IKEA antilop high chair

[chicke09]

Hi

Im going to buy the ikea high chair after many recommendations. For those who already use one, would you say that a cushion insert and extra leg rest are necessary too?

No

Leg rest yes as it promotes better posture/helps them sit upright and lets them concentrate on eating. Cushions no, just another thing to wash.

I’ve used the same one for my two DC. It’s awesome! I didn’t use the cushion or leg rest for either. When they were small I just rolled up a towel and put it between their back and the seat. I only needed to do that for a few weeks though as they soon got used to sitting in the chair unsupported. My 2.5 year old still uses it, no need for footrest.

No cushions, they’re horrible to clean. Yes to a footrest.

100%

Yes to both for us. My DD is small for her age and the cushion is still used (but less inflated) at 17 months. The cover is removable and washable (but we use bibado bibs so it doesn't actually need washing all that often).

This

I’d say you need a foot rest for optimal hip and knee alignment (hip dysplasia baby here so extra aware!). You don’t want their legs dangling basically. I bought a foot rest from Etsy and it just kept slipping down, v v annoying, so maybe the ikea own one is better if they do one. Cushion no, it’s just extra washing.
Overall I found the antilop to be absolutely massive and always in the way 😄 the legs are so wide.

Thanks all.

We had a cushion as DC was tiny and needed the extra support. We didn't get the foot rest tho and it was fine. Cushion easy to clean, just put in the washing machine or it easily wiped clean.

The footrest is v annoying when they push on it to stand (for the lols and joy of standing). I would say not necessary.

We got the cushion as DC1 was tiny and needed it for the first 6 months or so until she grew enough. DC2 was a comparative giant and didn't need it at all. I didn't know the foot rest existed (sorry kids) so obviously we haven't got one.

The cushion was necessary for my two until around a year as they were tiny. I had a few covers as they can be chucked in a normal 40 degree wash. I'd recommend getting a few off vinted! I didn't know about the footrest. They are a fab highchair though, we still use ours with my 2yo without the tray, it is 7 years old now.

Yes to both for us, if you have a small baby the cushion really helps until they’re bigger. The cover we got was wipe clean - just run it under the tap for 20 secs and food gone, no hassle 💁

Footrests are very important, not just for their posture, but to help prevent choking by correcting their posture. Babies that are slumped in their seat have a greater risk of choking.

My dd is 7 1/2 now so it's been a long time - we did use the cushion for a good while. I'm due our second in a couple of weeks - I can't find the footrest (didn't exist years ago) on ikea. What's it called please? I looked on Amazon and it seems lots of people make ones that fit - is it that ikea don't have their own footrest? Thanks

Yes to a foot rest - makes eating so much safer. I got ours on etsy but I'm surprised ikea don't sell their own by now.
No to an insert unless your baby is small. My DS was 75th centile when we srarted weaning at 6 months and he could fit in the chair eith the insert. Even partly deflating it, it just got in the way so we gave it away pretty quickly.
We also bought a high chair catchy and that fits under the foot rest - overpriced for what it is but much easier to clean than a mat on the floor.

I didn't have one, but used them several times in cafes. I probably would get the insert because I found my (average-sized) DS wasn't sitting up straight when we put him in the ikea chairs, and slumping down increases the risk of choking. But you could prop up with a towel or similar. Agree with a PP that they take up loads of space - my DNiece had one and people were always tripping over the back legs!

Yes to both

Nibble and rest - get the wooden one.

Thank you @overand

Cushion insert, yes definitely for 6 month old. I found it wiped clean very easy but no to footrest. But thinking about it, It wasnt me in the chair, so maybe it would have been more comfy for baby, not essential though

We were similar. For context at 6 months was just in 3-6 months clothing. The cushion filled the seat out a bit.

You definitely need the foot rest and probably cushion, to reduce choking risk as people say.

I really don't get why people love them so much though. They're not really cheap once you've added these extras and can't be folded properly. I much prefer my actual padded one with everything built in that I have at home that folds really easily and nicely. And even with extras I've never managed to get my kids properly comfortable in them (MIL has them at her house), they don't want to be in them very long compared to their proper ones at home.

The only advantage of the IKEA one is stacking so I get why they're in loads of cafés but not homes! I know you've not asked for an opinion on it but just giving mine as you've not bought it yet!

I have no leg rest but I do have the inflatable cushion with a washable cover that I got on Etsy - I think it's great. Probably don't need it anymore but initially baby was pretty tiny in it without it?