5 High Chairs with the Footrest Your Baby Needs (That Aren't the Stokke)
Share
Disclosure
About This Guide:
This article is published by Nestacular, a baby products retailer. All featured products are sold by us, and we earn revenue from purchases.
Our Standards:
Products featured have passed our safety and quality evaluation (certifications, materials, design) before commercial consideration. However, we do not conduct independent laboratory testing—we rely on manufacturer specifications and third-party certifications (JPMA, CPSC, ASTM).
Medical Review:
This content has been primarily authored by Dr. Sumaiya P.N (Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, General Physician - BUMS) specializing in pediatric nutrition, with practical parenting insights contributed by Tayla White (Product Research Specialist). All health-related content have been medically reviewed by Dr. Kingsley CN (Consultant Radiologist, HSE certified) and Dr. Gabriel O (General Practitioner, Sajer General Hospital) for clinical accuracy and safety.
For Your Child's Safety:
This guide provides general information only. Always consult your pediatrician regarding your child's specific feeding needs, developmental readiness, and any health concerns before making feeding decisions or purchasing products.
Independent Verification Recommended:
Check current safety certifications at CPSC.gov and JPMA.org, and search for product recalls before purchasing.
Key Takeaways
- Footrests aren't optional – they're critical for safe swallowing, reducing choking risk by up to 40% through proper posture support
- The Ikea Antilop's biggest flaw is its missing footrest, forcing dangling legs that compromise feeding safety
- You don't need a £365 Stokke to get proper foot support – quality alternatives start from just £121
- Five proven alternatives deliver the essential adjustable footrest plus grow-with-me features without the premium price
- The 90-90-90 rule (90° angles at hips, knees, and ankles) is the gold standard for safe, comfortable feeding posture
If you've ever watched your toddler kick frantically while trying to eat in their Ikea Antilop, you're not alone.
That chair is everywhere – affordable, easy to clean, beloved by parents worldwide. But it's missing something critical: a footrest.
And that's not just a comfort issue. Without proper foot support, children experience compromised posture, reduced swallowing safety, and increased mealtime stress.
Many parents discover this problem too late, frantically searching for "Ikea high chair footrest hack" after noticing their child struggles during meals. The good news? You don't need to DIY a solution or spend £365 on a Stokke Tripp Trapp.
This guide reviews five excellent high chairs with built-in, adjustable footrests that deliver proper ergonomic support without destroying your budget.
Why Your Baby's High Chair Absolutely Needs a Footrest
The Science of Safe Feeding Posture
Pediatric feeding experts and occupational therapists emphasize one universal rule: the 90-90-90 position.
This means 90-degree angles at three critical points: hips, knees, and ankles. When these angles are maintained with proper foot support, children can:
- Engage core muscles effectively for trunk stability
- Achieve optimal swallowing mechanics and airway protection
- Reduce choking risk by up to 40% through better posture control
- Focus on eating rather than stabilizing their dangling legs
When babies and toddlers lack foot support, they cannot properly engage their postural muscles. Their bodies work overtime trying to stay balanced, which directly interferes with the complex coordination required for safe swallowing. (Learn more about why proper footrest positioning matters.)
The result? Increased gagging, more food refusal, longer mealtimes, and higher stress for everyone involved.
What Happens Without a Footrest
Dangling legs create a cascade of problems:
- Compromised trunk stability – Without a stable base, the core cannot engage properly
- Forward head posture – Children lean forward to compensate, misaligning the airway
- Reduced tongue control – Poor posture affects oral motor coordination
- Distracted feeding – Children focus on keeping balance instead of eating
- Mealtime resistance – Uncomfortable positioning leads to negative associations with eating
For more on proper feeding positions at every age, read our guide on baby feeding positions from newborn to self-feeding toddler.
🛠️ Why Ikea Hacks Aren't the Answer
While creative parents have devised numerous DIY footrest solutions for the Ikea Antilop – from wooden boards to storage containers – these workarounds have serious limitations:
- Non-adjustable – Your child grows every month; a fixed footrest becomes useless quickly
- Safety concerns – Homemade modifications may not meet safety standards or stability requirements
- Time investment – Building, adjusting, and replacing DIY solutions adds unnecessary stress
- Aesthetics – Let's be honest: a cardboard box under the chair isn't the look you want
The solution? Invest in a chair designed with proper foot support from the start.
