Best Kids Balance Ball Chairs
Gaiam Kids’ Balance Ball Chair
We found this chair to be an excellent choice for active students at home and in classrooms, promoting engagement and focus.
- Available in six vibrant colours, appealing to kids.
- Helps reduce fidgeting and enhances concentration.
- We noticed that the ball occasionally struggles to fit securely in the chair base.
Gaiam Kids’ Stay-N-Play Balance Ball Chair
This chair is ideal for those on a budget, featuring an air pump and stability legs, making it a solid choice for active desk seating.
- Encourages proper posture and core strength while sitting.
- The ball movements promote blood flow and enhance cognitive function.
- We found that the air sometimes leaks around the plug, requiring regular checks.
MANTRA SPORTS Ball Chair
This chair offers flexible seating options, making it suitable for students with sensory needs while they learn or read.
- Promotes balance and stability, keeping kids engaged.
- Available in four fun colours, adding a playful touch.
- We found that some children may struggle with stability, particularly those who have difficulty sitting still.
Which kids balance ball chairs are best?
Balance balls, often referred to as Swiss or exercise balls, are inflatable spheres that have gained popularity for their versatility in promoting active sitting. Brands have developed bases that allow these balls to be used as chairs, providing benefits like improved focus and posture during study or play. We particularly liked the Gaiam Kids’ Balance Ball Chair for its ability to offer flexible seating options for children in various settings.
Essential Considerations Before Purchasing a Kids Balance Ball Chair
How to Use the Chair Correctly
When introducing a balance ball chair, it is essential to allow your child to adjust gradually. Initially, they should sit on the chair for about 15 minutes, followed by returning to a traditional chair for an hour. This process should be repeated, increasing the time spent on the balance chair until it becomes their primary seating option.
Inflating Your Balance Ball
When you first inflate the balance ball, it will not reach its full size immediately. We recommend inflating it, waiting for approximately 24 hours, and then releasing some air to allow for optimum inflation.
Materials Used
Most balance balls are made from durable plastic or elastic vinyl. The chair base is typically constructed from ABS plastic and may include rolling casters. The backrest and legs can be made from steel, with foam cushioning often added for comfort.
Key Features to Look for in a Quality Kids Balance Ball Chair
Backrest Options
Many balance ball chairs come equipped with low backrests to enhance comfort. While a backrest can improve sitting posture, it is possible to assemble the chair without it if preferred.
Colour Selection
While black is a common colour for chair bases, balance balls themselves come in bright and engaging colours like lime green, pink, orange, and yellow. Choose a colour that your child loves!
Additional Accessories
Some balance ball chairs include helpful accessories such as replacement balls, air pumps, and leg extenders. Even if they are not included, these accessories can often be purchased separately.
- Leg extenders can add approximately 2 inches to the chair height, which is beneficial for taller children.
- Air pumps help ensure the balance ball is inflated to the correct pressure, often featuring pressure gauges.
- Replacement balance balls are useful in case of accidents or wear and tear.
Price Expectations for Kids Balance Ball Chairs
Prices for kids balance ball chairs typically range from under £35 to over £100. Budget-friendly options can be found for less than £35, while mid-range models generally fall between £35 and £100. Higher-end options usually exceed £100.
Kids Balance Ball Chair FAQ
Do these chairs improve posture in children?
A. Yes, provided they sit correctly. Children can easily slump in any chair, so maintaining awareness of their posture is essential.
Do kids burn more calories sitting on these chairs compared to standard ones?
A. Yes, as their bodies continually make small adjustments to balance, leading to increased calorie burn, typically around four to five calories per hour.
Are kids balance ball chairs as durable as regular desk chairs?
A. Yes, with proper care, these chairs can be quite durable and may even outlast standard desk chairs.
Which Kids Balance Ball Chair Should You Choose?
In our experience, the Gaiam Kids’ Balance Ball Chair stands out as the top choice for its versatility and engaging design, making it an excellent investment for active learners.