Wobble cushion

Help your child focus better, with less fidgeting!

The Stimove wobble cushion is an inflatable seat cushion that helps children (and adults) hold their attention by allowing just the right amount of movement. Instead of asking a child to sit still, you give the body a small, safe outlet. The result: less restlessness on the chair and more attention for the task at hand.

Why a wobble cushion works

Many children find it hard to sit still because their body needs movement input. A wobble cushion provides exactly that: subtle, controlled movement that helps them to:

• release restlessness;
• focus at school or at home;
• improve their sitting posture;
• stay seated at the table for longer.

The gentle instability keeps the abdominal and back muscles lightly engaged all the time. The body keeps moving without the child having to get up or shuffle around. These small movements help regulate sensory input, which leaves more room to pay attention.

Who is the wobble cushion suitable for?

The wobble cushion is ideal for:

• children with sensory processing difficulties (such as under- or overstimulation);
• children with AD(H)D or concentration problems;
• pupils who quickly start to wiggle, fidget or slide off their chair;
• adults who want to sit more actively and ergonomically;
• therapy and exercise sessions, such as occupational therapy or physiotherapy.

The cushion is suitable from 3 years and supports up to 80 kilos. That means it grows with your child from toddler to teenager, and a teacher, parent or carer can use it too.

Size and height: is this wobble cushion right for your child?

The wobble cushion has a diameter of 34 cm and is about 6 cm high. That size fits almost any children’s chair, school chair or dining chair without sticking out over the edge.

Keep an eye on the seat height when using it. Because the cushion raises the seat by a few centimetres, it is important that your child can still sit with both feet flat on the floor (or on a footrest), with the knees at roughly a 90-degree angle. If the feet are dangling, your child loses support and the movement becomes harder to control. For young children, a small box or a stack of books under the feet solves this easily.

When the cushion is used on the floor, for example in circle time or while playing, the height does not matter and your child can also kneel or stand on it to practise balance.

Air pressure and inflating: how to set up the cushion

The wobble cushion comes with a small needle pump, so you can adjust the firmness yourself. The amount of air determines how much movement the cushion gives:

• Less air makes the cushion softer and more stable. A good place to start, for young children and for children who are easily overstimulated.
• More air makes the cushion rounder and wobblier. That gives more movement input and asks more of balance and core muscles.

Never inflate the cushion rock-hard. A good rule of thumb: when your child sits on it, it should still give a little and you should not feel the chair seat. Start with a little less air and only add more when you notice your child is looking for more movement. Check the firmness now and then, as a cushion that is used daily can slowly lose some air.

Using it in the classroom and at home

In the classroom

In the classroom, the wobble cushion is a quiet aid that attracts little attention. It simply sits on the chair, makes no noise and takes up no extra space. Pupils can move while they listen, read or write, without disturbing the rest of the class. Many teachers use one or more cushions that children can take turns using.

At home at the table and during homework

At home, the cushion helps at times when sitting still is difficult: during meals, while doing homework or during a game at the table. Because it is light and compact, it is also easy to take along to grandparents, on holiday or to therapy.

Alternating works better than all day

It is important not to use a wobble cushion all the time. Children get used to the feeling after a while, which makes the effect wear off. So use the cushion purposefully: at moments when concentration matters most, or when you notice restlessness building up. Then put it away again for a while.

Wobble cushion or another seat cushion?

There are several seat cushions for children who find it hard to sit still. Which one suits your child best depends on the kind of input they are looking for:

• Wobble cushion (this cushion): gives movement input through air. Your child can move gently back and forth. Ideal for children who wiggle, twist or shuffle on their chair.
• Shaped wobble cushion: the Wobble Cushion Monster and the Wobbly Cushion Butterfly work the same way, but have a playful shape and nubs for extra tactile input.
• Cushion with weight or beads: the Oliz Seat Cushion Eva does not move, but gives firm pressure through wooden beads instead. Suitable for children who find calm in pressure rather than movement.
• Vibrating cushion: the Senseez gives gentle vibrations that help children calm down.

Not sure which cushion fits best? Compare all our wobble cushions side by side.

The benefits of a wobble cushion at a glance

• ✔️ Improves concentration and on-task behaviour
• ✔️ Allows movement without forcing the child to sit still
• ✔️ Strengthens core stability and sitting posture
• ✔️ Firmness adjustable with the included pump
• ✔️ Easy to take along: light and compact
• ✔️ Can be used on any chair or on the floor

Product specifications

• Contents: 1 balance cushion incl. small needle pump
• Size: 34 cm diameter and 6 cm high
• Max. load: 80 kilos
• Material: PVC
• Colour: green or grey
• Brand: Stimove
• Age: 3+ years

Frequently asked questions

What size wobble cushion does my child need?

This wobble cushion has a diameter of 34 cm. That fits almost all children’s and school chairs and is suitable for children from 3 years up to adults weighing up to 80 kilos. More important than the size of the cushion is the seat height: your child should be able to sit with their feet flat on the floor or on a footrest.

How much air should be in a wobble cushion?

Do not inflate the cushion rock-hard. Your child should still sink in slightly without feeling the chair. Less air gives a more stable cushion, more air gives more movement. Start on the soft side and add air with the included pump if your child needs more movement.

From what age is a wobble cushion suitable?

This wobble cushion is suitable from 3 years. Young children can use it at the table or in circle time, older children in the classroom and during homework. Adults can sit on it too, up to a weight of 80 kilos.

How do you clean a wobble cushion?

The cushion is made of PVC, which makes it easy to keep clean. Wipe it with a damp cloth and a little mild soap if needed, then let it air dry. Do not use sharp objects or harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the material.

Wobble cushion or bean bag: which is the better fit?

A bean bag is mainly meant for relaxing and calming down, for example in a quiet corner. A wobble cushion is meant for sitting actively at a table or desk, so your child can move while working. If you want your child to stay focused on a task, a wobble cushion is the best choice.