5 High Chairs with Proper Footrests (Ranked by Value)
We've researched dozens of high chairs and identified five that deliver professional-grade footrest support without the Stokke price tag. Each chair is ranked by overall value, considering price, features, adjustability, and long-term usability.
1. Higgi Adjustable High Chair | 6+ Months Baby Dining Seat
Why it's our top pick: The Higgi delivers everything parents need for proper feeding posture at a fraction of premium chair prices. With adjustable height settings, an adjustable footrest, and a 5-point harness system, it checks every ergonomic box.
Key Features for Safe Posture
- Adjustable footrest grows with your child from 6 months through toddlerhood
- Multiple height positions ensure proper table alignment at every stage
- Reclining seat accommodates younger babies just starting solids
- 5-point harness system keeps children secure and upright
- Removable, dishwasher-safe tray simplifies cleanup
- Universal wheels for easy room-to-room mobility
- Food-grade materials (PU, PP, and metal) meet safety standards
✅ Pros
- Exceptional value for money
- Grows from infant to toddler
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Portable design with wheels
- Multi-functional (rocking feature)
❌ Cons
- Not available in wooden finish
- Requires more floor space than folding models
- Assembly required
Best for: Parents seeking professional ergonomic support without premium pricing, families who value adjustability and long-term use, and those prioritizing proper feeding posture from day one.
View Higgi Chair →2. Hauck Alpha+ Wooden High Chair
For parents who want the Stokke aesthetic without the Stokke price, the Hauck Alpha+ delivers solid beechwood construction with full adjustability.
Key Features
- Adjustable footrest and seat in multiple positions
- Grows from baby to adult (up to 90 kg weight capacity)
- Solid beechwood frame built to last decades
- Optional newborn insert available separately
- Tool-free adjustments make height changes simple
✅ Pros
- Excellent build quality
- True "buy it for life" furniture
- Timeless wooden aesthetic
- Easy to adjust as child grows
❌ Cons
- More expensive than plastic alternatives
- Wood requires more maintenance
- Heavier to move between rooms
Best for: Families prioritizing natural materials and heirloom-quality furniture, those with space for a permanent dining chair, and parents willing to invest more upfront for decades of use.
3. Keekaroo Height Right High Chair
The Keekaroo stands out for its unique one-piece molded plastic design that's incredibly easy to clean while maintaining professional ergonomic standards.
Key Features
- Adjustable footrest slides to multiple positions
- No cracks or crevices for food to hide
- Seat and footrest adjust independently
- Comfortable cushion available as add-on
- Compact footprint fits smaller dining areas
✅ Pros
- Incredibly easy to clean
- Durable construction
- Space-efficient design
- No gaps for crumb accumulation
❌ Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited color options
- May feel less substantial than wood
Best for: Parents obsessed with easy cleaning, families with limited dining space, and those who prefer modern design over traditional wood.
4. Abiie Beyond Wooden High Chair
The Abiie Beyond offers a middle ground between premium and budget options, with solid construction and thoughtful design at a competitive price point.
Key Features
- Dual-locking adjustable footrest prevents slipping
- Converts to adult chair after high chair years
- EZ-Seat cushion included for younger babies
- 5-point harness system
- Removable tray with dishwasher-safe insert
✅ Pros
- Strong warranty coverage
- Good balance of features and price
- Stable wide base
- Attractive modern design
❌ Cons
- Assembly can be tricky
- Tray adjustment takes two hands
- Heavier than some alternatives
Best for: Families wanting a balance between wooden aesthetics and practical features, those who value strong warranty protection, and parents planning to use the chair long-term.
5. Nomi High Chair
The Nomi (formerly Evomove) brings Scandinavian design principles to feeding furniture, with smooth curves, premium materials, and exceptional adjustability.
Key Features
- Continuously adjustable footrest (no fixed positions)
- Smooth gliding adjustments with single-hand operation
- Oak wood construction with various finishes
- Grows from newborn to adult
- Optional accessories include mini rocker and cushions
✅ Pros
- Beautiful Scandinavian design
- Smooth, precise adjustments
- Exceptional build quality
- Wide range of accessories
❌ Cons
- Premium pricing
- Accessories sold separately
- May be overkill for budget-conscious families
Best for: Design-conscious parents willing to invest in premium furniture, families prioritizing ease of adjustment, and those seeking a statement piece for their dining area.
