Eating with Toddlers – 5 High Chair Tips for Peaceful Mealtimes
At the table with a toddler: the 5 best tips for relaxed eating at home highchair
Daily mealtimes with a baby or toddler are often anything but relaxed - but with the right tools and routines, they can become a real highlight of the day. We show you the best tips for more structure, comfort and organisation at the family table.
1. The right highchair for your needs
Not every highchair is the same - and this is particularly noticeable when your child starts to eat regularly at the family table. Seat height, harness system, material, customisability and accessories can vary greatly. Depending on how old your child is, how big your dining table is or how much space you have in the kitchen, a different model will suit you better. A popular classic is the IKEA ANTILOP highchair, which can be perfectly adapted to the needs of babies and toddlers with just a few hacks.
2. Mastering cleanliness
Let's be realistic: spillages are simply part and parcel of the little ones' mealtimes and cannot be avoided. Nevertheless, there are a few clever tricks and practical accessories that can help you to clean up organisation as quickly as possible and organise mealtimes hygienically.
- Silicone mats: Our washable silicone mat is very practical for mealtimes at highchair. It is non-slip and prevents plates and cups from slipping. If something does spill, the mat can be easily washed or put in the dishwasher.
- Bibs: Bibs with an integrated drip tray can also keep baby, highchair and the floor clean. IKEA offers a silicone version that is also dishwasher-safe: the GULDVÄVARE bib*.
- Floor protection: Despite bibs and silicone mat, it is hard to avoid spillages when eating at highchair. To provide additional protection for carpets and floors, it is worth using a floor protector that you simply place under the highchair. The KOLON floor protector* from IKEA is ideal here.
- Children's tableware: We particularly recommend bowls with a non-slip silicone base, such as the SMAGLIG bowls from IKEA *- they stay where they belong and don't end up on the floor the first time you try to spoon them. Leak-proof drinking cups also ensure far fewer puddles on the table.
- ANTILOP highchair: The ANTILOP highchair* from IKEA is made of robust plastic and is not only easy to wipe clean, but can also be placed in the shower for cleaning. After unscrewing the legs, you can simply put the seat shell in the dishwasher.
3. Promoting independence
So much more happens at the family table than just eating - this is where children learn, try things out and develop independence. Mealtime is an important opportunity to practise new skills, especially for young children: bringing a spoon to their mouth, pouring their own water or spreading their own bread. Even if something goes wrong - this is where the learning takes place. The Montessori approach shows: If we trust our children to do something, they grow beyond themselves.
4. Sit ergonomically and safely
Good posture is much more than just a question of ergonomics - it makes a real difference at mealtimes. If your child sits stably and upright when eating, it is not only easier for them to grasp, chew and swallow, but also to concentrate and join in at the table. A footrest helps enormously: it provides a secure hold and prevents your child from sliding back and forth at highchair. This creates a calm atmosphere - and your child can concentrate fully on eating.
5. Rituals and routines bring relaxation
Everyday life is often overwhelming for small children - which makes fixed rituals that provide security and orientation all the more important. This also plays a major role when it comes to eating. If the routine around mealtimes is always similar, it is easier for your child to get involved. Whether it's a small bell that announces the meal, a common song or simply fixed meal times - such recurring signals help to switch from play mode to eating mode. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone involved. And when things aren't going well? That's part of it too. It's important to stay calm and not throw the routine overboard straight away. Children need repetition - and patience.
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*All links marked with an asterisk are advertising links that refer to the IKEA website or to pages of other advertising partners.
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