Sensory Seating Chair For Kids [Best Sensory Learning Chair For Classroom or Homeschooling]

Need sensory seating chair ideas? Whether you’re wondering what is a sensory friendly chair (also called dynamic seating, looking for active seating tools or wiggle chair ideas, need sensory furniture for special needs, a sensory chair for ADHD, autism sensory chairs, or alternative seating for classroom and home learning, we’ll cover sensory chair reviews and seat furniture so you can make the best choice for your children.

Sensory Seating Chair For Kids mom holding onto a young girl in a hanging sensory seat pod

Best Sensory Seating Chair and Sensory Furniture for Children

Sensory seating chairs (sensory function chairs) have a variety of benefits. Also, flexible seating provides fun chairs for kids to use while learning. Here are the sensory seating / wobble stool benefits…

What is a sensory chair used for?

Sensory seats can:

Give a child a safe space
Help improve concentration
Decrease distractions
Help with fidgeting
Reduce anxiety and stress
Allow kids a reason to wiggle while learning
Help kids remain calm (calming chair)
Provide deep pressure therapy
Improve motor skills and balance
Offer flexible seating for classroom and learning
Improved sensory processing skills
Provide different textures and stimulations beneficial for children with Sensory Processing Disorder

See the full list of wiggly chairs and comfy seating device recommendations for kids below! (Many of these work well for sensory chair for adults, too!)

 
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Before we get to sensory chair reviews, let’s cover some common questions about kids sensory seat choices.

What is a sensory chair?

A sensory processing chair is often used for children with autism (“autism chairs”), ADHD, sensory processing issues, or kids who like to fidget in order to help them focus and remain calm. The chair provides a comfortable seat with different textures and stimulations that help keep the child calm and focused. Sensory chairs can be found in many different shapes and sizes, and some even have built-in lights or sounds.

NOTE: Sensory chairs and therapy seats furniture are not meant to replace other treatments, but rather to be used as a supplement. Check with appropriate professionals.

What is a sensory cushion?

An alternative to a sensory seat is a sensory cushion that sits right on the floor or on a chair seat. A sensory cushion is a smaller, portable seat that is designed to provide stimulation and comfort for children with sensory needs. They are usually filled with materials like foam, beans, or sand to provide different textures. Some cushions also have features like music players or vibration motors to provide additional sensory input. Sensory cushions are also perfect for taking on the go, and they can be used in a variety of settings, such as at school, at home, or while traveling.

CHECK OUT A WIGGLY SENSORY CUSHION

Are bean bag chairs good for sensory?

Bean bag chairs can be a great option for kids who need a little extra sensory input and make affordable and portable DIY classroom seating. Bean bags that are filled with pellets or beans, which can provide a lot of sensory input for kids. The beads or pellets move around inside the bag as your child moves, which can help to stimulate their senses.

CHECK OUT THE BEST SENSORY BEAN BAG CHAIRS FOR KIDS

Do wiggle seats work?

The success of wiggle seats (also called sensory seats and wobble chairs) will vary depending on the child. However, many parents and experts believe that wiggle chairs can be helpful for some kids, especially those who need to move around a lot in order to focus or stay calm. Wiggle seats can provide a way for these kids to get the movement they need without disrupting their classmates or surroundings. Wobble seating (sensory seating) can help for flexible seating in kindergarten and up!

According to a study on the National Library of Medicine:

“Significant increases in in-seat behaviors in 86.7% (thirteen out of 15) of the students and on-task behaviors in 53.3% of the students (eight out of 15) when seated on therapy balls. Air cushions had no significant effects on in-seat/on-task behaviors. The results also showed significant decrease in stereotyped movement and increase in communication and social skills of these students. The teachers also preferred the use of the balls and/or air-cushioned chairs for their students.”

CHECK OUT WIGGLE SEAT OPTIONS FOR KIDS

Here are some of the best sensory room chairs and ideas for sensory chairs for classroom and wiggle seat sensory solutions.

Types of Sensory Friendly Chairs for Kids

Sensory Friendly Desk Chair

A Sensory Friendly Desk Chair is a chair specifically designed for kids who have sensory needs. They are often cushioned, have interesting textures, and can be moved around to help with movement therapy.

Sensory Friendly Desk Chairs can be used in a variety of ways. Some kids may need to use them at school to help them focus in class, while others may use them at home to help with homework or homeschooling.

There are a variety of different Sensory Friendly Desk Chairs available on the market. Some are more adjustable than others, and some are specifically designed for kids with autism or ADHD. Be sure to do your research before purchasing one to find the best fit for your child’s needs.

Whether you’re looking for sensory chair for classroom, homeschool room, or at-home sensory seats for learning, try these for a sensory desk chair:

Sensory Spinning Egg Chair

You may have seen a sensory egg chair Ikea or Target because they’re pretty popular right now. (They’re even good sensory egg chair for adults!) Egg chairs are a fun spinning sensory chair (and they look cool!).

These sensory chairs are named this because they are egg shaped and can sit on the floor or hang from the ceiling.

