Review: Stokke Table Top

I had no idea what this thing was until it arrived on my doorstep. And let me tell you, I kinda want to marry it! My husband even said he wants one for each kid… not just the toddler. Which, if you think about it, makes total sense because most Stokke products (like the Tripp Trapp High Chair) can be used as your child grows. My husband just might be on to something here…

The Stokke Table Top comes with one hard transparent plastic tray that is BPA-free and phthalate-free; 4 suction cups, 6 reversible activity mats, and an inspirational book.

Being included around the family table is important for your child; this type of family interaction can teach socialization and language skills by conversation and observation. The Stokke® Table Top attaches directly onto the family table. The Table Top includes 6 interchangeable templates, which were developed with guidance from an educator, and can be put under the transparent plate. The templates are great tools for interaction and bonding between you and your child. Use them as backdrops for storytelling, challenging the imagination; and learning about animals, colors, shapes, sizes, numbers and the alphabet. STOKKE® Table Top is made from high quality PETG plastic material which is free from bisphenol and phthalates. The Table top has smooth surface that is easy to clean by simply wipe with damp cloth or rinse it at a kitchen sink. The Table Top has a spilling rail to prevent liquid from leaking and suction cups to keep it in place while a child can enjoy a meal and practice feeding herself. It’s all about growing, developing, and bonding. It’s about EAT. PLAY. LEARN.

TO USE

• Clean and dry the surface that you will be using it on
• Select the activity mat and insert the suction cups (with the large part of the suction cups facing down)
• Turn the plastic tray over and place the activity mat inside the tray by pushing down on the suction cups
• Position the Table Top on the clean surface and push down on all four suction cups

REMOVAL IS EASY– Simply lift the Table Top off the table by placing a finger in the groove at the top portion of the tray

CLEANING IS EVEN EASIER– I place my Table Top right on the edge/flush with the dining room table so it contains messes better and is closer to my toddler. Most days I just wipe it down since the seal between the Table Top and our dining room table is pretty tight (it’s not very often that crumbs get under it). Every few days I remove the Table Top and give it a good wash in the sink. It is not dishwasher safe.

CONTAINING THE MESS– the size is about the same as a large placemat but… it doesn’t move! My toddler cannot slide it across the table with a clean swipe of his arm nor can he pick it up and toss it to the other side of the table. (now do you see why I am in love?). The entire tray has a ridge around it preventing small foods and liquids from going beyond the tray.

MORE STUFF YOU MIGHT NEED TO KNOW

• We use our Table Top on a smooth wooden table and it works just fine. I’ve also tested it on granite and tile and it works perfectly. I’ve heard that it may or may not stick to textured surfaces so that is something to consider before you purchase one.
• About once a day I give each suction cup a push to make sure it stays secure on the table. I think that helps with keeping the crumbs from getting under the Table Top.
• The plastic does scratch easily. I didn’t notice it as much when we had a lighter colored activity mat under it but now that I have changed it to the black ABC activity mat, I can see the scratches more. Personally, I don’t care about the scratches.
• The Table Top can be used with an older child sitting on a dining room chair, a child in a booster seat at the table, a child in a tray-less high chair pushed up to the table and a child in a Stokke Tripp Trapp.
• Age recommendation is 6 months to 8 years
• Size: 15″ by 18.7″
• Retails for $89.99 at Stokke.com

All in all, yes it’s a bit pricey for a placemat but in reality, it’s much more than just a placemat. It’s a sanity saver for parents, a practical (easy to clean) option for mealtime, a good learning and bonding tool, and it encourages your child to be part of the family dinner table.