11 Best Balance Boards For Kids To Keep Them Active -2023, As Per An Expert
Leave your toddlers alone with these wobble boards and gift yourself some me-time.
Stephen HoltFitness & Nutrition Coach
Expertise: Fitness & Nutrition For Women Over 40, Biomechanics, Habit Change
Experience: 20 years
Stephen Holt is one of the most acclaimed and respected figures in the fitness industry. Cultivating an experience of over 20 years since 1997, he has provided more than 50,000 personal training sessions to clients, making him an experience... more
Expertise: Fitness, Health, & Home
Experience: 4 years
Shreya is a commerce writer who is passionate about reviewing products related to fitness, health, and home. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricenten... more
Aditi NaskarDiploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Image: Shutterstock
Keeping active toddlers engaged in one or the other activity is quite a task for parents, especially if they are inquisitive and tend to get bored quickly. A wooden balance board comes to the rescue of parents struggling to come up with new ideas every day to keep their children from getting bored. Stephen Holt, a certified personal trainer and fitness and nutrition coach with 20 years of experience, states, “Using a balance board is a great way to get kids exercising indoors or outdoors, helping them stay active while having fun at the same time.” Known by a host of nomenclature such as wooden wobble balance boards, waldorf boards, montessori boards, and rocker boards, this curved wooden plank helps keep an agile child physically and mentally busy in one or the other task. And the best part is that this versatile equipment is not just for kids.
Once your kids are off to sleep or busy with something else, you can use it for exercising or just plain fun as most balancing boards can support the weight of an adult. But not sure as to which one of these U-shaped equipment to get home for you and your kids? We make your choice easier with our carefully curated list of the 11 best balancing boards for kids and adults to have the utmost fun in 2023.
In This Article
What Is A Balance Board And How Does It Help Kids?
A balance board is a versatile playtime equipment for kids. It is generally made from wood and is curved. Kids can use this multi-purpose toy as a see-saw, bridge, tunnel, rocker boards, slide, and whatnot. It helps in developing the cognitive abilities of the child by helping them focus and concentrate. It keeps the vestibular system in action, helping the child balance and remain stable. It also helps pique a child’s imagination and creativity and enhances social skills too. With a host of other advantages, this amazing open-ended toy helps in the all-round development of a child.
11 Best Balance Boards For Kids To Keep Them Active
1. Best Eco-Friendly:Gentle Monster Wooden Balance Board
Add a lot more fun to your kid’s playtime by bringing them the Gentle Monster Wooden Balance Board. This curved board helps kids to keep their minds and body sharp by boosting the imagination, cognitive abilities, gross motor skills, etc. Many reviewers have testified that it stimulates the vestibular system of the body which helps maintain balance, posture, and stability. Made with high quality materials that are eco-friendly, this balancing board for kids is suitable to use by adults as well, and can be used indoors and outdoors alike. Whether used as a toy or as a fitness tool, the Gentle Monster Wooden Balance Board offers a versatile and engaging way to incorporate balance training into your daily routine.
Pros
- Eco-friendly material
- Non-toxic paint
- High quality wood
- Suitable for kids and adults
- Builds body coordination
Cons
- Might start to chip and peel off after a couple of months
Quick Tip2. Best For Indoors And Outdoors:Little Dove Wooden Balance Board
Develop your child’s gross motor skills and promote playtime fitness with the Little Dove Wooden Balance Board. This open-ended equipment makes for a great playtime pal for your little one and also aids you while doing workout because it supports the weight of an adult too. It is made from premium birch wood and uses eco-friendly material of high quality to make the board durable and safe enough for the baby to use. Test this balance board for toddlers indoors as well as outdoors for your kids to use it in different ways, developing their sensory and cognitive abilities and much more.
Pros
- Made from natural material
- Ecologically friendly lacquers
- Uses sturdy wood
- Usable indoors and outdoors
- Suitable for kids and adults
Cons
- The board may not be durable.
3. Best Durable:FUNNY SUPPLY Wooden Balance Board
Create a healthy playtime routine with the Funny Supply Wooden Toddler Balance Board. It stimulates the vestibular system of the body, resulting in an enhanced balance and stability. With multiple uses such as see-saw, rocker, slide, table, chair, and many more, these children’s balance boards are a great pass-time. This durable Montessori furniture has a simple design and is made from high quality, eco-friendly materials and helps in the overall development of your little one. Investing in children’s health and physical development through play is essential, and the Funny Supply Wooden Toddler Balance Board is a wonderful tool to support their growth. According to reviews, it encourages physical activity, stimulates creativity, and contributes to the overall well-being of your little one.
Pros
- Non-toxic glue and paint
- Water-based lacquers
- High-quality wood used
- Simple design
Cons
- Might not withstand the weight of an adult, leading to chips and damages
4. Best Multifunctional:HAN-MM Wooden Balance Board
The HAN-MM Wooden Balance Board offers a unique way to incorporate fun workouts into your child’s playtime routine. It is a versatile toy that helps kids to build their imagination while playing solo or with friends. Made from high quality birch wood and eco-friendly paints, glues, and lacquers, this balance board for kids easily supports the weight of an adult, making itself useful as a workout equipment too. So, get one for your kids and see them build confidence, creativity, cognitive abilities, stability, gross motor skills, and much more.
