A modern school child has to do a lot of work on a computer, so a properly equipped workplace is very important. A comfortable computer chair will not only make it easier for a child to stay in one place for a long time but will also reduce the load on the back and organs of vision during the work.
What is a kid’s computer chair?
Computer chairs have become an indispensable attribute of modern life. It’s necessary not only for adults but also for children. In the age of computer technology, many homework must be done with the help of it. The child regularly sits down at the computer, so it is important to equip this place with the necessary and age-appropriate furniture.
According to this article, children’s computer chairs are sold in specialized furniture stores. They have special requirements, as they have a significant impact on the health of students. This kind of children’s furniture should help form a correct posture of a child.
4 functions of a kid’s computer chair
Probably, every parent wants their child to be healthy. Unfortunately, many school-age children suffer from various posture disorders. This is mainly due to the fact that children spend a lot of time in a sitting position. At school, children need to do many tasks on a computer. In such a situation, it’s very difficult to keep the correct posture. That’s why it’s important not only to limit the student’s stay at the computer, but also provide them with a correct computer chair.
The right model will help:
- support the back in the right position;
- provide comfort during the long lessons;
- unload the spine;
- prevent blood flow disorder.
Types of children’s computer chairs
The variety of shapes and colors of computer chairs is incredible. Children’s models are made in the forms of animals, faces, with funny drawings and patterns. Such designs will be perfect for kids and provide them with good mood. In addition, a good chair will ensure the correct posture of your child.
There are several categories of computer chairs for children at home:
- models for 4-8 year olds;
- for 8-12 year olds;
- models for children over 14 years of age.
A well-organized workspace with appropriate furniture will be good for the eyes and spine and will significantly increase the child’s interest in the lessons.
There are several main groups of computer chairs for children:
- armchairs;
- chairs (soft, plastic, wooden);
- kneeling chairs;
- stools.
Many manufacturers, in the pursuit of higher sales, add the word “orthopedic” to their product names. Such an orthopedic chair can prevent disorders in the formation of the child’s musculoskeletal system. As the child’s spine is still developing at this age, it’s important to prevent its curvature, which may further grow into scoliosis or lordosis.
Orthopedic armchairs
An orthopedic armchair usually has a large backrest. Its design implies both adjustment of the seat height and changing the backrest inclination. Thus, it’s possible to choose such an angle of inclination which allows a student to have the most convenient position. The computer chair will support the child’s back, relieving the kid from unnecessary tension. Choose the size of the chair based on your child’s size. If it doesn’t fit your student’s size, it may cause an incorrect posture, which may lead to serious health problems.
Most children’s computer chairs are equipped with armrests. The most comfortable models are provided with headrests, wheels, and seat and backrest adjustment mechanisms. For the youngest users, manufacturers produce special models with a footrest. This is because the best position is a sitting with knees bent at the right angle.
Computer chairs
A computer chair has long been a familiar attribute of our lives. It’s a model consisting of a seat, legs, backrest, and sometimes armrests and wheels.
There are computer chairs made of plastic and wood. There are children’s chairs, which have a mechanism to regulate the backrest and seats.
Usually, such a wooden model has a special footrest, so that the child can sit comfortably regardless of their height.
Of course, the most popular are soft computer chairs and chairs for children. They allow you to sit comfortably on a soft seat, and they are known for their exquisite design. Unfortunately, this design has a number of disadvantages, which can have a negative impact on your child’s health. First of all, it’s the lack of a backrest regulation. Back muscles strain, a backbone gets tired, the child starts to slouch and lean on elbows. They can sit for a very long time keeping this unhealthy posture.
That’s why the ability to adjust the backrest and seat is very important. Orthopedic chairs, contrary to regular ones, allow you to adjust the tilt of the backrest.
A special system that controls the position of the lumbar region, supports student’s back, relieves stress on the muscles and spine. This helps prevent osteochondrosis and curvature of the spine.
Orthopedic kneeling chairs
This unusual model of a chair can be equipped with a backrest or not. The difference from other models is that, besides the soft seat, the chair has special stands for knees. When sitting on such a chair, a person leans mainly on their knees. Many users of this model note its positive impact on their posture. While sitting on the orthopedic kneeling chair, the spine itself takes an upright position, not causing excessive strain on the muscles of the back and neck. Of course, you will need to get used to this chair, but it’s worth it.
