Which chair is best for a schoolchild: choosing the right and safe furniture

What is better to choose, an orthopedic chair or a chair for a child?

Do I need to buy a special growing chair, or will a regular chair for the home be sufficient for a future student?

The little student will spend long hours studying from the very first days. The child’s height is still small and his feet do not always reach the floor, and the student’s skeleton is just forming and an incorrect position on a chair at a desk is dangerous to health. Below you will find a review of the chairs and the conclusions of a pediatric orthopedist.

How to choose the right orthopedic chair for a schoolchild or first-grader?

Orthopedist Tatyana Nikiforovna Sadovaya - chair test
We turned to the famous orthopedist, head of the orthopedic center of the Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology, Tatyana Nikiforovna Sadovaya.
Tatyana Nikiforovna is an active orthopedic doctor and candidate of medical sciences. The orthopedist's review of growing stools was unexpected. This article will help parents not only choose the right chair, but also save a decent amount of money. For our test, we took two main types of chairs that are currently on the market for orthopedic furniture for schoolchildren.

Rating of the best growing chairs for children

Nomination	place	Name of product	price
The best growing chairs for children under 10,000 rubles	1	MILLWOOD adjustable Vyrastaika-2	5 380 ₽
2	Hauck Alpha+	7 480 ₽
3	Belmarco “Usura graphite-mint”	6 190 ₽
4	Little Humpbacked Horse Universal	5 390 ₽
5	Growing adjustable chair Kid-Fix	6 620 ₽
6	Scientist cat DS-260	1 250 ₽
The best growing chairs over 10,000 rubles	1	Stokke Tripp Trapp	16 490 ₽
2	Brevi Slex Evo	13 800 ₽
3	Geuther Family	18 080 ₽
4	Evomove Nomi	11 100 ₽
5	Kidsmill Up!	17 390 ₽
6	Cybex Lemo Wood	15 700 ₽

Furniture for a schoolchild (orthopedist recommendations + video)

Important conditions for correct position behind a chair:

• The straight back is supported by the backrest
• Feet must be on the floor with full feet

In order to find the correct position of the child behind the chair, he must meet the following requirements.

Kneeling children's chair (chair with knee support)

The models contribute to the formation of correct posture and are classified as orthopedic furniture. A characteristic feature is the seat at an angle to the floor surface.

Pros:

• do not have armrests;
• reduce the load on the back muscles and abdominal organs;
• maintain posture (according to manufacturers).

Minuses:

• a balancing support that requires effort to maintain the desired body position;
• angular position causes rapid fatigue and in some cases worsens health (for example, pain and discomfort in the knees and calves and numbness of the lower extremities);
• not the best option for students.

Requirements for an orthopedic chair for a schoolchild

A schoolchild's chair should be adjustable:

• According to seat height
• By seat depth
• Back height
• According to the angle of the backrest

Position of the child on a chair or in an armchair:

• The child must sit deeply
• The back should tightly support the back in the lumbar area
• The backrest should be positioned so that the child can lean back in the chair and rest for a few minutes (seconds).
• Your feet should be on the floor at right angles.
• If your feet do not yet reach the floor, be sure to place a stand under both feet
• The chair should be pushed very tightly to the table: 2 fingers to the edge of the tabletop, so as not to restrict breathing

First-grader Danil took part in our conversation with the orthopedist. Using his example, we were convinced that modern models of orthopedic chairs have certain shortcomings and none of them meet 100% orthopedic requirements. Let's take a closer look.

For schoolchildren, there are two main types of orthopedic chairs for sale at home:

Functions of orthopedic chairs

A category of chairs recommended for the prevention of spinal diseases and intended for schoolchildren with impaired skeletal bone function. It is designed so that during application certain muscle groups are involved.

To ensure that long hours of work at a desk do not affect the child’s health, the furniture must be appropriate for his height and age.

Such a chair keeps the direction and angle of the back in the most safe position for posture. The main task of the seat is to ensure the adoption of a posture that is safe for health. A properly selected orthopedic chair performs the following functions:

• relieves muscle tension, making the child less tired;
• maintains posture, preventing the development of pathological changes in the skeleton;
• strengthens muscle and connective tissues;
• improves blood microcirculation;
• increases concentration, efficiency, perseverance;
• reduces body fatigue;
• ensure that the eyes are at the required distance from the notebooks, reducing the risk of vision impairment.

Taking into account many nuances, you will be able to purchase a comfortable chair that preserves your health.

