Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation
ANTILOP Hochstuhl in der Gastronomie

Eating with Toddlers – 5 High Chair Tips for Peaceful Mealtimes

ANTILOP Hochstuhl in der Gastronomie

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.

To the highchair comparison

IKEA ANTILOP Baby Silikonmatte mit Obst

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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*.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

IKEA ANTILOP Baby mit Fußstütze

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.

For posture in the highchair

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.

Discover more at highchair

  • The perfect dimensions for your changing unit
    The perfect dimensions for your changing unit
    Wondering about the ideal height & size for your changing table? Find out the best ergonomic setup & placement to make diaper changes easier for you a...
    explore now
  • DIY Changing Top for IKEA Dressers
    DIY Changing Top for IKEA Dressers
    Thinking about building your own changing top for an IKEA dresser? Our friends Sanja & Franz did it! Discover how to create a DIY changing station wit...
    explore now
  • Alternatives to the changing unit
    Alternatives to the changing unit
    Kein Platz für eine Wickelkommode? Kein Problem! Entdecke clevere Alternativen wie Wickelaufsätze für Babybetten, Badewannen-Wickeltische oder die Wic...
    explore now
  • IKEA changing unit comparison: Which is the best?
    IKEA changing unit comparison: Which is the best?
    No space for a changing unit? No problem! Discover clever alternatives such as changing units for cots, bathtub changing tables or the changing statio...
    explore now
  • Baby room checklist
    Baby room checklist
    The ultimate guide to a cosy baby room
    explore now
  • Set up and organize the changing unit
    Set up and organize the changing unit
    Make changing nappies child's play! Find out what belongs on a changing table and how to create the perfectly organised changing area in your baby's r...
    explore now
  • Decorating the changing unit
    Decorating the changing unit
    With our five ideas, your changing unit will be the highlight of your baby's room and nappy changing will be a fun experience for you and your baby! 😊...
    explore now
  • Designing a baby room with a sloping ceiling
    Designing a baby room with a sloping ceiling
    Clever tips for sloping furnishings in a baby room in the attic or in an attic flat.
    explore now
  • 6 clever IKEA hacks for babies
    6 clever IKEA hacks for babies
    Transform simple IKEA products into functional and pretty baby accessories!
    explore now
  • Design cover for maternity pass
    Design cover for maternity pass
    Protect your maternity passport with style and personality!
    explore now
  • Complementary food for babies: tips from the experts
    Complementary food for babies: tips from the experts
    Pia and Isabell from Malama Family Support answer the most frequently asked questions about introducing complementary foods.
    explore now
  •  Co-sleeping: Guide and IKEA hacks for your shared bedroom
    Co-sleeping: Guide and IKEA hacks for your shared bedroom
    When you consider the benefits of co-sleeping, it seems like a great solution for some families - maybe it's something for you and your family too!
    explore now

*All links marked with an asterisk are advertising links that refer to the IKEA website or to pages of other advertising partners.

Comment area
Weitere Beiträge
  • When can my baby sit in a highchair? How to recognise if your little one is ready!
    When can my baby sit in a highchair? How to recognise if your little one is ready!
    We love our favourite little people! Nevertheless, we are happy when we can finally put them in the highchair - because the highchair means relief for mum and dad.
    Mehr lesen
  • Healthy Posture in the High Chair – With Footrest & Support Cushion
    Healthy Posture in the High Chair – With Footrest & Support Cushion
    Encourage proper sitting posture from day one! With a footrest and ergonomic accessories, your baby sits safely and comfortably at the family table.
    Mehr lesen
  • Highchair comparison: IKEA Antilop vs. Stokke Tripp Trapp vs. Hauck highchair
    Highchair comparison: IKEA Antilop vs. Stokke Tripp Trapp vs. Hauck highchair
    Find the best highchair for your child!
    Mehr lesen