Alternative Seating Options

As a Pediatric Physical Therapist, I’m always looking for simple ways to carry the benefits of PT into everyday activities.

Alternative seating gives kids opportunities to move while they work, play, create, and learn. Changing positions can encourage postural control, balance, coordination, strength, and endurance.

These ideas do not just apply to school settings, but to the home setting as well. When your child is doing homework, creating beautiful artwork, building impressive structures with Legos, or really any activity at home, incorporating one of these alternative seating options can add an extra layer of movement and challenge!

Cube Chair

The cube chair is a great option for smaller children. It offers three different height options as the child grows. We want to promote weight bearing through feet with hips, knees & ankles at around 90 degree angle for optimal postural activation and trunk control.

Peanut Ball

The peanut ball offers different size options to accommodate each child’s needs. With feet planted in straddle sit position, the peanut ball allows for gentle weight shifting, promoting abdominal and oblique activation.

The peanut ball can also be used with both feet in front of ball to promote greater postural control and trunk strength.

Balance Ball Chair

The balance ball chair promotes postural control, while allowing the child opportunities for movement and sensory input. It is an incredible tool in the classroom or home setting!

Wobble Cushion

The wobble cushion can be used directly on the floor or the child’s chair. The cushion promotes core stability, trunk engagement, balance and postural awareness.

The wobble cushion can also be used behind the child’s back to prevent slouching, as it provides gentle tactile input to encourage more upright posture.

Wedge Cushion

The wedge cushion is a wonderful tool to address sitting posture. The wedge allows for slight pelvic tilt, encouraging engagement of trunk musculature. It comes in two sizes. The larger size is ideal for the floor, while the smaller size fits easily on the child’s chair.

Wobble Stool

The Wobble Stool is a dynamic sitting option, promoting trunk strength & stability. The Wobble Stool allows for weight shifting and postural awareness.

Vertical Surface

Another great alternative is working at vertical surfaces. This can be at an easel, whiteboard, or chalkboard. Working at a vertical surface promotes upper body stability, encourages bilateral coordination, hand eye coordination, and trunk activation.

Add in therapy ball with vertical surface activity for added postural engagement. It is also a great sensory break for children!

Prone Play

Working in prone is another great alternative addressing upper body weight bearing, shoulder strength & stability, back extensor mobility, head & neck extension.

Try placing a soft incline wedge under the chest to make prone play more comfortable and add an extra challenge.

The goal isn’t perfect sitting all day. Kids are meant to move! Try changing positions throughout the day and look for simple opportunities to add movement to activities your child already enjoys.

Want more ideas for helping your child build strength, coordination, and confidence through movement?

Learn more about Dinosaur Physical Therapy!