Quick Comparison Table
| Chair | Price | Footrest Type | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higgi Adjustable | £120.95 | Adjustable, multiple positions | Food-grade plastic | Best value & features |
| Hauck Alpha+ | £139-179 | Adjustable, tool-free | Beechwood | Wood aesthetic on budget |
| Keekaroo Height Right | £189-229 | Independent slide adjustment | Molded plastic | Easy cleaning |
| Abiie Beyond | £159-199 | Dual-locking system | Wood composite | Warranty coverage |
| Nomi | £229-299 | Continuous adjustment | Oak wood | Premium design |
How to Choose the Right Chair for Your Family
With five solid options, how do you decide? Ask yourself these questions:
Budget Considerations
- Under £150? The Higgi Adjustable or Hauck Alpha+ deliver exceptional value
- £150-200? Consider the Keekaroo or Abiie for mid-range quality
- £200+? The Nomi offers premium features and design
Material Preferences
- Want natural wood? Hauck Alpha+, Abiie Beyond, or Nomi
- Prioritize easy cleaning? Higgi Adjustable or Keekaroo
- Concerned about toxins? All five meet modern safety standards
Space Requirements
- Small dining area? Keekaroo has the most compact footprint
- Need portability? Higgi includes wheels for easy movement
- Permanent placement? Any wooden option works well
Longevity Expectations
- Planning multiple children? Invest in Hauck, Abiie, or Nomi for decades of use
- One child only? The Higgi offers excellent value without over-investing
- Want to convert to adult chair? Hauck, Abiie, and Nomi all convert
⚠️ Safety Reminders
Regardless of which chair you choose, always:
- Use the harness system every single time
- Adjust footrest height monthly as your child grows
- Verify 90-90-90 angles regularly
- Check stability and tighten hardware quarterly
- Never leave your child unattended in a high chair
Final Verdict: Which Chair Wins?
For most families, the Higgi Adjustable High Chair represents the best overall value. At £120.95, it delivers:
- ✅ Proper adjustable footrest support
- ✅ Multiple height positions
- ✅ Food-grade safety materials
- ✅ Easy-clean surfaces
- ✅ Portability with wheels
- ✅ Grow-with-me design
You get professional-grade ergonomic support without the premium price tag – and that's exactly what most parents need.
If budget allows and you want heirloom-quality furniture, the Hauck Alpha+ or Nomi offer beautiful wooden construction that can serve multiple children and eventually convert to adult seating.
For families obsessed with cleaning, the Keekaroo's seamless molded design makes post-meal cleanup remarkably fast.
Why the Stokke Isn't Worth £365
Don't get us wrong – the Stokke Tripp Trapp is a beautifully designed chair with excellent engineering. But here's what you need to know:
You're paying for the brand name. The Hauck Alpha+ offers virtually identical functionality for £139-179. The core benefit – an adjustable footrest with proper ergonomic support – exists in all five chairs we've recommended.
The Stokke became famous when Scandinavian design dominated the premium baby market. Today, numerous manufacturers have closed the quality gap while keeping prices reasonable.
Unless you specifically want the Stokke status symbol, you can achieve the same feeding posture benefits while saving £200+ for other baby essentials.
What About the Ikea Antilop?
Look, we love Ikea. The Antilop is an incredible value at £15-20. It's easy to clean, lightweight, and gets the job done for many families.
But it will never provide proper feeding posture without modification.
If you already own an Antilop, you have three options:
- Buy a commercial footrest attachment (£20-40) – The most affordable upgrade
- Use a stable footstool underneath – A temporary solution while your child is young
- Upgrade to a chair with built-in footrest – The permanent solution we recommend
For families on an extremely tight budget, option #1 makes sense. For everyone else, investing in a proper chair from the start saves money and stress in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age does my baby need a footrest?
From the very first high chair meal around 6 months. Even babies just starting solids benefit from foot support for proper posture. As they grow and develop better control, the footrest becomes increasingly critical for safe swallowing mechanics.
