If you have ever wiped pureed sweet potato off a fabric placemat at 7am, you already know that not all high chair accessories are created equal. Finding the right high chair placemat makes a real difference to mealtime, for you and your baby. This guide covers the types available in Australia, what to look for, and why silicone has become the material of choice for so many families.
Part of our complete guide to silicone baby feeding sets.
Silicone vs Traditional High Chair Placemats
The two main categories you will come across are silicone placemats and fabric or plastic alternatives. Each has its place, but they perform very differently at the table.
Fabric placemats look lovely. They often come in beautiful prints and feel soft on little hands. The problem is absorbency. Pureed food soaks straight in, stains set fast, and washing them daily wears them out quickly. Most are not dishwasher safe, which adds time to an already hectic routine.
Plastic placemats are easy to wipe down but tend to curl at the edges over time. They can crack, scratch, and harbour bacteria in those scratches. They are also harder to store flat and rarely grip the tray surface well.
Silicone placemats solve most of those problems. They lay flat, wipe clean in seconds, go straight into the dishwasher, and many have raised edges that catch spills before they reach the tray. They are flexible enough to roll up for the nappy bag but sturdy enough to stay put during a meal. For everyday use, silicone is the most practical choice by a clear margin.
What to Look for in a Silicone Placemat
Not all silicone placemats are the same. Here is what actually matters when you are choosing one.
- Food-grade silicone. This should be non-toxic and free from BPA, PVC and phthalates. Check the product details before buying.
- Suction or grip base. A mat that slides around defeats the purpose. Look for suction cups or a textured underside that grips the tray surface.
- Raised edges. Even a small lip around the edge catches a surprising amount of liquid and keeps food on the mat, not on the tray or the floor.
- Dishwasher safe. Top-rack dishwasher compatibility saves time every single day.
- Size compatibility. Check the mat dimensions against your high chair tray. IKEA Antilop trays, for example, have a specific size that not all mats will fit neatly.
- Colour and pattern. Not essential, but a mat your baby finds visually interesting can help keep them engaged at the table.
If your suction mat keeps lifting off the tray, it is usually a surface issue rather than a faulty product. A quick read of simple fixes for suction plates on highchair trays will sort it out in most cases.
Do You Need a Placemat if Your High Chair Has a Tray?
Yes, and here is why. Tray surfaces scratch over time, and scratches trap food residue that is hard to fully clean. A placemat protects the tray, is much faster to clean than scrubbing grooves in plastic, and gives your baby a defined feeding surface. It also makes it easier to slide bowls and plates toward them without everything skidding.
If you are still deciding on a high chair altogether, it is worth reading through what to consider before buying a high chair before you commit. Getting the chair right first means your accessories will actually fit.
IKEA Antilop High Chair Placemats: A Special Case
The IKEA Antilop is one of the most popular high chairs in Australia, and for good reason. It is affordable, easy to clean, and compact. The tray is smooth and flat, which makes it an ideal surface for a silicone placemat.
The challenge is fit. Generic placemats are often too large or too small for the Antilop tray, which means they either overhang the edges or leave exposed tray surface around them. A mat designed specifically for the Antilop sits flush, looks neat, and grips properly.
Our IKEA highchair silicone placemats are sized to fit the Antilop tray. They are made from food-grade silicone, dishwasher safe, and come in a range of colours to suit different kitchen aesthetics. If you want more detail on sizing and what to expect, our guide to buying a highchair placemat online in Australia covers the full picture.
Caring for a Silicone Placemat
Silicone is genuinely low maintenance. For daily clean-up, a quick rinse or wipe is usually enough. For a deeper clean after messier meals, pop it in the dishwasher on the top rack. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can dull the surface over time. Store it flat or rolled, either works fine.
One thing to check occasionally is the suction cups if your mat has them. Food residue can build up underneath and reduce grip. A soak in warm soapy water and a gentle scrub with a soft brush keeps them working well.
Ready to simplify mealtime clean-up? Browse our full range of silicone placemats designed for Australian families.