Orthopedic stools
Another unusual design that is gaining popularity is the orthopedic stool. It looks a little strange and uncomfortable as it has a simple seat without a backrest. The soft seat is equipped with a special central hinge that allows the surface to bend. It can be of a round or rectangular shape.
A moving seat makes you constantly keep your balance. So you have to be in the right position at all times, keeping the back straight and the legs at shoulder width. Sitting on a chair like this is like a dance. You constantly balance on a surface, making circular movements with your hips. This daily workout allows you to strengthen the entire muscle corset. You will avoid blood stagnation in the organs of the pelvis and tone the spine muscles up.
According to the manufacturer, a person who uses an orthopedic stool increases attention, memory, and performance, improves mood, and develops perseverance and a positive attitude to learning. It’s impossible to slouch on such a stool, and the moving seat gives alternating load on different muscles, so that a person can stay in a chair for a long time and not get tired.
How to choose a child computer chair according to the age
When choosing a suitable computer chair, it’s necessary to think first of all about the age of the child, who will use it. Each age group needs its own specific features, which must be incorporated into the design of a chair. Thus, the requirements for a first-grader chair will differ a little bit from the chair for a teenager. Each age group also has its own needs in ergonomics, design, and construction specifics.
However, all of them should perform a number of standard functions:
- support the back;
- provide comfort during the lessons;
- reduce the load on the muscles of the body and spine;
- prevent circulatory disturbances due to prolonged sitting.
Basic selection criteria
To choose children’s furniture, you should take into account several criteria.
Construction
It’s a defining point in choosing a children’s computer chair. The construction of a quality armchair should have a support for the child’s feet and backrest regulation at the right angle. Sitting on such a model, the child will be able to keep the legs at the right angle and fully lean on the back of the chair, relieving tension from their spine. This way, the kid maintains the correct posture.
If there are no armrests at the child’s computer chair, the back muscles of its owner will gradually strengthen. The student will have to keep the correct position of the body, as they will not have anything to lean on. But if your kid moves constantly or already has posture disorders, you may need a computer chair with armrests.
With or without wheels
The smaller the child is, the better it is to buy a chair without wheels. A chair with wheels is suitable for those students who have already reached a certain age, when education prevails over games.
Adjustment
A child’s computer chair should have mechanisms to adjust its seat height. This not only provides a certain level of comfort, but is also good for the musculoskeletal system and eyesight. At the same time, you have to remember that the child’s height changes rapidly. Modern hydraulic lift mechanisms have a high degree of cushioning. If the chair will be adjusted in height and depth of the seat, it will be possible to fit it perfectly to the student.
There are models of children’s computer chairs that have headrests. This accessory not only allows you to avoid stress on the cervical spine, but also helps to adjust the distance to the monitor screen, which has a positive effect on vision.
Quality of materials
Be sure to check the quality of the materials of the child’s computer chair. If the model is wooden, you should study the quality of wood and its polishing. Also, make sure that the fabric is natural and hypoallergenic. The best type is tapestry with the addition of viscose.
Footrest
For a small child, a footrest is important. This is what makes it possible to maintain the correct posture for a long time. If the computer chair isn’t equipped with a footrest, you may have to make it yourself. In a sitting position, child’s legs should be bent at the right angle and rest on the floor or stand.
Ecology
Children’s furniture is usually made of materials that are not harmful to human health. The child’s computer chair must also meet these requirements. It should be made of hypoallergenic materials and natural fabric. The best option would be a cotton upholstery. Such a material will have a beneficial effect on the child’s body without causing overheating or hypothermia.
Design
There is a wide range of children’s computer armchairs in the market. Therefore, when choosing a suitable model, you should, above all, take into account the preferences of your child. An excellent option would be the use of removable covers for chairs, which are easy to wash.
A student who uses a good computer chair during the lessons has good health, beautiful posture, and a cheerful mood. And if you have chosen a child’s computer chair, which can transform as the child grows, this model will suit you for many years.