety features.

Katie Ferraro (3m 46s):

Kirsti, thank you so much for joining us.

Kirsti Vandraas (3m 46s):

It’s a pleasure, Katie. Thank you.

Katie Ferraro (3m 48s):

Can you tell us about your background and how you came to work with Peter Opsvik?

Kirsti Vandraas (3m 58s):

I’m a physiotherapist. I started working in a major hospital in Oslo with patients suffering from severe back and neck pain. With treatment and guidance, they recovered, but I noticed they struggled to apply ergonomic knowledge once they returned to work.

That led me to work for Norway’s equivalent of OSHA, focusing on ergonomics and healthy workplaces. After ten years, I wanted to explore ergonomics more holistically—especially seating. I then worked 16 years in a Norwegian company developing seating solutions.

During that time, I met Peter Opsvik. For the past 12–13 years, I’ve worked exclusively with him—promoting his designs, contributing to development, and sharing the philosophy behind them.

Katie Ferraro (6m 7s):

And you’re still actively working with Peter?

Kirsti Vandraas (6m 10s):

Yes.

Katie Ferraro (6m 11s):

Can you tell us about the history of the Tripp Trapp and Nomi chairs, especially regarding freedom and fellowship?

Kirsti Vandraas (6m 23s):

The Tripp Trapp was developed in the early 1970s. High chairs had existed for generations, but when Peter’s son reached about 18 months, there was no chair that allowed him to sit naturally at the family table. So Peter designed his own.

One clever decision was not following 1970s design trends. That’s why the chair still looks modern today.

Katie Ferraro (7m 51s):

Why are Peter’s children’s chairs static while his adult chairs encourage movement?

Kirsti Vandraas (8m 5s):

Peter believes in movement and variation. Adults tend to sit too long—people say sitting is the new smoking. His adult chairs promote posture changes and movement.

Children already move constantly. What they need is stability—especially a solid footrest—so they can move freely and safely.

Katie Ferraro (9m 37s):

Why don’t the Tripp Trapp and Nomi come standard with trays?

Kirsti Vandraas (9m 46s):

The tray was never part of the philosophy. The idea was for children to sit with the family at the table—to share meals, thoughts, and daily experiences. Family meals are central in Scandinavian culture.

As lifestyles changed and the chairs entered other markets, companies decided to offer trays as optional add-ons. But they were never part of Peter’s original vision.

Katie Ferraro (11m 35s):

Can you explain the differences between the Tripp Trapp and the Nomi?

Kirsti Vandraas (11m 43s):

The Tripp Trapp adjusts as the child grows but requires tools. Peter wanted a chair that could be adjusted without tools, leading to the Nomi. Both chairs follow the same principles: adaptability, stability, and inclusion at the table.

Katie Ferraro (13m 6s):

Parents can still buy both chairs without trays, correct?

Kirsti Vandraas (13m 36s):

Yes. Trays are optional accessories, not part of the original design.

Kirsti Vandraas (14m 47s):

High chairs must meet different standards—European, American (ASTM), and others. These standards are often designed for very different types of chairs.

Kirsti Vandraas (15m 43s):

In the U.S., standards assume a chair with a tray and require harnesses. In Europe, a guard rail is sufficient.

Katie Ferraro (16m 58s):

One thing I love is the small footprint of these chairs, especially for families in compact spaces.

Kirsti Vandraas (16m 58s):

Yes, that’s an important benefit.

Katie Ferraro (17m 47s):

Can you talk about the importance of the footrest?

Kirsti Vandraas (17m 51s):

Children need their feet supported to maintain upper body control, which is essential for swallowing, posture, and coordinated movement.

Katie Ferraro (19m 6s):

Let’s talk about straps and safety.

Kirsti Vandraas (19m 6s):

We don’t want children to fall, but we also want them to learn boundaries. Strapping restricts movement, and movement is essential for development.

In Scandinavia, children are encouraged to climb in and out when ready. Total safety doesn’t exist—children must move to develop.

Kirsti Vandraas (23m 17s):

Adjustable height reduces the distance between children and adults at the table, making interaction more equal and natural.

Katie Ferraro (24m 27s):

As a parent of seven, I realize this is sometimes about control.

Kirsti Vandraas (25m 11s):

In Norway, chairs are usually used without straps. Children stay engaged when the meal itself is interesting.

Kirsti Vandraas (27m 24s):

There’s no specific age to remove the guard. It depends on the child’s ability to recognize the edge of the seat.

Kirsti Vandraas (29m 45s):

You can learn more on Peter Opsvik’s website, as well as Stokke and Evomove.

Katie Ferraro (30m 18s):

I’ll link all resources in the show notes at blwpodcast.com/92.

Katie Ferraro (31m 16s):

These chairs are an investment, but they’re used multiple times a day for years. You can often find Tripp Trapp chairs secondhand, and they last decades.

Katie Ferraro (31m 57s):

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time.