The Benefits of Wobble Cushions

When used correctly, a sensory seat for autism can help improve a child’s concentration and overall learning. But there are many options on the market. One popular choice is the wobble cushion. What is it, and how do you know if it’s right for your child? 

What is a Wobble Cushion? 

A wobble cushion is sometimes referred to as an instability cushion or a disc cushion. It is also known as a wiggle cushion or wiggle seat.

It is either a round inflatable cushion averaging thirteen inches in diameter or an inflated wedge-shaped cushion. 

Wobble cushions usually have raised dimples on at least one side, while others have different sizes of dimples on both sides. They can be used on the floor or in a chair. 

Why Use a Wobble Cushion?

Wobble cushions have many benefits and purposes. All children can benefit from using a wobble cushion both at home and in school. However, wobble cushions are especially beneficial for sensory-seeking toddlers and children with autism or ADHD. 

The Benefits of Wobble Cushions

• Improves posture. Wobble or wiggle cushions promote good posture both when sitting on the floor or in a chair. Good posture helps children concentrate better on the task at hand instead of constantly repositioning to get more comfortable. Improving concentration and learning are especially important for children with ADHD and those on the autism spectrum. 
• Engages the core. Because of the instability of wiggle seats, the user must keep their core and back engaged even while sitting. This strengthens their muscles, and because it’s done in an aligned position, it tones muscles without risking injuries. 
• Helps sensory-seeking kids focus. The wobbly effect of these cushions forces children to focus on how they sit, so the energy that usually goes into fidgeting is directed at staying upright. They can then focus on the project in front of them. Additionally, the raised dimples provide further sensory stimulation. Studies show that sensory stimulation improves concentration while promoting relaxation in many children. 
• Prevent chair-related accidents. Children who have trouble concentrating tend to lean back in their chair, which damages the chair and can be dangerous if the back legs slips and the child falls. Wobble cushions allow the child to feel that back and forth rocking or leaning motion without having to worry about an injury or damage to your furniture. 
• Replaces therapy balls. While therapy balls have their place, they aren’t ideal for every child. Some children may be more tempted to play on the ball than use it as a seat. Additionally, their large size makes it challenging to use them at a desk or have multiple balls in one classroom. You also can’t adjust the size of a therapy ball, so a desk or table may be too high or too low to use comfortably. A wobble cushion gives your child the unsteady, constant movement of a therapy ball, but it can be used on any chair at any height of table. They are also much more portable and can be moved easily from room to room or even carried discreetly in a backpack or shoulder bag. 
• Calms stress and anxiety. Children can focus nervous or anxious energy on stabilizing their position rather than turning to other coping strategies such as hair pulling or nail-biting. 

How to Use a Wobble Cushion Correctly

Wobble cushions should be used and treated as all exercise equipment or classroom tools. If misused, they could be damaged or even lead to an injury. If you choose to use a wobble cushion, please keep the following in mind. 

• Do not use the cushion at all times. Because a wobble cushion engages your core and back muscles, it should be viewed as a form of exercise. Manufacturers recommend using it only for about 30 minutes at most before taking a break. 
• Make sure that the child’s feet can reach the floor when using the wobble cushion on a chair. If the chair is too high, it will only be uncomfortable and even more distracting to the child. 
• Ensure your child sits directly on the cushion and not on the edge of the chair.
• Never combine the wobble cushion with other sensory devices such as a weighted vest or blanket. It is already somewhat challenging to balance on a wiggle cushion, and the extra weight could make it even more difficult to use safely. 
• Let your child try out both sides of the cushion to decide what level of sensory stimulation makes them most comfortable. Some cushions come with a smooth side, while others come with two intensity levels of sensory dimples. Certain children may prefer the extra raised dimples, while others might find them uncomfortable. 
• Try out the wobble cushion yourself. Your child will be more likely to try something new if you’re willing to give it a go first. You’ll also better understand how the cushion adjusts posture and affects concentration if you’ve experienced it yourself. 
• Use the wobble cushion for creative strength and balancing-building exercises. Carefully standing on the wobble cushion is fun to build muscle tone, improve balance, and practice concentration. 
• Don’t use the wobble cushion on a couch or sofa. The wobble cushion will sink into soft seating, making slouching inevitable. 

How to Choose the Right Wobble Cushion

Look for a wobble cushion that is labeled for children. Adult-size cushions are often larger and could be uncomfortable for your child. If you’re looking for a comprehensive list of the best wobble cushions, feel free to follow the link to Normal Life’s list.

You will also want to consider the overall shape of the cushion. Some inflate to more rounded shapes while others stay flatter. The flat cushion is much more stable while at the same time requiring core engagement. 

Aesthetics also play a role in whether or not the wobble cushion is successful. If possible, let your child choose the color of their wobble cushion. They’ll be more excited to use it and feel more involved in the decision. Some wobble cushions even come with cloth covers with fun prints.

Finally, choosing a wiggle seat with both a smoother side and a textured side puts your child in control of their seating and comfort. 

A wobble cushion is an excellent tool for sensory-seeking kids with autism or ADHD. They improve concentration, build muscle, and encourage balance in children and adults alike. Best of all, they are relatively affordable, portable, and have a variety of uses. If you haven’t already, it’s time to add a wobble cushion to your sensory tool kit.