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*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support!
My daughter has been using a balance board since she was 9 months old and I have seen her motor skills and confidence improve.
As a Montessori Guide, I always focus on the overall development of a child. And this is why I highly recommend you add a balance board to your list of Montessori toys.
Our favorite one is the Wonder & Wise Balance Board. The design pattern on this board and its high quality make it a must-have for every child.
But there are more options depending on your needs, so here is our full review of some of the best balance boards.
Made for kids, approved by parents. Here are the best wooden balance boards to support your child’s development.
Image: Wonder & Wise
While most balance boards are plain in color, the texture of this balance board improves its aesthetics.
This balance board by Wonder & Wise is perfectly made using 11 layers of birch and beech wood and decorated using non-toxic and water-based paint.
Something that can be improved is the weight limit as it is rated to withstand only 170 pounds. Most children may not reach this weight so the weight limit of the balance board should not discourage you from buying it.
I like how this balance board can be used in multiple ways. Your child can place the balance board on a higher surface like your couch and use it as a ramp, or they can turn it into a reading nook.
Image: Bunny Hopkins
This is the perfect introductory balance board for crawlers, new walkers, or toddlers needing more challenging activities.
What makes this balance board different is its smaller curvature. This is perfect for babies to crawl over it and for toddlers to challenge themselves while improving their balance, coordination, and motor skills.
Even though this balance board is designed for young toddlers, the maximum weight limit is 450 pounds! So you too can hop on it and have fun with your child!
Image: Bunny Hopkins
This is another great balance board by Bunny Hopkins. Once your child outgrows the starter size (mentioned previously), they will be ready to move on to a more challenging balance board.
This balance board has a larger curvature which makes balancing more challenging. The complexity of this balance board will help your child take their creativity and skill development to another level.
I like how smooth the surface of this balance board is. Similar to other Bunny Hopkins balance boards, it is made with child-safe, non-toxic materials and can also withstand up to 450 pounds.
One thing to keep in mind is that you should not use it on wooden floors, vinyl, or tile as it may scratch your floor or can cause slipping.
Image: Kinderfeets
This is the best budget-friendly balance board we found. A low price compared to the high quality of this balance board is all I was wishing for!
When I first saw this balance board, I immediately loved the natural grain texture. This is because Kinderfeets designed this balance board to align with the Waldorf educational method.
The Kinderboard Balance board will support your child’s physical and mental development while serving as a sustainable and versatile option to explore free play.
And with a maximum weight limit of 485 pounds (the highest I’ve seen), this balance board will provide years of entertainment.
Kinderfeet put a lot of thought and love into this balance board. It may look simple, but the complex manufacturing process to make this balance board is what sets it apart.
Image: All Circles
As of the date of this review, this balance board is rated 5/5 stars on All Circles website. And this is because it is the best wooden balance board we’ve found on the market.
The design of this balance board is different from those I previously mentioned. Instead of using multiple layers of curved wood, it is made of a series of wood planks attached to curved ends.
Its unique design makes it very stable and durable. The smooth and rounded edges can help prevent your little ones from getting their fingers caught while rocking.
Another thing worth mentioning is that if you are looking for a balance board that grows with your child, then look no further as this balance board is perfect for children 10+ years old.
I want to share a few more tips and observations based on my experience of owning a balance board that will make using this tool safe and enjoyable.
As a parent, I always ensure that my child is safe when she uses a balance board. So I would like to share some tips you can use to ensure the safety of your child.
So the balance board is just a form of entertainment, right?
Wrong!
The benefits of using a balance board are endless. Here are just a few things you will see in your child when they begin using a balance board:
You’re probably thinking: “I have an infant, I don’t need a balance board.”
This is far from the truth. Infants can also benefit from a balance board.
Balance boards can help develop your baby’s sense of balance and equilibrium. As your baby grows, they learn to sit, crawl, and eventually walk, and a balance board can aid in this process.
Just observe how your infant interacts with the balance board. They will begin to develop their sense of balance and coordination, even before they can stand or walk.
This helps prepare them for the next stages of their physical development.
For toddlers, on the other hand, they may be walking or showing signs of wanting to walk. When your toddler uses the balance board, they will learn to shift their weight, maintain balance, and even engage in playful movements such as twisting and turning.
These movements help develop core strength and stability, which are crucial for future physical development such as running, jumping, and climbing. But make sure you exercise too, you’ll need to be in shape to keep up with your child!
Do you still have questions? Don’t worry, the FAQs below will help you guide your buying decision or give you a wider overview of balance boards.
My little one started using her balance board when she was about 9 months old, but we also supervised a lot.
Balance boards are typically designed for children as young as 18 months old and up to 8 years old. The exact recommended age varies by manufacturer so I recommend you read the manufacturer’s instructions.
In my personal experience, yes, a 1-year-old can use a wobble board with adult supervision. Just make sure that you choose a wobble board that is appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage.
I recommend a wobble board with a lower profile and wider base for younger children because it is more stable.
Both balance boards and wobble boards are used to promote balance and coordination, but there are some key differences between the two.
A balance board typically has a flat surface with a curved bottom, while a wobble board has a rounded bottom that allows it to wobble back and forth and side to side. This makes a wobble board more challenging to balance on, as it requires more control and coordination.
Absolutely! Balance boards are worth it for kids because they provide numerous benefits for physical and cognitive development.
Do TVs and video games provide the same benefits? NO!
I much prefer to have my child play on a balance board for as long as she wants instead of being stuck to the TV for a few minutes.
So there you have it, the best Montessori balance boards to help your child develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. I’d love to know which one you bought for your little one.
I am always sharing tips and strategies to make parenting less complicated while helping your child become independent and self-sufficient.
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Hello, I am Leslie. I am on a mission to help you support the growth and development of your child. With the right tools and proper guidance, you can navigate parenthood with confidence and assertion! My goal is to equip you with knowledge to help you construct a strong foundation for your child’s life.
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