Do Children Need Ergonomic Furniture?
9 mins read

Do Children Need Ergonomic Furniture?

Long working hours can be physically taxing for employees and might even result in certain health conditions. Thus, smart companies have opted to invest in ergonomically sound office furniture for their workers.

Ultimately, applying ergonomics paid off through increased productivity, improved work quality and healthier, happier employees.

Adults gain health and work benefits from ergonomics, for sure. The question is, do children need ergonomic desks and chair sets, too? Let’s discover the benefits of ergonomic furniture for children and the items that can help with their studies or hobbies.

Children And Ergonomics: A Good Fit

The developmental stage of children is crucial. During this phase, parents need to teach their kids proper posture early. If not, it could result in recurring problems later on in life like body pains and even musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

That is why ergonomics plays a supportive role in a child’s development. With ergonomic-friendly chairs and desks, they can study and make time for recreation without harming their body. These items also help create a more conducive learning environment for them.

But before investing in ergonomic furniture, you need an in-depth understanding of its importance and types. That way, you get to pick out the right pieces that will grow with your child.

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Benefits Of Ergonomically Sound Chairs And Desks For Kids

Chairs and desks designed for comfort and prevention of MSDs help kids develop better learning habits. Here’s a list describing every benefit of ergonomic furniture for children.

1. Gives Sufficient Support

Compared with conventional ones, ergonomic chairs provide better spine and butt support. These typically have shallow bucket seats and backrests that prop up the spine’s 5-shaped curvature for comfort throughout use.

2. Minimises Discomfort

Ergonomic chairs reduce fatigue as the backrests and seats help correct and maintain proper posture. Their breathable mesh material also helps reduce sweating.

Ergonomic standing desks meanwhile are adjustable. You can tilt them or set their height to prevent kids from hunching over while studying.

3. Has Adjustable Features

One crucial benefit of ergonomic chairs and desks is they are completely adjustable. While standard chairs and tables typically have fixed heights, ergonomic ones feature pneumatic mechanisms for convenient height adjustments.

That means you get to train kids not to bend or hunch while working. Moreover, adjustable furniture pieces will encourage proper body posture throughout their growing years.

The best part? You don’t need to keep replacing their desk or chair each time they outgrow them.

4. Allows Smooth Sliding Motions

Unlike typical chairs, their ergonomic counterparts have additional features that make them more satisfying to use. Examples are wheels under the legs and 360-degree rotating motion.

These small yet practical add-ons help limit unnecessary movements that strain the neck, back or waist.

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Types Of Kid-Friendly Ergonomic Furniture

As children grow, they require furniture that can be adjusted and introduce proper posture. These furniture pieces will also provide sufficient support for comfort.

Ergonomic furniture designed for children will also reduce body strains and allow them to stay focused on their studies and desk-bound hobbies.

Here are examples of kid-friendly ergonomic furniture that you can consider.

Ergonomic Chairs

It’s difficult to ask kids to sit all day long, given that most traditional chairs are not suitable for that. What they need are chairs that can accommodate their growing height and size.

The following chair types have the right features that support this purpose:

  • Swivel Chair. The swivel chair is perfect for making directional changes. Its height is also adjustable to adapt to both sitting and standing desks.
  • Air Cushion Chair. This ergonomic chair provides the best comfort for the tailbone and pelvis.
  • Dynamic Cantilever Chair. Dynamic cantilever chairs come with a shell that facilitates forward postures for kids. These also offer excellent back support, so children’s spines stay propped up even when they lean backwards.
  • Hokki Stool. Active or Hokki stools do not include a backrest for optimal directional shifts. These also come with a convex base for easy, smoother movements.

Ergonomic Desks And Tables

The best ergonomic desks and tables for kids feature height adjustments to maintain proper body alignment. Here are some samples that support their fast-paced growth rate:

  • Kids’ Sit-Stand Desks And Tables. Sit and stand desks and tables now come in sizes and heights that suit children. These furniture items include adjustable height settings to accommodate constant standing and movement during desk activities.
  • Freeform Desk. Freeform desks and tables feature work surfaces with amoeba-like shapes that encourage kids to engage more and focus on their tasks and activities.
  • Multipurpose Table. A multipurpose table features a generous work surface for individual and group use. The large-sized worktop is also spacious enough to make desk items easily accessible.

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Ergonomic Accessories

Pairing furniture pieces with these equally ergonomic accessories will enhance your kids’ learning experience. Specifically, these will make studying and other desk activities easier, leading to more positive results, too:

  • Ergonomic Keyboard. Children can now use computer keyboards more suitable for their body and age. A 10-key pad, for instance, keeps the mouse aligned with the front of their shoulder.
  • Ergonomic Mouse. Children who frequently work with a computer are more likely to develop wrist conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. However, using an ergonomic mouse keeps their wrist in a more neutral position to avoid discomfort.
  • Ergonomic Footrest. This accessory allows kids to position their feet on a solid surface whenever they sit down. That way, their feet and legs stay relaxed rather than dangling. Specially designed ergonomic footrests boost their concentration and lessen unnecessary fidgeting, too.

Setbacks

Some parents are not yet ready to consider ergonomically sound furniture for their children due to the following reasons:

  • Most ergonomic furniture cost more than standard ones.
  • Most of the pieces require tedious assembly. Setting them up can be time-consuming, especially when products do not include clear, concise instructions.
  • Most kids are not yet ready to understand the mechanics and the importance of ergonomic furniture. They might prefer to use a more familiar traditional furniture than learn an ergonomic one.

Most ergonomic desks and chairs are indeed more expensive than traditional furniture. But some parents still find them worthy investments, considering the benefits they provide for their children.

For example, these can train the kids to observe proper sitting posture early. In turn, ergonomic furniture protects them from issues like postural kyphosis. This spinal condition is hard to fix when they become adults.

The best way around these setbacks is to introduce ergonomics to kids early on. This way, they have ample time to learn, adjust and make ergonomics a habit. 

Also, select furniture pieces that they will need and enjoy using. When possible, take them along with you as you shop around, and let them pick out the chair or table they like.

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Conclusion

With ergonomically sound furniture for children, sitting and learning become more conducive and efficient. These also provide enough body support to protect them from postural defects.

As for parents, the ultimate goal is to choose ergonomic furniture and accessories that suit your kids’ needs and your budget.

Informative Q&A

1. What problems can prolonged sitting cause?

Sitting for an extended period has been linked to several health conditions. These include heart disease, weight issues, hip and back conditions, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and diabetes.

As prevention, you need to stand up and move around for at least 5 minutes every hour at work. Try doing moderate-intensity exercises and activities daily for 60 to 75 minutes, too.

2. Can furniture affect your work performance?

Ergonomics helps in creating a more productive workplace. Having the right ergonomic furniture minimise discomfort by providing the best body support for its users.

When employees are comfortable and free from pain at work, they can concentrate better on their tasks. On the flip side, employers also benefit from ergonomics through smooth-sailing operations and improved work output.

3. Are shoes necessary when using a standing desk?

The consensus says going barefoot is better than wearing uncomfortable footwear. This recommendation works if users pair their standing desks with an anti-fatigue mat.

However, if you want to keep your muscles at peak health, make sure to use comfortable footwear with sufficient support.

Danielle Edenworth
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