Just wanted to do a quick recap of my video here on how to support your kiddo in their high chair or seat so they are more comfortable, fidget less and eat more.
If you’ve ever sat on a bar stool without a footrest, you can relate to a child in a high chair. Now imagine trying to sit up straight and eat, with your legs dangling. It’s incredibly difficult. I wouldn’t last more than a couple minutes without leaning or slouching. Same for our kiddos. Providing foot support is super important because it gives them a way to support the rest of their body, to sit up straight, feel comfortable and focus on eating.
Remember, the ideal posture is seated with a 90° (degree) angle at the hips, 90° angle at the knees and 90° angle at the ankles.
← Just like this guy, he knows what I’m talking about.
Most high chairs have no foot support at all. I know the IKEA high chair is really popular because it’s small, inexpensive, clean and minimalist. I like it too and I thought about getting it for my daughter. If you have this high chair, or another that doesn’t have foot support, look into this clever little gadget called the Footsi by Nibble and Rest.
Here’s what was happening to my daughter. Her feet were sticking out over the edge of the seat. Her legs weren’t long enough for her knees to bend over the edge.
← She looked sort of like this, with half the calf and feet totally unsupported.
If this is your situation, the first thing to try is to put a pillow or textbook or something, behind the child. This will bring them forward so their knees can reach the edge of the seat and the bottom half of the legs can drop.
Then you can provide a support for the feet, like this. → 
The concept of foot support is important even if your child is older and sitting in a regular chair. If their feet don’t touch the floor, bring the “floor” up to them by stacking textbooks or putting a small stool under their feet.
For high chairs, I recommend choosing one that is adjustable and can be customized to the size of your child. They do cost more but the plus side is the chair grows with the child so it will have years of usefulness. Here are some brands I recommend, listed from least to most expensive. Prices can vary depending on the accessories you want/need (infant insert, seat cushion etc).
This option by Stokke is brand new and much less expensive. It won’t grow with the child since it is only indicated for up to 3 years old but it is a really nice option.
I hope these tips come in handy for you so you can better support your little eater! Any questions, give me a shout! Let’s connect on Instagram too! For more tips like this, follow me @elisarocksrdn
Just a heads up – some of my blogs contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, you don’t pay more but I do get a small commission, which helps support my business so I can provide you with more useful content. Thank you!
