Do you need a footrest for the IKEA high chair?

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!

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

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.

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). 

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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.