The Benefits of Balance Boards for Children
You may have noticed we recently started stocking a range of Capikooa Balance Boards. As a user of balance boards for some time, I was so excited to get some in stock for our wonderful customers!
Arlo received his balance board at Christmas and it has been a regular feature in his daily play ever since. If you follow us on Instagram, you will likely of heard me mention Arlo's obsession with cars and vehicles, meaning our balance board is quite regularly a parking garage, makeshift bridge and vehicle ramp.
While I am passionate about eco-friendly living, and therefore wooden toys, it is definitely the open-ended element that attracts me most to wooden toys - and the Capikooa Balance Boards are no exception. There are no gadgets, buttons, sounds or flashing lights. It is simply a piece of curved wood, but the play possibilities are anything but simple. In fact, they're endless! Whether you have a horse lover looking for their next stables, a pirate looking for their next ship or a budding doctor looking to examine their next patient, there is absolutely something to love!
What are the benefits of balance boards?
Exercise
Balance boards are a great way to promote exercise. Of course, your child won't know they're exercising, which is a huge plus! Instead, they'll think they're having the most wonderful time playing! Balance boards are a perfect way to build muscle strength too!
Balances
It wouldn't be possible to mention balance boards without talking about balance! There are so many different ways to practice using a balance board and just like with exercise, it won't feel like work. A greater sense of balance allows children to have more control of their bodies and can even help with focus and concentration.
Encourages Play & Imagination
Children have an unlimited imagination and balance boards are a perfect way to get those creative juices flowing! There are no screens involved, just good old fashioned play!
Helps Children Wind Down
The soft rocking of a balance board can help children to wind down and spend some quiet time!
Can Encourage Reading
Balance boards are a great way to encourage reading as they are a good way to relax. Children can lie on the board or enjoy rocking away as they read. It also provides a designated personal zone which can be important for children.
Rainy Day Activities
Balance boards can provide a safe way for children to play and release their pent up energy, especially on those rainy days when getting outside might not be possible.
Eco-Friendly
Capikooa boards are created in a fully eco-friendly way. Making them a perfect addition to eco-minded households!
So, are balance boards good for toddlers?
Yes, if you pick a quality, age-appropriate balance board they’re great for toddler play. Whether they're a boisterous toddler or prefer to play calmly, there are plenty of ways to play! As your toddler starts to explore the world, a balance board will provide an interesting and exciting addition to their play space. Stand it upside down as a platform they can climb, stand on, jump off or use as a bridge or base for their other toys. Sit in its rocking position and they’ve got a unique rocking toy perfect for using as a car, boat, rollercoaster and more.
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Are balance boards safe?
When purchased from a reputable balance board manufacturer that ensures the highest toy safety standards, balance boards are a safe and fun addition to open-ended play. Wooden balance boards in particular are known for their durability and strength, but we do recommend balance board play is supervised by an adult if your child is under 3 years old. You know your child best, so if in doubt be nearby to support them as they adventure! Capikooa make all of their balance boards to the highest quality using strong FCS Certified Beech Wood to meet child-safe CE, EN71, AS/NZS ISO 8124, and ASTM F963 standards.
But... What do you actually DO with them?
Have you ever watched your kid pick up a stick on a walk through the woods and somehow find twenty different ways to play?
For children, there are no rules. Balance boards are designed to be open ended. Which means they can be absolutely anything their minds can come up with! Of course, there are the traditional uses such as standing to rock from side to side and develop those muscles, but there are hundreds of other uses, too.
Give your child the opportunity, and they will show you!
Are they just for young children?
Absolutely not!
In fact, the Capiooka Pioneer (our largest board) can hold a total weight of 200kg which means it can even withstand the play of an adult too!
Are they eco-friendly?
Absolutely!
Capikooa balance boards are produced from PEFC beech wood sourced from a sustainably managed forest in France
Made in Spain in a family factory where 70% of the energy used is from roof top solar panels
Playful plastic-free packaging using FSC cardboard smart designed to eliminate the use of plastic and tape and built to provide added play value with two handy play trays ideal for small world or sensory play
All Capikooa wood is cut in a way that reduces wastage and any off cuts are collected and turned into other products (like kitchen cabinets)
Shipped via land rather than sea shipping
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Capikooa balance boards really are the perfect tool for open ended play! If you have any other questions, please let us know! We are always happy to help!
If you have a balance board, leave a comment below and let us know what your child loves to do with theirs!