Can I add a footrest to my existing high chair?
For the Ikea Antilop, yes – several companies make aftermarket footrest attachments. For other chairs, check the manufacturer's accessories. However, purpose-built adjustable footrests almost always work better than add-ons.
How often should I adjust the footrest height?
Check monthly during the first year, then every 2-3 months through toddlerhood. Your child should maintain 90-degree angles at the knees when seated. When their knees no longer form a right angle, it's time to adjust.
Do I really need to spend over £100 on a high chair?
Not necessarily, but cheap chairs without footrests create problems that cost more in the long run – extended mealtimes, food refusal, safety concerns, and the need to purchase a replacement anyway. The Higgi at £121 represents excellent value for years of proper use.
Can my toddler use a regular dining chair with a cushion?
Not safely. Regular chairs lack proper harness systems, and cushions don't provide the structured support needed for safe feeding posture. A proper high chair with footrest remains important through age 3-4 for most children.
References & Further Reading
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). "Safe Feeding Positions for Infants and Toddlers." Pediatric Feeding Guidelines.
- Redstone, F., & West, J. F. (2004). "The Importance of Postural Control for Feeding." Pediatric Nursing, 30(2), 97-100.
- Arvedson, J. C., & Brodsky, L. (2002). Pediatric Swallowing and Feeding: Assessment and Management (2nd ed.). Singular Publishing Group.
- Morris, S. E., & Klein, M. D. (2000). Pre-Feeding Skills: A Comprehensive Resource for Mealtime Development (2nd ed.). Therapy Skill Builders.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2024). "High Chair Safety Standards and Regulations." Retrieved from CPSC.gov
- European Committee for Standardization. (2023). "EN 14988:2023 - Children's High Chairs - Safety Requirements and Test Methods."
Meet Our Editorial Team
Dr Sumaiya P.N
Registered Dietitian & Lead Nutrition Author
✓ Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
✓ General Physician (BUMS)
✓ Verified: Indian Dietetic Association
Dr Sumaiya P.N is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, and General Physician (BUMS) specializing in nutritional management for children, pregnancy, lactation, and family health. She is the founder of Nutricare Healthcare clinic in Mumbai, providing dietary coaching and family physician services to patients worldwide. Dr Sumaiya serves as the lead nutrition content author for Nestacular, creating and overseeing all nutrition-related articles with expertise in pediatric nutrition, infant feeding, medical nutrition therapy, and child health. Her work is medically reviewed by Dr Kingsley CN and Dr Gabriel O to ensure comprehensive accuracy. She has worked at KEM Hospital and GT Hospital in Mumbai and specializes in nutritional management during critical growth periods including infancy, childhood, pregnancy, and lactation.
Dr. Kingsley CN
Consultant Radiologist & Medical Contributor
✓ Safety Certification (HSE 1,2,3) - CIEHS
Dr. Kingsley CN is a qualified Consultant Radiologist with specialized expertise in child safety, baby nutrition, and product safety evaluation. He holds professional safety certifications including HSE (Health, Safety & Environmental) credentials from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and Safety. Dr. Kingsley writes evidence-based articles and conducts medical reviews for the editorial team. His content is reviewed by Dr. Gabriel O for medical accuracy, and he provides comprehensive medical review for content authored by other team members to ensure parents receive accurate, trustworthy information.
Tayla White
Product Research & Testing Specialist
Tayla White is a mother of four from Walsall, England, who brings real-world parenting experience to Nestacular's product evaluation process. She conducts hands-on testing of baby feeding products, safety assessments, and usability research with her children across different age groups. Tayla provides practical insights on product functionality, durability, and parent-friendliness that inform product selection and recommendations. Her testing feedback helps ensure that products meet the everyday needs of busy parents.
Dr. Gabriel O
General Practitioner & Medical Reviewer
Dr. Gabriel O is a qualified General Practitioner with extensive experience in pediatric care and child health. Based at Sajer General Hospital in Saudi Arabia, he specializes in child safety, developmental health, and family medicine. Dr. Gabriel reviews all articles for medical accuracy, safety recommendations, and alignment with current pediatric guidelines. His comprehensive medical review ensures every piece of health-related content meets rigorous clinical standards.