Soft orthopedic chairs for schoolchildren (Comf-pro and others) - pros and cons

Our test included the Oxford Comf-pro orthopedic chair for schoolchildren

Price

Manufacturers Mealux, Kettler, Fundesck, Duorest, etc. have similar chairs. These chairs have a solid appearance and a large number of adjustments. They have soft seats and backs and an attractive appearance. As a rule, children really like these chairs. The quality is usually good, and the price starts from 14,000 rubles.

More budget and high-quality chairs:

Recommendation

Armchair Rifforma Comfort-23 with cover

Price

We set our chair to the minimum height, selected a comfortable position for the backrest, and then we discovered that the first-grader’s legs did not reach the floor!

It turned out that for the correct position it needs to be modified: make a stand for the feet so that the first-grader’s legs do not dangle. But it is quite difficult to fix this position, given that the chair is on wheels and the first-grader involuntarily rolls and fidgets on it.

Recommendation

Height-adjustable footrest

Price
Pros

• The chair is adjustable in height, backrest angle, seat depth, backrest height
• Solid appearance and good quality
• Easy adjustment without additional tools

Minuses

• A first-grader's feet don't reach the floor
• The footrest is difficult to use due to the shape of the chair and the presence of wheels
• High price

What should a chair be like?

There are quite a lot of nuances:

• Children grow quickly, so it is necessary to choose a model that is sized and, at the same time, “suitable for growth.”
• The chair should be orthopedic and comfortable - this will allow the student to spend a long time studying and maintain correct posture.
• We remember about aesthetics. The young owner should like the workplace, motivate him to study and create, and at the same time fit harmoniously into the interior.
• Safety is the most important criterion. Please pay attention to the absence of sharp corners and the stability of the structure.
• Materials should be non-toxic and, ideally, natural.

According to scientists, a schoolchild spends about seven hours a day on classes and doing homework. And if you add here time on the computer or TV, meals, then all ten. At the same time, the spine experiences enormous stress. Compliance with these nuances will help to avoid scoliosis, muscle stiffness and set the child up for long sessions.

Orthopedic chairs for home type Demi - pros and cons

The next test involved Demi's orthopedic chair

Price

The Demi growing chair is a cheaper analogue of the Kettler chair, made in Germany. Demi is cheaper than Comf-pro and does not have wheels. However, it turned out that it needed a little modification.

When sitting, support for the back, and especially the lower back, is very important. Unfortunately, many chairs that call themselves orthopedic do not comply with this requirement. Demi's chair is adjustable in height and seat depth, but does not support your back. The backrest is rigid and cannot be adjusted in angle. However, it can be modified by purchasing a special orthopedic chair cushion.

With such a pillow, the child's back is supported from the lower back to the upper back. In addition, it is soft and pleasant to rest on. This pillow is suitable for both children and adults.

Price

Pros and cons of the Demi orthopedic chair:

pros

• The chair is adjustable in height, seat depth, back height
• Stands steadily on the floor, does not fidget
• Affordable price

Minuses

• The backrest angle is not adjustable, the backrest is rigid
• Difficult chair adjustment using tools (adults only)

Structural features of height-adjustable chairs, depending on the type

Experts in the field of orthopedics believe that it is necessary to use a chair on the recommendation of a doctor, and if the child is initially healthy and the parents have not heard any advice from a specialist, then read the next section. It tells everything in detail about the design of popular product options.

It is easier to use an orthopedic chair together with a table. It can be transported and stored anywhere if there is no need PHOTO: babyactiv.ru

Standard models of chairs for home, height-adjustable

Among the wide range there are options for chairs, which are divided into simple and “sophisticated”. These devices differ not only in price category, but also in external features.

Orthopedic chairs have a reliable platform on which wheels are installed PHOTO: fantasticbook.ru

Orthopedic chair with solid back

A model of a chair for a schoolchild's desk can have a solid back. As a rule, it is slightly larger than the area of ​​the child's back. This design has a reliable fixation. A correctly adjusted backrest takes the anatomical shape of this part of the child’s body.

A comfortable children's chair without a headrest is also suitable for a computer desk PHOTO: ot-mebel.ru

Orthopedic chair with a back divided into two parts

Models with a split back are considered attractive and structurally comfortable. They are suitable for those children who do not experience back and neck problems. This option provides a comfortable position in a chair and helps relax the back muscles without stooping the spine.

A good model for boys and girls with many adjustments PHOTO: sportudar.ru

Orthopedic knee chair for schoolchildren

It is the kneeling chair that contributes to the formation of correct posture in childhood. Therefore, you need to choose it carefully, taking into account the design and design features. As a rule, parents try to take into account the physiological characteristics of the child’s body, weight and height. This makes it possible to correctly select the appropriate height option, regardless of the presence of various regulators.