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Made from high quality wood
- Non-toxic paint
- Useful for kids and adults
- Helps hone gross motor skills
Cons
- The layers of the board start separating and cracking after a few uses.
5. Best Weight Bearing Capacity:Kinderfeets Wooden Balance Board
Image: Kinderfeets Kindle your little one’s imagination with the Kinderfeets Wooden Balance Board. Made from high quality German beechwood, this heavy-duty board is handcrafted using dutch designs and is suitable to be used indoors as well as outdoors. This Kinderfeets balance board is made for kids but supports the weight of adults as well, making for a good exercise equipment too. This versatile toy piques your kids’ creativity, making them come up with different ideas to use this kinderfeets wooden balance board, hence building their cognitive abilities and confidence. Many reviewers agree that this balance board encourages body awareness and coordination as your child explores different ways to engage with it. Invest in the Kinderfeets Wooden Balance Board and watch your child embrace the joys of outdoor play and imaginative exploration. It’s a wonderful addition to their playtime activities that will inspire them to connect with nature, stay active, and nurture their cognitive development.
Pros
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- Water-based lacquer
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Useful for kids and adults
- Multiple uses
Cons
- May take time to get used to balancing
Stylecraze Says6. Best Quality Wood:FUNPENY Wooden Balance Board
Make playtime more creative for your kids and their friends with the FUNPENY Wooden Balance Board. This U-shaped playtime buddy for your little one will help in stimulating the vestibular system of the body that is responsible for creating balance and stability in the body. It encourages them to be active and explore different movements, supporting a healthy and active lifestyle. With multiple ways to use it, your kids are sure to enjoy using it and so are you, for it supports the weight of an adult. So bring home this kids balancing board and help your little ones build their confidence and social interaction skills as they include their friends in playing with it too!
Pros
- High-quality wood used
- Multiple uses
- Develops gross motor skills
- Suitable for kids and adults
Cons
- The ends might start chipping away and leave splinters.
7. Best Sturdy:Mallify Wooden Balance Board
The Mallify Wooden Balance Board offers endless opportunities for active play and promotes the development of cognitive abilities in children. A simple design allows the kids to use it in various ways such as a slide, see-saw, bridge, tunnel, rocker, and so much more. Made from high-quality birch wood, this kid’s balance board is sturdy enough to even hold an adult, as attested by reviewers. So, whether it is playtime for kids or workout time for adults, this multipurpose equipment surely should find a way into your home.
Pros
- Multi-purpose product
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Suitable for kids and adults
- Simple and firm structure
Cons
- The coating may start coming off after a few months.
8. Best For Body Stability:KIOSESI Wooden Balance Board
The KIOSESI Wooden Balance Board is the perfect tool to introduce your child to the concept of stability training and help them develop balance and coordination skills. It is made from premium-quality birch wood and uses glue and paint that are toxin-free to ensure complete safety for your precious little one. It stimulates the vestibular system that is responsible for maintaining body stability and increasing coordination. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor use and is a multipurpose toy, making it perhaps one of the best balance boards for toddlers and adults alike.
Pros
- Eco-friendly material
- Non-toxic paint
- Increases body coordination
- Water-based lacquers
- Suitable for kids and adults
Cons
- The layers of the board start separating, leading to splintering.
9. Best Lightweight:WOOD CITY Wooden Balance Board
The WOOD CITY Wooden Balance Board is an amazing tool to increase parent-child interaction. Use this amazing children’s balance board to help your kids boost their imagination and cognitive abilities. This U-shaped play equipment boosts the vestibular system that helps the body to maintain balance and stability. They also enhance proprioception, which is the body’s awareness of its position and movement in space. Moreover, this versatile plank is suitable to be used by kids and adults and its light weight makes it portable.
Pros
- High-quality wood
- Non-toxic paints
- Water-based lacquers
- Develops gross motor skills
- Suitable for kids and adults
Cons
- Starts splintering and chipping, which is hazardous for kids
10. Best For Kids And Adults:Jurns Wooden Balance Board
Elevate the fun your kids have while playing by bringing home the Jurns Wooden Balance Board. A simple sleek plank board with a curve, it enables the kids to use their creativity and imagination to come up with different ways to use the board. It also facilitates kids to interact with their peers, developing a healthy playtime routine. This toddler balance board is great for indoor as well as outdoor use, and can be used by kids and adults alike. Invest in the Jurns Wooden Balance Board and provide your child with a valuable tool for imaginative play and agility training. It’s a wonderful addition to their playtime activities, promoting both physical and social development while fostering a love for active and creative play.
