IKEA Antilop High Chair Review: Is It Worth it?

When it comes to choosing a high chair for your little one, you want something safe, affordable, and easy to clean—trust me, I’ve been there. The IKEA Antilop high chair checks all those boxes and more. At just around $30, it’s a budget-friendly gem that doesn’t skimp on functionality.

Whether you’re navigating the messy world of baby-led weaning or just need a reliable seat for your toddler, this high chair delivers. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience, break down the pros and cons, offer maintenance tips, compare it to other brands, and answer common questions to help you decide if it’s right for you.

My Experience With the IKEA Antilop High Chair

As a new mom, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of baby products out there.

High chairs, in particular, felt like a maze—some were fancy with bells and whistles, others were budget options that looked flimsy.

Then I stumbled across the IKEA Antilop high chair, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. At under $30, I was skeptical at first—how could something so affordable hold up to the chaos of a baby’s mealtime?

But after using it daily for over a year with my son, I’m hooked.

The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to assemble. I’m no DIY expert, but the Antilop came together in under five minutes. Just snap the legs into the plastic seat, attach the tray, and secure the harness—done.

No tools, no stress. It’s lightweight, weighing less than eight pounds, so I could easily move it from the kitchen to the dining room with one hand while holding my baby in the other. This was a lifesaver on days when I needed him close while prepping dinner.

Mealtimes with my son are, well, an adventure. He’s a fan of baby-led weaning, which means food ends up everywhere—smashed avocado on the tray, bits of banana on the floor, you name it. The Antilop’s smooth plastic surface made cleanup a breeze.

A quick wipe with a damp cloth, and it looked brand new. I’ve even hosed it down outside after particularly messy meals, and it held up perfectly. The tray is dishwasher-safe, which is a huge plus when you’re juggling a million things.

The chair’s minimalist design also won me over. It’s not bulky like some high chairs, so it fits nicely in our small apartment. I could slide it under the dining table when not in use, keeping our space clutter-free. My son seemed comfortable in the bucket-style seat, though I did add a cushion (sold separately) when he was younger to help him sit snugly. The three-point harness kept him secure, though I always stayed nearby since he’s a wiggly one.

One small hiccup? The legs stick out a bit, and I’ve tripped over them more than I’d like to admit. My husband, too. We learned to be mindful of the chair’s footprint, especially in our cramped kitchen. Also, the lack of a footrest was noticeable—my son’s legs dangled, which sometimes made him fidgety. I ended up buying an adjustable footrest from Etsy, which made a big difference in his comfort. Despite these quirks, the Antilop’s affordability and ease of use made it a staple in our home. It’s not perfect, but for the price, it’s hard to beat.

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Pros Of the IKEA Antilop High Chair

The Antilop has a lot going for it, especially if you’re looking for a no-fuss, budget-friendly high chair. Here’s why I think it shines:

• Unbeatable price: At around $30 with the tray included, this high chair is a steal. I’ve seen high chairs priced at $200 or more, but the Antilop delivers core functionality without breaking the bank. It’s so affordable that I bought a second one for my parents’ house without a second thought.
• Super easy to clean: The smooth, BPA-free plastic seat and tray have no crevices where food can hide. After my son’s messy meals, a quick wipe-down or a rinse in the sink gets it spotless. I’ve even put the tray in the dishwasher, and it comes out like new.
• Lightweight and portable: Weighing just 7.9 pounds, the Antilop is a breeze to move around. I’ve carried it from the kitchen to the living room or even packed it in the car for trips to Grandma’s. The legs pop off easily for storage or travel.
• Simple, sturdy design: The minimalist look fits seamlessly into my home’s decor, and the sturdy steel legs hold up to daily use. It’s rated for kids up to 33 pounds, so it’s lasted us well into toddlerhood.
• Quick assembly: I had this chair set up in minutes with no tools required. The legs snap into place, and the tray clicks on securely. Even for someone like me who dreads furniture assembly, it was a breeze.

These features make the Antilop a practical choice for busy parents. It’s not about flashy extras—it’s about getting the job done reliably and affordably. Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want a no-nonsense high chair, this one delivers where it counts.

Cons Of the IKEA Antilop High Chair

No product is perfect, and the Antilop has its share of drawbacks. Here’s what I found challenging:

• No footrest included: The lack of a footrest was a bummer. My son’s legs dangled, which sometimes distracted him during meals. I had to buy an aftermarket footrest, which added about $20 to the cost. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an extra step.
• Tripping hazard from legs: The chair’s wide, slanted legs provide stability, but they stick out farther than you’d expect. I’ve stubbed my toe more times than I can count, especially in our small kitchen. You’ll need to be mindful of the footprint.
• Three-point harness limitations: The three-point harness is secure for most babies, but my active son figured out how to push against it by around 14 months. I never left him unattended, but a five-point harness would’ve given me more peace of mind.
• No adjustability: The seat height and tray distance are fixed, which can be limiting. For smaller babies, the seat feels a bit roomy without the optional cushion. I wished for a reclining option or adjustable tray when my son was younger.
• Basic aesthetics: The white plastic and silver legs are functional but not exactly stylish. It blends into most kitchens, but if you’re after a chic, modern look, you might want to add custom cushions or leg wraps to spruce it up.

