Balance Boards: Not For the Faint of Heart

By Ariel

In which Ariel discusses why a balance board might be for your child, if you - the parents can handle it. This post contains affiliate links. By using them you help keep Busy Nest News running. Thank you for your continued support!

The Wavee from Sarah's Silks

Bean is a spirited child. She has the energy to rival a nuclear reactor. She is constantly looking for new physical challenges. So for her second birthday, we wanted to choose a big ticket item that would channel her zest for exploration in a safer parent-approved direction. We chose a Wavee Board from Sarah’s Silks. Sometimes called a balance board, rocker board or wobbel board - after the largest and most popular European distributor - this simple curved board is a staple in Waldorf classrooms for good reason.

Balance boards come in all shapes and sizes. The Wavee is a composite of American Maple and Poplar with a natural durable water-based finish. It is 11 ½ inches wides and 34 inches long  - longer if you follow the curve of the board. It is 10/16ths wide allowing it to hold up to 250 lbs. This 250 lb limit seems to be fairly standard across wooden balance boards. So parents, if you are looking for some weebly wobbly fun you may want to look elsewhere.

The Wavee from Sarah's Silks

Balance boards encourage young children to develop gross motor skills, especially core strength and stability - an essential component of balance and posture. Balance boards improve our coordination as they force children to move in all planes - not just up and down, but side to side in 360 degrees of movement. Balance boards are also great for kinesthetic learners. Those children who learn best when they are in motion. Balance boards, like the Wavee, encourage physical play - getting children moving indoors!

I chose the Wavee because it’s more than just a balance board. The Wavee and wooden boards like it were created for more. They are simpler and less busy than comparable plastic balance boards, inviting children to stretch their imaginations. They can be bridges, tables, mountains or caves, cradles or ships and so much more. They can be added to just about any activity!

I also chose the Wavee because balance boards take up space. This is not an item you can likely store out of site. The Wavee and wooden balance boards like it look beautiful - if you love not only the versatility but the aesthetic of wooden toys the Wavee is for you. The Wavee is a five eggs - no doubt about it. Bean plays with it every days, whether she is actively teetering around our living room or curled up on it watching television. It is well-loved!

Balance boards are not for the faint of heart though. If your child plays with even an ounce of the reckless abandon Bean gives to her shenanigans you will be in for it. Most days I am on the edge of my seat! So clear the living room of sharp edges, step back and enjoy the show.  Do you think you can handle it?

The Wavee used to be sold on amazon, which is where I purchased it. If you are also a die-hard amazon shopper like myself this wooden balance board by Kinderfeets is comparable.

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