Pros
- Made from sustainable wood
- Uses non-toxic paints
- Hones gross motor skills
- Can be used indoor and outdoor
- Builds core strength
- Suitable for kids and adults
Cons
- May chip from the ends
11. Best Design:BODO Maze Wooden Balance Board
BODO Maze Wooden Balance Board makes workout and playtime more fun for kids and adults alike. As the name itself suggests, it has a maze engraved on it and has 2 chromized metal balls that make it a lot more interesting and mentally occupying. Many reviews indicate that it has been attached with neodymium magnets to keep the balls from falling off the board. With a scoriated floor, this toy helps make the grip of the feet better, building balance, working out core muscles, and building stability among many other benefits, making it one of the best balance boards for kids.
Pros
- Improves balance and corrects posture
- Enhances coordination and reaction
- Premium Siberian wood
- Scoriated floor for better grip
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Suitable for kids and adults
Cons
- Some may find it a little narrow.
A balance board for kids is one of the best playtime equipments, especially since it has so many advantages. But before setting out to buy a balancing board for your little one take a look at our insider tips to be kept in mind to make the right choice.
How To Choose Balance Boards For Kids
1. Material
A balancing board made with good quality material like birch wood is recommended as it determines its durability. In addition, use of non-toxic paint and eco-friendly materials adds to the sustainability factor. A plastic balance board can also be used as long as it meets the safety standards and is used under adult supervision.
2. Capacity
Most balancing boards can easily hold the weight of kids as well as adults, but it is still recommended to make sure that you double check with the seller about the weight holding capacity of the one that you are looking out to buy.
3. Size
Balancing boards come in various sizes and you can choose the size that matches your needs. A small board that is also narrow can accommodate babies that are less than a year old. A wider board allows for toddlers to use it in multiple ways and also makes itself useful for adults. You can consult an athletic trainer to determine which size will be the best for your kid.
4. Curvature
A board with less curvature will be more or less flat, rendering it not so useful for active toddlers. But at the same time, a deeply curved board might make balancing hard, making kids prone to falls and accidents. Choose a balancing board that has a medium curve for kids to make maximum use of it.
5. Surface type
There are different balancing boards in the market with different either a smooth surface or an anti-skid one. The anti-skid boards provide a good grip and help balance well but not be suitable for sliding and other uses, making it a limitation. On the other hand, a balancing board with a smooth surface might be more versatile but pose a risk of poor grip leading to falls.
6. Usability
A balancing board should be well-finished with non-toxic paints, glues, and lacquers, making them chip and peel resistant and safe for kids. A board that is well-coated with a water-proof lacquer is usable both indoors and outdoors, opening new avenues for kids to play.
Benefits Of A Balance Board
- Helps develop gross motor skills
- Works up the vestibular system to maintain body balance
- Creates awareness of their body
- Improves posture and stability
- Helps build focus and concentration
- Makes kids aware of the space around them
- Piques imagination and creativity in kids
- Fosters a healthy playtime routine
- Combines funtime and workouts
- Aids in parent-child interaction
The Bottom Line
Balancing boards are small boards that are physically challenging to stand on. While some rock from side to side, some roll back and forth, and others wobble around. The Little Dove Wooden Balance Board offers a fun way for children to develop balance and can be used by adults in their workouts, while the Kinderfeets Wooden Balance Board stands out for its eco-friendly material and handcrafted Dutch-designs. For thoose seeking a high-quality wooden u-shaped board that keeps their children active, try the FUNPENY Wooden Balance Board. These boards make the balancing game difficult. Having the best balance boards for kids is very important because it helps keep a child agile and physically and mentally busy. It is also a rescue for parents struggling to develop new ideas every day to keep their children from getting bored. The reviewed products in the curated list are made with high-quality, eco-friendly materials suitable for both kids and adults. Consider the material, capacity, size, curvature, and surface type, before choosing the best balance boards for kids. Additionally, read the reviews to understand the user insights before making a purchase.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shreya Vishwanathan, the author of this article, is a fitness enthusiast who believes that balancing boards are important to keep toddlers active. She recommends using this for kids because it keeps the children from getting bored and keeps them mentally and physically engaged. She has conducted thorough and in-depth research and curated a list of the best products to help her readers make the best choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is good for a balance board?
A balance board is a great equipment for everyone, irrespective of age as it has multiple uses.
Are balance boards good for toddlers?
Yes. A balance board helps toddlers develop gross motor skills and improve cognitive skills. Their body coordination increases and so does their ability to hone brain and muscular movements.
How long should one stand on a balance board?
A balance board, as the name suggests, improves one’s balance and coordination and can be used for 10-15 minutes daily.
Do balance boards build muscle?
Mostly yes. A balance board helps tone muscles and eventually build them, mainly lower back, calves, glutes, and abdomen.
What types of balance boards are best suited for kids?
Rocker boards are the name given to almost all balance boards for children. They are easy to use and have a simple design. It is a bent piece of wood bent further to form a rocker.
What are the risks of using a balance board?
Balance boards require standing on an unstable surface. This increases your chances of falling, particularly if you are unfamiliar with this exercise.
