Beyond a Place to Relax: Creative Ways to Use Bean Bags for Kids’ Playtime

Are you looking for a versatile and fun addition to your kid’s bedroom? Look no further than the humble bean bag! These soft, squishy bags full of fun are perfect for creating a reading nook or a play area. Additionally, there are many creative ways to use bean bags for kids’ playtime to keep your little ones engaged, active, and entertained. But first, let’s see the many benefits of bean bags for children and how to choose the right one for your kid.

Is a Bean Bag Good for Kids?

Most people wrongly assume that bean bags are only good for lounging and relaxing for adults after a long day at work. Contrary to this belief, they’re actually quite useful for young ones as well, despite their squishy, cushiony form.

They Promote Good Posture

Bean bags, designed to mould to a child’s body shape, provide the support needed and encourage good posture. That can help prevent slouching or hunching over, leading to back pain or other issues later in life. Even though it might not seem like it can actually help, it’s worth noting that bean bags encourage children to sit up and maintain a healthy posture with little effort on their part.

They Provide Sensory Stimulation

The texture and weight of bean bags can provide sensory stimulation for children, which can be especially beneficial for those with sensory processing disorders. Squeezing, tossing, and manipulating the bean bags can help improve fine motor skills, coordination, and concentration.

They Enhance Creativity and Imagination

Bean bags are versatile, meaning you can use them in various games and activities, from classic toss games to imaginative obstacle courses. They can help stimulate creativity and imagination in children, encouraging them to think outside the box and think of new ways to play.

They Are Safe and Durable

Bean chairs for kids, typically made from soft, durable materials, are safe for kids to play with. They’re also lightweight and easy to move around, making them a convenient addition to any playroom. They have the added benefit of being able to take a lot of wear and tear since they can be filled with foam, which makes them more durable than other types of furniture.

How to Choose a Bean Bag for Your Child?

When searching for a fitting addition to your children’s bedroom, you’ll come across comfy children’s bean bags in various sizes and forms. Checking the type of bag and a few other factors is necessary when selecting the proper bean bag.

Type

The primary distinction is whether you’ll use the bag as furniture, storage, or both. The two most typical varieties are:

1. Standard bean bags packed with polyurethane foam beads, commonly used as chairs
2. Storage and seating bean bags arrive as an empty, machine-washable outer cover (A zipper on the lid allows one to access the bag and store toys)

Size

When choosing a bean bag, it’s crucial to consider the size. An option that is too small may not provide enough support, while a too-large one may be uncomfortable to sit in. Look for a children’s bean bag appropriate for your child’s age and size.

Material

Bean bags come in various materials, including cotton, polyester, vinyl, and leather. Consider what type of material will be most comfortable for your child, as well as the durability of the material. If you have young children or pets, choose a material that’s easy to clean.

Filling

Polystyrene beads, shredded foam, or natural fillers like buckwheat or rice are common filling types. Consider what will be most comfortable for your child and provide the proper support. A common misconception is that the more filled a bean bag is, the better it will last – however, this isn’t true. Overstuffing can compromise its structure, affecting its overall shape and comfort.

Safety

Look for a design with safety in mind. For example, children’s bean bags with zippers or removable covers should have child-resistant closures to prevent accidental openings. Also, ensure the bag is free of hazardous chemicals or materials.

Design

Bean chairs come in various colours and designs, so consider what will appeal to your child’s tastes and preferences. Some options come in fun shapes or patterns that can add an extra element of fun to playtime.

Creative Ways of Using Bean Bags for Children’s Play

Reading Nook

Bean bags can provide a comfortable and supportive seat for reading. Create a cosy reading nook in your child’s bedroom by filling a bean bag with pillows and blankets. Encourage your child to snuggle up and read their favourite books.

Play Area

You can use bean bags to create a fun and comfortable play area in your child’s bedroom by arranging them in a circle to create a cosy play space for your child and their friends. It can be a great spot for playing games, watching movies, or hanging out.

Homework Station

You can move these versatile seatings around the room effortlessly to accommodate different activities. For example, you can use bean bags as a comfortable seating option for your child’s homework station. That way can provide a comfortable and supportive seat for your child to complete homework assignments.

Sleepover Seating

Beanie sacks can be an excellent option for extra seating during sleepovers. Provide a few for your child and their friends to sit on while watching movies or chatting. You can put them in their dedicated storage once all of the fun is over.

Indoor Obstacle Course

Use bean bags as part of an indoor obstacle course by placing them on the ground for kids to jump over or have them balance the bean bags on their heads while completing an obstacle course. What a fun and active way for kids to use their bean chairs!

Sensory Play

Fill a bean bag with different materials, such as rice, beans, or small toys, to transform it into a sensory toy. Encourage kids to explore the different textures and objects inside the bean bag.

Building Blocks

Another creative way to use bean bags is as building blocks for kids to construct structures, as they can be easily stacked and arranged to create different shapes and sizes. When arranged correctly, bean bags can make a great learning tool for kids to better understand geometry and spatial orientation skills. You can even create obstacle courses using bean bags for kids to climb over and crawl through.

Exercise Equipment

Encourage kids to use bean bags for sit-ups, squats, and other exercises, creating a fun and playful way to encourage physical activity and fitness. Some models are designed specifically for exercise, with heavier material and more supportive structures that provide extra stability. This can help kids avoid injury, especially during more demanding activities.

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