As a parent, you want your child to have every opportunity to develop their gross motor skills. One way to do this is by introducing them to a wobble board or a toddler balance board.
Early on we noticed our son’s sensory-seeking behavior. It also seemed like his body was all over the place. He didn’t have a really good sense of balance. At the time we didn’t know it was Sensory Processing Disorder. He started doing Occupational therapy to help him improve his ability to process sensory information and develop coping strategies to manage sensory input in the environment. Some of his favorite therapy activities involved a balance board. And I am the parent that buys the same toys he uses in therapy at home too. So I was on a mission to find the best wobble board for toddlers.
What is a wobble board?
A wobble board (also called a balance board) is a type of balancing toy designed to improve balance, stability, and coordination. It typically consists of a flat board with a small dome or sphere on the underside, allowing it to wobble or rock back and forth.
Why are wobble boards good for autistic people?
Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle with balance, coordination, and sensory processing issues. This can affect their ability to participate in daily activities. Rocker boards provide a unique way to address these challenges by helping to improve motor skills, body awareness, and cognitive function.
To use a wobble board, you stand on a flat surface while trying to maintain your balance as the board moves. This engages the muscles in your legs, core muscles, and feet, as well as the proprioceptive system, which helps you maintain awareness of your body’s position in space.
How do we use wobble boards for occupational therapy?
Wobble boards can be beneficial for children with autism for several reasons:
Sensory stimulation: Many children with autism have sensory processing difficulties and may seek out or avoid certain types of sensory input. The wobbling motion of the board provides proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation, which can help regulate the sensory systems and improve sensory integration.
Balance and coordination: Children with autism often struggle with balance and coordination, which can impact their ability to participate in physical activities and affect their confidence. Using a wobble board is a great way to help improve these skills and increase their overall physical fitness (like their core strength.) It’s also a great option to help with your child’s posture.
Focus and attention: The challenge of balancing on a wobble board can help improve focus and attention span in children with autism. It can also provide a calming effect and reduce anxiety levels.
Fun and engaging: Wobble boards can be a fun and engaging way for children with autism to participate in physical activities and improve their motor skills. It can also be a way to encourage social interaction and play with others. It’s an activity that the whole family can enjoy.
What should you consider when choosing the best wobble board for toddlers?
When it comes to choosing the best balance boards for your toddler, there are several things you should consider:
- Size: Make sure the wobble board is appropriate for your child’s size and check weight limits. You don’t want them to feel unstable or uncomfortable while using it.
- Material: Look for a wobble board made from durable materials such as wood or plastic that can withstand daily use, potential spills, and outdoor use.
- Safety features: Choose a wobble board with non-slip grips on both sides so that your child can safely use it without slipping or falling.
- Design: Consider purchasing a colorful and visually appealing wobble board that will capture your toddler’s attention and entice them to use it regularly.
With these factors in mind, here are some of my top picks for the best wobble boards for toddlers:
- Kinderfeets kinderboard Waldorf Wobbel Board – This high-quality wooden wobble balance board is perfect for toddlers aged 18 months and up. It has an eco-friendly design with non-toxic finishes, making it safe for little ones to play with.
- Plasmart Squigz Starter Set – This unique silicone-based toy includes small suction cups that stick together when pressed against any smooth surface like glass or tabletops, providing tons of fun while improving balance skills as well!
- Yes4All Wooden Balance Board – Made from durable birchwood with anti-slip pads on both sides, this versatile balance trainer can be used by toddlers and older kids alike.
- Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper – This concave board is covered with sturdy silicone suction cups. The suction cups POP as the Teeter Popper Rocks! It’s a great choice to engage the vestibular system. Perfect for open-ended play.
- Montessori Balance Boards – This open-ended toy has endless uses. Some of the different ways your child can play with this versatile toy are: slide, stepping stone, bridge, teeter popper, kids table, cradle, soccer goalpost, toy car racetrack, and much more. Montessori boards emphasize self-directed learning and hands-on exploration.
- Gentle Monster Wooden Wobble Balance Board – These wooden boards are great for core stability. The balancing board is a wooden toy that grows with the child and is also very suitable for adults.
Overall, introducing your child to a quality wobble board early on promotes healthy physical development while providing hours of engaging imaginative play. The wobble board is a valuable tool for individuals with autism spectrum disorder who are seeking to improve their balance, coordination, and sensory integration. Through its use in therapy sessions and at home, it can provide numerous benefits that enhance overall health and well-being.
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