A small accessory that makes a big difference - a footrest for the highchair can be what turns your child's mealtime from a struggle to a wonderful time. Here I go over why - and what to consider when adjusting your footrest.
How important is a footrest on a child's high chair?
If the high chair lacks a footrest, the child's legs end up dangling in the air, creating instability and a greater effort. Imagine yourself eating with dangling legs - not very comfortable.
Without a footrest, there is also the risk that the child's pelvis will tilt backward, which in turn affects the position and stability of the entire body. Such a backward-tilted position can also affect the child's ability to use their muscles and thereby reduce control over chewing and swallowing abilities. A footrest therefore plays a central role in creating a safer and more comfortable meal for your child.
Advantages of a footrest:
- A footrest can make it easier for the child to reach and grab the food with their little hands.
- It encourages independence and makes mealtime an exploratory and positive experience.
- Gives the child a more upright position in the chair – both more comfortable and more stable.
- The stability also contributes to better control over chewing and swallowing abilities.
How to adjust the footrest for best support
- 90-Degree knee angle
Make sure your child's knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. This allows the feet and legs to comfortably support the weight.
- The entire sole of the foot on the support
To achieve the best stability and support, the entire sole of the foot should rest on the footrest, and the angle of the ankle should be natural.
- Upright sitting position
Place the child as upright as possible in the chair, preferably as far forward as possible. Sometimes an extra pillow or a towel/blanket behind the back may be needed to achieve the optimal position.
It's worth mentioning that while some children do well without a footrest, for many it can be the difference between a tiring meal and a comfortable one. So, consider that a footrest could be the small change that makes mealtime easier for your child.
Here you will find our footrests adapted for Ikea's Antilop high chair.
//Elin Oresten
Licensed Nutritionist
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