It is a fairly convenient option. Suitable for short children PHOTO: klasstorg.ru

Balancing orthopedic chair

The right chair for a schoolchild is not necessarily one with a back, armrests and other auxiliary parts. It can be presented in the form of a rocking chair. This model is also considered orthopedic. It prevents curvature of the spine. However, if you choose a wooden model, you need to ensure the strength of the connections. They spill the beans from time to time.

The lifting mechanism has a vacuum pump installed in the chair leg PHOTO: pro-medic.ru

Orthopedic chairs with saddle seat

A saddle chair is a good furniture option for both schoolchildren and teenagers. Its seat is shaped like a bicycle seat, which is why it was named so. The design is comfortable, the upholstery material does not slip and does not lose its color over time.

Some models are fully equipped, including an air back, headrest, and various stands PHOTO: dutch.alibaba.com

Custom designed children's orthopedic chairs

If a child has some health problems, for example, with the back, doctors recommend choosing special orthopedic devices. They are prescribed to help the child adapt to school and improve academic performance. Among individual models, they are usually distinguished.

1. Dynamic school chairs for home. They differ in that they do not have armrests or backrests. It is convenient to adjust such devices according to the method of installation on the floor. With this chair you can accurately determine the center of gravity. Often similar models are chosen for transforming tables.
2. Orthopedic chairs for schoolchildren “Standing-sitting”. Such options are more suitable for teenagers who have suffered serious spinal injuries. They will also be relevant for back diseases. The legs in such chairs remain almost straight, but the pelvis is securely placed in the seat.
3. A school chair with a footrest will be comfortable if height adjustment is not enough. Sitting with support eliminates back problems. Since in this position the back will be forced to remain straight.

Any orthopedic product, used as intended, helps the child push his spine to the correct formation.

Orthopedic chairs with narrow armrests are more suitable for teenagers PHOTO: nupago.ru

On a note! All ortho-chairs have some mobility, this helps the body not to be constantly in static tension. Accordingly, the risk of deformation of a child’s fragile back is minimized.

conclusions

There are quite a lot of orthopedic chairs for schoolchildren for home in modern children's online stores. We took 2 of the most prominent representatives: a chair-chair and a growing chair. Having tested them on a 7-year-old first-grader together with an orthopedic doctor, we discovered shortcomings in both models. With an expensive chair, the child’s legs could not reach the floor, and the growing chair did not provide support for the back. In both cases, the chairs were modified. A footrest was placed next to the chair, and a special orthopedic pillow was installed on the back of the chair. The option of purchasing a regular inexpensive chair according to one’s height + an orthopedic pillow has not been ruled out.

Wheels for a chair are a controversial issue. On the one hand, it’s so great to ride a chair around the room or around the table. On the other hand, it undoubtedly distracts from studying. Even older schoolchildren find it difficult to concentrate on problems when they can ride on a chair. It’s even more difficult for kids. In this regard, Demi's chair is also preferable. It stands very firmly and is almost impossible to move it from its place.

Please note that already from the first grade, a child spends many hours at home at a chair and desk, and therefore all orthopedists advise you to be very careful in choosing furniture that preserves the child’s health and does not distort it.

And in this article we looked at the exercises that an orthopedist recommends for schoolchildren to do to warm up during breaks between lessons.

Varieties of designs for schoolchildren

Furniture manufacturers offer a wide range of chairs for schoolchildren. If a few decades ago standard desk chairs were used, today “growing”, ergonomic designs are very popular. For example, transformable chairs for schoolchildren provide additional functions: they increase the life of the furniture and contribute to the formation and maintenance of correct posture in the child.

Standard written

Many parents, in the old fashioned way, choose a classic chair for their student. The basic design consists of a steel frame and a seat made of wood or plastic. Desk chairs do not have the ability to adjust the backrest angle and seat height, however, the dimensions must correspond to the child’s physique and height. Classic furniture is suitable for writing or reading. Advantages of standard designs:

• affordable price;
• strength;
• sustainability;
• simplicity of the device.

The disadvantages of the product include a short period of use, since the chair will not grow with the student. Another disadvantage is the lack of functional parts, such as footrests, wheels, or an orthopedic back.

Growing

For many parents, the rating of the best chairs for schoolchildren is headed by the “growing” model. Its main advantage is saving money, because it is possible to purchase a model for growth.