The spinning movement of an egg chair or swinging movement of a hanging egg chair work as sensory chairs to soothe and relax kids. Additionally, the shape of the chair provides a more cocoon-like chair and provides additional calming functions for some children.

Spinning chair sensory seating is not only fun, it can be very helpful for some kids and some parents consider these good stim chairs because of the spinning movement.

Best Sensory Egg Chairs:

Sensory Rocking Chair

A sensory chair rocking motion can be helpful for some kids dealing with sensory issues.

Rocking sensory chairs provide a comfortable and supportive place to sit, but also the gentle back-and-forth motion of the chair can also help to soothe and calm kids, which can be helpful for those who struggle with anxiety or ADHD.

Additionally, the tactile feedback that kids get from the sensory rocking chair can help to improve their focus and attention.

If you’re looking for a way to help your child relax and concentrate, a sensory rocking chair may be the perfect solution.

Sensory-friendly rocking desk chair and sensory chairs that rock:

Sensory Seating Cushion

A sensory seat cushion is an alternative to chairs for adaptive floor seating or to place in the seat of classroom classroom chairs.

These sensory tools (sometimes called wiggle mats) are good because they’re affordable and portable so you can take them anywhere!

Sensory Swing Hanging Chair

Do you have a child that loves to swing? Do they also love to feel different textures and sit in different positions?

If so, then you need to get them a sensory swing as an alternative to calming chairs.

Sensory swings, also called a sensory pod hanging chair, is a hanging chair that will let them swing while feeling different textures on the seat. It is perfect for children who need to move a lot or who have a hard time sitting still.

Also, the movement and wrapped feeling can help calm kids.

Sensory swings come in a variety of colors and textures:

Kids pod swinging chair set (these make great sensory chairs for toddlers, too)
Indoor sensory swing
Hammock Chair Hanging Rope Swing
Sensory chair with stand

Are sensory swings safe?

Sensory swings can be a great way to help children and can also provide a fun and stimulating sensory experience. When used safely, sensory swings can be a great addition to any home. Some parents feel that sensory swings are safe, while others are concerned about dangers. Ultimately, it is up to each parent to decide whether or not a sensory swing is right for their child. Some factors to consider include the age of the child, their weight, and how well they are able to follow directions.

Always use caution when using a sensory swing. If needed, make sure that the child is wearing a helmet and that there are no sharp objects in the area. And, never leave a child unsupervised in a hanging swing chair.

If kids start to get upset or seem like they are about to fall out of the swing, stop using it immediately.

Wiggly Stools

A wiggly stool is a type of chair that is designed to help children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) or kids who need help to focus and calm down.

The stool has a wiggling motion that helps to keep the child’s body active, which can help them to focus and decrease fidgeting.

Additionally, the wiggly stool can work on gross motor skills and help to improve the child’s balance and coordination.

If you are considering purchasing a wiggle stool for your child, it is important to do your research first. Not all wiggly stools are created equal, and some are more effective than others.

It is also important to make sure that the stool is the right size for your child. You want to be sure that the stool is not too big or too small, as this could cause safety issues.

Wiggle sensory stools are another good option for sensory seats. Also, they can be tucked under desks or tables when not in use, which makes them perfect if you have a small space homeschool room.

Different types of stools for wiggly kids:

Sensory Chair Ball

A sensory chair ball is a type of chair that is specifically designed to stimulate the senses. A ball sensory chair, or sensory bouncer chair, are fun seats for kids and good sensory desk chairs for adults, too. It can be in the form of a ball or a round cushion.

This type of sensory furniture is intended to provide a fun and stimulating environment for children with sensory processing disorders, fidgeting, or anxiety.

A sensory ball can make one of the best wiggle chair options for fidgeting children!

Sensory Bean Bag Chair

A sensory bean bag chair is a great choice for a child who needs a comfortable place to relax and portable enough to move around the classroom or home.

These chairs make a good fidget seat because they are filled with small foam “beans” or pellets that move around when the chair is moved, providing a stimulating experience for some children.

TIP: Some chairs come with no filling, so you have to buy the bean bag chair filling separate.

Best Sensory Bean Bag Chairs:

ALSO CHECK OUT: Sensory mat with foam blocks

Inflatable Sensory Chair

An inflatable sensory chair is a seat for kids that you inflate and provides a comfortable place to sit. Kids can enjoy sensory stimulation a lightweight and easy to store sensory seat, making it a good choice when working in small spaces.

These chairs are easy to inflate and deflate, making it perfect for on-the-go use or moving around.

An inflatable sensory chair is a great wiggly chair or alternative to a bean bag sensory seat!

Weighted Chairs

A weighted chair is designed to provide users with a sense of weight and pressure. This type of sensory chair is often used by people with Sensory Processing Disorder, autism, ADHD, and other conditions that affect the way the brain processes information. The weighted pressure can help to calm and focus the user.

Some sensory gaming chairs meet these needs.

Sensory Chair Alternatives and Sensory Chair Accessories

Do you have favorite wiggle chairs for classroom or home?

Let us know about your sensory seating chair picks in the comments!

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