The renowned publication, New York Times Wirecutter, has named IKEA's Antilop high chair as the top choice in the high chair category. This accolade is well-deserved due to the chair's lightweight design, easy-to-clean features, durability, and affordability. Not only is it a hit in households, but many restaurants also prefer it for its simple wipe-clean surface that lacks any complicated nooks, crannies, or fabrics.
Despite its many advantages, like all baby products, the Antilop does have its downsides. One significant issue is its inability to provide a 90-degree sitting position, which is crucial for proper feeding and reducing the risk of choking, especially for parents practicing baby-led weaning (BLW). This limitation is attributed to the chair's deep seat and the lack of footrests.
Various mothers, such as @lindaaraceliii on TikTok, have shared a clever hack that can enhance your baby's high chair experience. By customizing the IKEA Antilop with certain accessories, they have found a solution that transforms the chair's functionality.
Enhancing Your IKEA Antilop High Chair with Accessories
The Antilop high chair from IKEA may not be the most versatile piece in-store, but there are innovative accessories available to take it to the next level. Accessories like footrests and cushion inserts can improve the sitting posture for Baby Led Weaning (BLW) and enhance the overall comfort of your child. These functional upgrades not only make the high chair more comfortable but also allow you to personalize it to match your home's aesthetic, especially in your kitchen or dining room. This way, your IKEA Antilop high chair can stand out and not look identical to the many others in your neighborhood.
Adjustable footrests for the IKEA Antilop high chair easily slip onto the chair's legs and include clamps for secure attachment. These footrests are available in various colors to match your preferences. For a coordinated look, consider precut adhesive vinyl strips in matching colors for the chair's legs. Address the issue of a deep seat, which might cause slouching, by using inflatable cushion inserts. These inserts can be fully inflated for smaller babies and gradually deflated as they grow, ensuring both security and comfort. Additionally, you can encase them in cute cushion covers that complement your kitchen's decor. For ease of cleaning, opt for FDA-food-grade silicone placemats. These placemats are easy to clean and reattach, and their slip-resistant nature helps keep plates and bowls stable on the tray.
While you can't buy them at IKEA, numerous stores, like Cove Baby and Yeah Baby Goods, offer these accessories. At Yeah Baby Goods, you can use their customizer tool to choose from an assortment of cushion cover designs, silicone placemats, leg wraps, and floor mats, allowing you to envision the overall appearance of your high chair. On the other hand, Cove Baby presents various bundle packages, each typically containing a specific cushion cover, leg wrap, footrest, and a placemat that you can select according to your preference. This variety lets you personalize your high chair to suit your style and needs.