These chairs differ in design, but they have one thing in common - the ability to adjust to the parameters and needs of the child. The designs are suitable for preschool and school age. Main advantages:

1. Long service life as the lifting mechanism is used infrequently.
2. Variety of models.
3. Reasonable price.
4. The chair can be used for writing, reading, and computer games.
5. Prevention of the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

It is recommended to adjust your stool every 6–12 months. It is worth considering that most manufacturers put limiters on the structures, so growing chairs are the best option for a child over 1.20 m tall.

Ergonomic

This is a type of orthopedic chair that combines a children's computer and ergonomic chair. Some models look like an unusual stool. There are products made on the principle of office chairs with beam support. The frame can be made of plastic or metal. The back and seat are made of leather or textiles.

If we compare an ergonomic chair with an office chair, the task of the latter is to ensure a comfortable position for the body. The peculiarity of the orthopedic model for schoolchildren is its targeted effect on maintaining an even posture and anatomically correct position of the spine. Your child will have to get used to ergonomic furniture.

The range of orthopedic chairs for schoolchildren is impressive: products can be complex or simple, complemented by various functional parts made from different materials. Ergonomic chairs can be used for writing, reading and any other school activities. At the same time, the main task of the product is the treatment and prevention of spinal diseases.

Advantages of orthopedic chairs for a child’s health:

1. Prevention and treatment of spinal curvatures.
2. Elimination of numbness of the extremities.
3. Formation of an even posture.
4. Prevention of pain or tightness in the lower back, head, shoulders, back.
5. Improving blood circulation and oxygen exchange.
6. Maintaining muscle tone.

Other advantages of the products include strength and durability of the structure, convenient adjustment, and simple operation. The chair can be adjusted to suit any child’s size, the furniture meets all safety rules - the fastenings are strong and the assembly is reliable. Almost all models have a beautiful design.

Patterns for crocheting covers for chairs and stools, stages of work

Not without its shortcomings. Thus, an orthopedic chair is supplemented with armrests, which leads to involuntary lifting of the shoulders and poor posture. Another significant disadvantage is that high-quality designs are quite expensive.

Correct sitting of the child in the chair

Children's orthopedic chairs are created in such a way as to provide the correct seat for the student. The following features are taken into account here:

• feet are completely flat on the floor;
• the shins are parallel to the floor surface;
• hips are in a horizontal position;
• the forearms are relaxed, and they can rest on the tabletop;
• your thighs should not touch the front edge of the seat;
• The back of the product is adjusted to the child’s back and also provides optimal support for the lower back.

In addition to the right table, it is recommended to choose an optimal table that has the ability to adjust the angle of the table top.

Thus, an orthopedic chair is the right choice for any schoolchild, as it ensures proper seating while studying or engaging in other activities at the desk. This has a positive effect on posture and overall health.

Criterias of choice

The choice of this product is considered quite difficult, since numerous factors are taken into account. There are many models on the market with numerous differences, so many parents are confused. Therefore, you should study the basic parameters of the chair. It is not recommended to rely on the professionalism of store employees, as they often try to sell unclaimed models that do not have the necessary characteristics for a particular child.

There are several characteristics that you should pay special attention to when choosing a product:

• back;
• presence of armrests;
• product height;
• back bend;
• strength and safety.

The backrest must have the correct shape and also have an optimal angle of inclination to ensure that the student sits level. An important factor is the rigidity of the back, because if it is soft, the back will sag. An excellent choice is the backrest, which has a built-in pendulum support, so it is highly mobile, which guarantees comfort for the child.

Some doctors argue that a high-quality orthopedic chair intended for children should not be equipped with armrests. This is due to the fact that the student will constantly use them, as a result of which he will slouch. Therefore, if you choose a product for sitting at a table, then it should not have armrests. If it is intended for watching TV, reading a book or relaxing, then the armrests are a good addition that increases the comfort of sitting. It will also be an excellent choice for working at a computer if you have an appropriate computer desk equipped with a drawer for the keyboard.

It is advisable to choose products that are height adjustable. The fact is that it will be used by a child who is growing quickly, so in order not to change the chair every year, it is recommended to choose initially adjustable designs.

Since the main purpose of an orthopedic chair is to create optimal conditions for the spine, it is recommended that it be equipped with a special mechanism that makes it possible to adjust the bend of the backrest. In this case, the product is adjusted to the student, which ensures the safety and comfort of its use.

It is best if the frame is made of aluminum or steel, since such models are highly durable and resistant to high loads.

Since the product is intended for a child, it is important that all materials used in the process of its creation are safe. In this case, be sure to study the quality certificate and other accompanying documents from the manufacturer before purchasing. It is important that all materials are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.