These cons don’t outweigh the benefits for me, but they’re worth considering based on your needs. If you have a small space or a wiggly toddler, you might need to plan around these quirks.

Maintenance Tips For the IKEA Antilop High Chair

Keeping the Antilop in tip-top shape is straightforward, but a few tricks can make it last longer and stay hygienic. Here’s how I keep mine looking and working like new:

• Wipe down after every meal: The plastic seat and tray are a dream to clean, but don’t let food sit too long. I use a damp cloth with a bit of mild dish soap to wipe away messes right after meals. This prevents stains, especially from foods like tomato sauce or berries.
• Dishwasher for the tray: The tray is dishwasher-safe, which is a huge time-saver. I pop it in the top rack once a week for a deep clean. Just make sure to air-dry it to avoid warping from the dishwasher’s heat.
• Check the harness regularly: The three-point harness can get grimy from food splashes. I remove it every couple of weeks and hand-wash it with warm, soapy water. Make sure it’s completely dry before reattaching to avoid mildew.
• Hose it down for big messes: For those epic baby-led weaning disasters, I take the chair outside and hose it down with a garden hose. The plastic and steel hold up well, but I avoid spraying the harness directly to protect the fabric.
• Inspect for wear and tear: Every few months, I give the chair a once-over to check for loose screws or cracks in the plastic. The Antilop is sturdy, but heavy use can loosen the leg connections over time. A quick tighten with my hands usually does the trick.
• Store it properly: If you’re not using the chair daily, pop off the legs and store it in a dry place. This keeps it compact and prevents dust buildup. I’ve found stacking multiple Antilops (if you have spares) saves space at my in-laws’ house.

These tips have kept my Antilop looking nearly brand new after a year of heavy use. The key is staying on top of cleaning and checking for small issues before they become big ones. With minimal effort, this chair can last through multiple kids.

Comparison With Other Brands

To see how the Antilop stacks up, I compared it to three popular high chairs: the Stokke Tripp Trapp, Graco Blossom 6-in-1, and Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On. Each has its strengths, but the Antilop holds its own in unique ways.

• Stokke Tripp Trapp: The Stokke Tripp Trapp is a premium wooden high chair that’s adjustable and grows with your child, usable from infancy to adulthood. At around $300, it’s a significant investment compared to the Antilop’s $30 price tag. I loved the Tripp Trapp’s sleek design and adjustable footrest and seat, which promote better posture for my son. It’s also more stylish, with multiple color options. However, it’s much harder to clean—food gets stuck in the wooden crevices, and the cushions require frequent washing. The Antilop’s smooth plastic wins for quick cleanups, and its portability beats the heavier Tripp Trapp. If you’re on a budget or prioritize ease of cleaning, the Antilop is the better pick, but the Tripp Trapp is ideal for long-term use and aesthetics.
• Graco Blossom 6-in-1: The Graco Blossom 6-in-1 is a versatile high chair that converts into a booster seat, toddler chair, and even a youth chair, priced around $150. Its adjustable seat height and recline options were great for my son when he was younger, and the five-point harness felt more secure than the Antilop’s three-point system. However, the fabric seat pad was a nightmare to clean—crumbs got stuck in the seams, and it needed regular machine washing. The Blossom is also bulkier, taking up more space in my kitchen than the compact Antilop. For families wanting versatility and willing to deal with extra cleaning, the Graco is a solid choice, but the Antilop’s simplicity and low cost make it more practical for everyday use.
• Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On: The Phil&teds Lobster Clip-On is a portable high chair that attaches to tables, perfect for travel or small spaces, costing about $90. I found it super convenient for dining out or visiting friends, as it folds flat and fits in a suitcase. The fabric cover is wipeable but harder to clean thoroughly than the Antilop’s plastic. It also lacks the stability of a freestanding chair like the Antilop, and the clamp mechanism didn’t work on all tables. The Antilop’s fixed structure and low price make it a better primary high chair, but the Lobster is a great secondary option for on-the-go families.

The Antilop’s affordability and ease of cleaning make it a standout for budget-conscious parents, but it lacks the adjustability and longevity of pricier options like the Tripp Trapp or Graco. If portability is key, the Lobster is a better travel companion, but the Antilop’s reliability and low maintenance make it my go-to for daily use.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For the IKEA Antilop High Chair

You can’t go wrong with the IKEA Antilop high chair if you’re after an affordable, reliable option for your baby’s mealtimes. Its ease of cleaning, portability, and budget-friendly price make it a no-brainer for busy parents like me. While it has some quirks, like the lack of a footrest and a basic harness, these are easy to fix with affordable add-ons. Compared to pricier brands, it holds its own for everyday use. If you want a high chair that gets the job done without draining your wallet, the Antilop is your best bet.