Ergobaby Evolve High Chair Review: Worth It vs Stokke Tripp Trapp?

Wondering if the Ergobaby Evolve High chair is worth it? Overall – YES! As far as pricey wooden high chairs go, the 3-in-1 Evolve High chair to toddler tower is one of the smartest designs that will actually get used for years to come! In the Ergobaby Evolve high chair review below, discover its key features, how it works, negative reviews, and how it compares to the Stokke Tripp Trapp which we owned for 3 years.

What is the Ergobaby Evolve High Chair 2-in-1 vs 3-in-1?

The Ergobaby Evolve High chair is designed to literally “evolve” with your baby as they grow. In Stage 1 it's a traditional high chair featuring a five point harness, foot bar, and easy to wipe clean full seat, and removable tray.

The 2-in-1 version then converts to a regular seat. So the highchair comes off, the foot rest converts to the base of the seat, and then you add a back to make it like a regular chair.

The 3-in-1 version converts to a toddler tower (aka a kitchen helper). A kitchen helper is one of my favorite items to have in the home. It basically is a step stool for kids to be up at counter height.

Specs:

• Open Footprint: ~23″ x ~31″ (this is the space on the floor when in use)
• Height: Varies by arrangement. The big thing to know is th kitchen helper lifts the child up 15.5″ and it's full height is 36.3″. The second stage total height is about 34″ and the seat height can be adjusted between 23.5″ to 20″.
• Folded: For all configuration it's 22.7″ wide. For the highchair it's 12.59″ deep, and then the stage 2 and 3 are 13″ deep. Height varies amongst the three stages when folded between 39.7″ to 43.7″
• Standing platform dimensions of the Kitchen helper: 21/2″ x 17.8″
• Weight: Varies by configuration between 13.2 lbs to 19 lbs
• Use limits: High chair can be used when child sits upright independently (usually around 6 months) and until the child is 33lbs. Stage 2 (the chair) is for when the child can independently get in and out (typically around 3 years old) up to 220 lbs. Stage 3 (toddler tower) is recommended for 2 to 7 years old and has a weight limit of 100 lbs.

Which is better? 2-in-1 or 3-in-1

Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of toddler towers and think they are a must have for every family so I'd personally get the 3-in-1.

For the price, especially compared to other wooden high chairs, it will really extend the life and make it worth the money in my opinion.

Things to consider:

With that said, their kitchen helper isn't the safest design for littles (all open sides). In some cases it may make sense to get a different toddler tower with enclosed sides. Additionally, the anti-slip resistant feet of the Evolve tower means it will remain stationary, whereas with other towers my kids have always pushed them around wherever they wanted in the kitchen.

Now with that said, my kids LOVE this one since it's big enough for them to stand on together and they really can access it the most independently of all the towers we've ever owned with it's two-step design.

In other words:

If you're okay waiting to use a toddler tower until your child is closer to 2 years old (or can handle the open sides), and you always surprise your children in it, then it can be a great cost saver and one less baby item to purchase. If you want to use a kitchen helper closer to 12 months, you may want to get just the Evolve high chair (or a cheaper one altogether), and purchase a separate toddler tower with more safety features.

Can I purchase the 3-in-1 conversion later?

Yes! You can purchase the Evolve 3-in-1 high chair with all the pieces, or you can purchase the Evolve high chair and purchase the Kitchen Helper attachment at a later date.

Is it easy to set up and switch positions?

Yes! I think it took me like 10 min to set up the frame the first time (I did use an electric screwdriver with an allen key head though, otherwise prepare for 20-30 min). The legs have little symbols to ensure you're putting them on the right way. Then you just screw it all together.

To switch between “stages” there's a quick release button and it only takes a few seconds.

Though the first few times I did this, it felt a little difficult, it got easier with each change.

You can also fold it up in just a few seconds. Though it's noteworthy that you can fold the chairs exactly as they are, but with the kitchen helper you need to remove the standing platform board first, then fold.

What makes the Ergobaby Evolve High Chair different than others?

As far as I know, it's the only high chair the converts to a proper toddler tower/kitchen helper.

While there are many convertible high chairs to regular chairs, and kitchen towers to weaning tables, none have this exact functionality.

Beyond that, it's the easiest transition between heights and setups I've seen. Most others require tools whenever you want to make an adjustment. This you just push the release levers, pull out the old pieces and push in the new one.

How easy is the Evolve high chair to clean?

Very easy! You just wipe everything down.

If you want to go for a deeper clean, you can remove the harness from the infant seat to get into the nooks and crannies. If the harness gets dirty you can spot clean it or soak it in a bowl of water and rinse.

Is the Ergobaby high chair good for baby led weaning?

Yes! Aside from providing a supported upright position with an adjustable footrest for new eaters enjoying baby led weaning, the high chair tray itself comes with a removable tray topper that I think is a great feature for baby led weaning.

This essentially gives the option to skip the plates and just put the food on the tray then bring it over and fit it on top of the attached tray. Personally, we really like this option from an easy of cleaning perspective.

What materials are used for the Ergobaby high chair?

The Evolve high chair is made from Beechwood. The plastic portions are PVC free. Instead they use a combination of polypropylene and ABC plastics.

What are the negative reviews of the Ergobaby Evolve high chair?

• Large footprint – while you can fold this up when not in use, it may be too large for some small spaces when in use
• Anti-slip feet make it difficult to push around – This is a safety feature but also a complaint as you can't just slide the chair around with one hand if needed
• Limited height adjustments – While the height of the chair in Stage 2 and foot rest is adjustable, it only fits 3 pre-determined slots. So there may be “awkward” fits at points.
• Attached high chair trey really requires two hands to get on and off – the work around they provide is the removable tray that sits on top of this one, but yeah, you won't be holding baby while unclasping this.

Ergobaby Evolve High Chair vs Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair

Personally, I'd go with the Evolve high chair over the Tripp Trapp.

We've owned both now and while I like that the Tripp Trapp offers more height adjustments, that's really all it has over the Ergobaby.

The Ergobaby highchair costs $100 less than the most expensive Tripp Trapp version. And if you want the 3-in-1 version it only costs $50 more than the Trapp Trapp high chair base model and really extends the life of it.

In my recent post on best and worst baby products, I talk about my complaints around the Stokke high chair and how we ended up not using it a ton. The Ergobaby really solves that “longevity” issues I was experiencing with the expensive wooden high chairs on the market.

Additionally, switching heights and configurations is SIGNIFICANTLY easier on the Ergobaby (just push a button and pull/push). With the Stokke (you need an allen key for every adjustment).

Lastly, I LOVE that the Ergobaby allows kids to climb in independently, while still having the safety straps option attached. On the Tripp Trapp, the safety straps are in two parts: shoulder straps attached to back, and then groin strap in the T bar. Meaning kids can never climb in and out independently if you want to strap them. Whereas on the Ergobaby, my 18 month old can get in and out, I can buckle him, push him right up to the table and we are good to go. No pesky T bar!

Ergobaby Evolve High Chair Review In Sum:

If you're going to spring for an expensive wooden high chair, this is definitely the one I'd choose!

It's pricing is on point with competitors. The quality is flawless. And the added functionality of a toddler tower conversion ensures you'll actually end up using it if your toddler ends up refusing a high chair at some point like both of mine did! As a result, it's the least risky investment in high end high chair market IMO. Plus it folds up when not in use so you can easily store it away when not in use, or between kids! Click here to shop it!