It’s the simple things in life that can keep our toddlers entertained for hours. They don’t need much, just a few items to help their imagination run wild.
In this post I’m sharing some options of the best balance boards for kids, to help encourage open-ended play and a few things to consider when purchasing one.
What Is A Toddler Wooden Balance Board?
You will often find a wooden balance board also known as a wobble board for toddlers in Montessori homes or in homes of families that follow the Waldorf method.
Kids balance boards are not just for children who practice Montessori or Waldorf methods though. They’re for fun and can be used for hours.
Benefits Of A Wobble Board For Toddlers
Some benefits of a wobble board for toddlers are they can help build their confidence, trust within themselves, and awareness of their body’s abilities.
A wobble board helps with gross motor skills and coordination which is extremely important during these years.
They also give kids the opportunity to open their imaginations and do independent play.
They are super easy to clean and look good in any room. So no need to shove it in the toy box when your kid is done playing with it.
What Can They Be Used For?
Children can use them for balance, coordination, a food tray (my son’s favorite snack table), swaying back and forth, a bridge for their dolls to walk over, or cars. They can even lie on it to read books.
Related: 8 Best Montessori Books For Toddlers
Things To Consider When Purchasing A Balance Board For Kids
Price- Now you very well may be turned off by the price and think to yourself I don’t want to pay this much for a piece of wood.
I hear ya! I really do. Because kids’ balance boards aka wobble balance boards are a bit on the pricey side.
You’ll have to decide if the cost is right for you.
What age is a balance board for?- Most balance boards are recommended for ages starting at 12-18 months up to 6-8 years old.
Wood or Felt- If you primarily have hardwood floors throughout your home then felt would probably be a better option for you to prevent the board from sliding around when in use.
Depending on the type of felt, things can easily stick to it but it will still be pretty easy to clean.
Natural Wood Finish Or Painted- You’ll find that most Montessori balance boards are made and sold in natural wood. Brands like Bunny Hopkins have painted boards to fit everyone’s personality and needs.
Are you going for a more minimalist style or something fun and vibrant or a statement piece?
Quality- Remember not all toddler balance boards are created equal. What I have listed are truly some of the best around.
You want something that will last. Not a piece of wood that will easily break, crack, or cannot truly hold the weight it claims to.
Do your due diligence and choose one that can stand up to the wear and tear a toddler will put on it. Because after all, we want their imagination to run wild, right? LOL.
Best Balance Board For Kids
Diversity Wobble Board- The Diversity Wobble Board has color hues that represent people of all shades. Following Maya Angelou’s quote “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.”
Per the company, they hope this board can help with diversity and inclusivity in children’s formative years.
Remember, there is a strong cultural emphasis within the Montessori philosophy.
Bunny Hopkins also makes a variety of Montessori balance boards for everyone’s needs.
Seven color options which range from rainbow, and sunset to honey maple.
There are two board options as well, starter and regular.
- Starter size- This is perfect for infants and toddlers. Starter boards measure 23 inches end-to-end straight length, 12 inches wide, and 3 inches tall.
The starter can support up to 350 pounds.
- Regular Size. Is for the older kiddos to do as they please and come up with a million ways to use it.
Measures 36 inches curved length and 32 inches end-to-end straight length, 12 inches wide and 7 inches tall.
The regular can support a whopping 450 pounds.
- Recommended for ages 18 months and up.
Related: What Is A Learning Tower And The Best Options
While they are learning balance also help them with basic chores around the house with this Chore Chart For Kids.
The Surfer Wooden Balance Board– One of my favorite Etsy shops for Montessori-inspired children’s toys is Piccalio.
They sell outstanding quality beautifully wooden made items and their Surfer balance board is no different.
They built the Surfer to last and is durable enough to hold up to 440 pounds.
- Indoor and outdoor usage.
- Made with water-based lacquer.
- Recommended 18 months to 8 years old.
Wobbel Wooden Balance Board- Wobbel, the original that came to be in Waldorf schools. This one is for those that may not have carpet within their home and need a wooden balance board with felt.
You can also purchase an Original Wobbel pillow which would be great for quiet time.
- Designed for indoor use but can be used outdoors with care.
- Recommended for ages 3 years and up.
Little Surfer– Little Surfer by Lily and River is another high-quality balance board handmade of birch hardwood.
- Recommended for ages 12 months to 6 years old.
Related: Toddler Essentials For Everyday Use
Balance Board With Wool Felt- The Tree Sounds balance board comes in three sizes made with wool felt for a little extra grip.
- Size small is considered the starter board made with a more gentle curve. The small can hold up to 330 pounds and is recommended for the little kiddos.
- Size medium is the most universal size that is recommended for everyone. The medium can hold up to 440 pounds.
- Size large is suitable for older children 7 years old to adulthood.
If you are unsure about size stick with the universal balance board.
HAAN-MM Wooden Balance Board– HAAN-MM balance board is the most affordable on the list but not to be mistaken for less durable or lower quality.
- Both indoor and outdoor use.
Tips For Usage
- Use under adult supervision.
- While playing keep it on a flat and level surface.
- When indoors, use the carpet because the board is slippery on hardwood floors.
- Barefoot is always better. When outside make sure your kids are wearing shoes that have a nice grip so they won’t slip and fall.
Related: 15 Must-Have Toddler Diaper Bag Essentials
Best Balance Board For Kids FAQs
The best balance boards are:
- Wobbel
- Lily & River
- Piccalio
- Bunny Hopkins
- HAAN
- Tree Sounds
Are balance boards for kids worth it?
Yes, balance boards for kids are worth it. Your kids can use them for so many things. There aren’t many children’s toys that serve multi-use purposes but this can.
If they want to use it as a rocker they can. If they want to use it as a dinner tray they can. They can also use as a racetrack. Balance boards also help build confidence and help with growth motor skills which are all great things.
The bonus is the beauty of the natural wood makes it easy to leave out when they are done playing with it versus stashing it away.
At what age can kids use a balance board?
Most are recommended for the ages of 12 months to 8 years old.
I use my son’s balance board all the time. Seriously, I do.
What is the difference between a balance board and a wobble board?
When thinking about wobble boards and balance boards for kids the two are used interchangeably. They are the same.
I truly hope you find this post on the best balance boards for toddlers helpful. Older children may very well get bored with these but younger kids with find many many ways to use them and stay entertained.
Even if they are snugged up in a corner looking at a picture book.
I sway back and forth on my son’s often and it definitely holds up to its claim. Because I have yet to break it!
Try it. You just may like it too.
Enjoy.
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