Do you need a footrest for the IKEA high chair?

Kate Watt
2024-05-14T00:00:00+10:00

If you're unsure about a highchair footrest, this is a must-read.
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On the fence about a highchair footrest? Here's what you need to know.

Key points

Why a footrest matters for the IKEA Antilop

Feeding therapists recommend foot support for safer, calmer mealtimes.

90-90-90 positioning

Hips, knees, and ankles at 90° for stable sitting.

Better posture & focus

Supported feet free attention for eating.

Safer swallowing

Stability helps reduce choking risk during meals.

Got the $20 IKEA highchair? Thinking about getting a footrest? The IKEA highchair doesn’t come with a footrest, but lots of parents buy one separately because of the many benefits it provides.

And by lots of parents, we mean thousands!

Why Consider a Footrest?

First things first, let’s talk about the benefits of adding a footrest to your highchair:

Promotes Proper Posture

Imagine sitting in a chair with your legs dangling all the time—not comfy, right? The same goes for your baby. A footrest provides essential support, helping your baby sit more upright and maintain good posture. This is super important for their growing spine and overall comfort during meals.

Enhances Stability

As your baby starts eating solid foods, they'll need to learn how to lean new fine motor skills (like picking up a spoon, biting and chewing). If you're just beginning the solids journey, our baby-led weaning starter guide can help you get off to a great start.

To do this well, they need body stability, which is where the highchair footrest comes in. Supporting your baby's feet helps them sit up straight and engage their core muscles, making mealtime a lot easier.

Reduces Discomfort

When your baby's feet are supported and stable, it helps reduce their anxiety and fear. This is crucial for babies who are beginning to explore their environment and might feel a bit uncomfortable in their highchair.

Signs Your Higchair Might Need a Footrest

Did you know that if your baby’s highchair doesn’t have a footrest, they might start crossing their legs? It's their way of trying to find some stability.

You might also notice them gripping the tray or armrests super tight. That’s actually their way of trying to stay balanced without having a place to rest their feet. Interesting, right?

So, what are some other tell-tale signs that your baby needs a footrest?

Highchair Battles

Babies might resist getting into their highchair or try to escape from it, making mealtime a battle for both of you.

Unenthusiastic About Eating

If your baby seems disinterested in eating, shows signs of hunger but doesn’t finish meals, or gets fussy during mealtime, it could be due to a lack of foot support.

Fidgety Legs

Babies without a highchair footrest tend to kick their legs, fidget, and wobble constantly as they try to find balance and keep their core upright. This extra effort can be especially tiring for little ones who haven't yet mastered sitting independently.

Thinking about adding a footrest to your highchair? We've helped thousands of mums just like you, with over 600 5-star reviews just like the one below.

"My 8-month-old has been absolutely smashing his food since we popped the highchair footrest on!"

Our Bestselling IKEA High Chair Footrests

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Do / Don't

Highchair footrest tips

Do

Add a footrest as soon as your baby starts solids.

Adjust height so feet rest flat on the surface.

Check posture: hips back, feet supported, tray at elbow height.

Don't

Rely on the tray as the only support surface.

Ignore repeated leg-kicking or chair battles.

Wait until baby is much older to add foot support.

What Do The Experts Say?

Feeding specialists believe proper positioning is key during mealtime. They recommend supporting your baby’s feet to keep them stable and comfy.

They advocate that using a footrest can make swallowing safer and easier, improving digestion and reducing choking risks. Learn more about the difference between normal gagging and choking in our parent's guide to gagging vs choking in babies.

Do you need a footrest for your IKEA highchair? The Antilop highchair is great, but adding a footrest can make it even better. It helps your baby sit up straighter, stay stable, digest food better, feel more comfortable, and become more independent.

If you see that your baby needs extra support, a footrest could make all the difference!

If you want to browse our bestselling collection of high chair footrests, you can check them out here. Or explore our complete range of IKEA highchair accessories including placemats, leg wraps, and cushion covers.

Helpful Guides for Your Feeding Journey

Highchair Safety Guide: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Baby-Led Weaning: The Complete Starter Guide

IKEA Antilop Highchair Review

Free Allergen Introduction Tracker (PDF)

Shop All IKEA Highchair Accessories

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