"Over 700,000 Won but Still Unavailable: The 'National Baby Chair' That Worries Parents"

Minimum 600,000 KRW and Maximum 700,000 KRW Including Components
6,000 Reservations Backlogged... Order Now for March Arrival

A (28), who was looking for a baby chair for her 6-month-old child, was shocked by the product price. The online price of Stokke's Tripp Trapp product, known as the 'national baby chair,' was 720,000 won.

According to the Korea Economic Daily on the 17th, the recent surge in popularity of expensive childcare products is deepening the sighs of parents who are financially struggling.

High-priced baby chair product listed on a secondhand trading app.
[Photo by Danggeun Market]

The price of the Tripp Trapp product at Stokke stores in Seoul was 390,000 won for the basic frame, and it rose to 620,000 won when adding components such as the tray and backrest. If you additionally choose a cushion featuring a famous animation character, the price exceeded 700,000 won. Compared to IKEA's baby chair 'Antilop (high chair)' product, which costs around 30,000 won, it is tens of times more expensive.

B (31), who is raising three children, said, "Due to the price burden, I bought most of the items for my youngest child secondhand. As a parent, I feel very sorry for my child," adding, "Unlike strollers, which clearly improve in function according to price, I don't understand why chairs or mobiles are so expensive."

Despite the high price, the product's popularity continues. Sales in 2020 surged by 123% compared to the previous year and have continued to increase since. A store employee explained, "80% of visiting customers look for this chair," and "The most popular wooden color has 6,000 orders backlog, so if you order now, it will be delivered in March."

C (29), who purchased the product earlier this year, expressed doubts about its value. He said, "Of course, some acquaintances are satisfied, saying it helps the child's posture and is made of good materials like wood, but compared to other products, I don't think there is a big difference, so I don't know if it really is worth that price."

As the total fertility rate recorded 0.68 this year, with fewer parents having children, the tendency to show off childcare products is intensifying. Experts analyze that as more parents have only one child at a later age after gaining economic stability, the 'premium' strategy is working in childcare product stores.