Best Balance Boards for Toddlers
Looking for the best balance boards for toddlers so your little one can improve their balance and spatial awareness? Don’t look any further – because we’ve created the best list for all your high-quality board needs! Seriously, these Montessori inspired boards are so important for your toddler. So, keep reading to see our favorite products!
Best Overall – Lily and River Little Surfer
Best Wooden Wobble Board – Wobbel Board
Best for Budget-Friendly – Yes4All Curvy Board
Best for Active Play – Teeter Popper
The Best Waldorf Original – Kinderfeets Kinderboard
Best Natural Wood – Gentle Monster Board
Best for Design – Bunny Hopkins Board
Best for Fun – Spooner Boards Freestyle
Are balance boards good for toddlers?
Yes, toddler balance boards can be a great Montessori toy. However, you do want to make sure that you’re buying high-quality, safe products so playtime can be as positive as possible. Therefore, we’ve got the best boards made out of non-toxic materials plus boards for all age groups and weight limits!
What are the benefits of balance boards?
There are many benefits of having your toddler use a balance board, commonly known as a wobble board.
Firstly, they can really help improve balance. When using, toddlers stand side to side on the board and wobble back and forth. If they’re not quite there yet, they can crawl on it and flip it over as a mini ramp. Therefore, toddlers learn to quickly adjust their footing and positioning on the board, so they can balance. It’s recommended that they use it with bare feet.
Secondly, it allows children to learn about body awareness with open-ended possibilities. They need to understand how their body can influence the board wobbling or standing still. This toy allows children to figure this out on their own, which is a core philosophy of Montessori based play.
Thirdly, they’re great for helping your child’s gross motor skills. When your kiddo is trying to balance back and forth, their bodies are building strength in core muscles and larger muscle (torso, legs, arms) movements.
Lastly, in our house – these boards were used as a great early snowboarding practice exercise! Hah! Obviously, your kid needs to be a little bit older for this…but if they’re trying to improve balance snowboarding or even skateboarding this is a great place to start!
What age is good for a balance board?
One of the greatest things about a balance board is that they can be fun for the whole family! For instance, babies 0-12 months can lay inside and rock like a cradle. Toddlers can rock and begin to use as a standing desk as they gain more movement. And preschoolers 4+ can have so much fun utilizing these wobble boards.
If we’re being honest, I sometimes will even stand on my child’s balance board to test my own balancing skills. Seriously, these boards are built to last!
Is a balance board worth it?
If you invest in a well made, high-quality board then yes, they are TOTALLY worth it! Additionally, if you like these balance boards, I highly recommend that you look into a Pikler Triangle. Lucky for you, we did an article on the Best Pikler Triangles for 2021. Check it out here!
So, on the best balance boards for toddlers…
Time to improve that core strength! Therefore, we’ve got the best products down below…and you aren’t going to want to miss them!
Best Overall
Because who doesn’t love Lily and River products?! All of their products are extremely well-made and safe…and this board is no exception. Let’s help your kiddo build muscle growth and creativity!
Best Wooden Wobble Board
Watch your kiddos turn this board into a fort or a rainbow tower…seriously perfect for imaginative play. However, this board is recommended for kids 3+.
Best for Budget-Friendly
For instance, this board will totally stimulate your child’s creativity! And it’s suitable for indoor and outdoor use…score!
Best for Active Play
As your child rocks back and forth, this board will make “POP” sounds to reward active play! Additionally, it’s great for younger kiddos because it has secure handles on each side! If you’re not wanting to spend a ton of money on a wooden board, this durable plastic option works just as well.
Best Waldorf Original
This board is made from heavy-duty German beechwood, so you know it’s well-made. It’s recommended for ages 18 months to adulthood and can support up to 485 pounds. Therefore, it’s a great choice for beginners and advanced wobblers 🙂
Best Natural Wood
A stepping stone, a lounge chair, a carriage for your horse – this board is whatever you want it to be! Made out of the highest quality natural wood, this board is also a budget-friendly wooden option.
Best for Design
These custom made boards are so stylish! Your little one will love this…just imagine them rocking back and forth like a seesaw!
Best for Fun
Suitable for ages 3+, these boards are often used during physical education class at school. Why? Because you can twist, slide, wobble and more while giving yourself a great quality workout!
Therefore, on the best balance boards for toddlers…
In conclusion, hopefully you were able to find some great choices for your home. Whether you go with a wooden toy or a durable plastic material, your kids will fall in love with this toy.