Which chair is best for a first grader and how to choose it correctly
When a child goes to school, parents are faced with the question: how to choose the right chair for a first-grader, and which one, so that in the future there will be no problems of posture. The furniture industry offers a variety of solutions, ranging from classic to ergonomic, which allow the backrest to always be in the correct position. To make the right choice, you need to know what the requirements are for chairs for younger students.
Key requirements for a student
A regular chair will not work for a child, even if it matches the student's height and weight. When choosing a product, you will need to take into account such factors as the height of the back, the depth of the seat, the presence of armrests and rollers.
Backrest and seat
School chairs and armchairs should have a back with a rigid base that supports the lower back. The height of this element is at the level of the shoulder blades.The ideal option is a model with an adjustable backrest so that the student can comfortably sit on the chair.
The seat should not be too wide, its length is 2/3 of the length of the first grader's thighs. The edge of the seat should be slightly chamfered for better comfort.
Armrests
If you intend to buy a chair for homework, armrests are not necessary, as they interfere with the student, contribute to his collapse to the side, which will lead to the formation of poor posture. Armrests are acceptable in models of children's chairs, but such furniture is intended for reading and not for written homework.
wheels
For younger students, they are useless, as they will distract from the educational process. If parents buy a chair "to grow", then the model must have at least 5 wheels that can be locked. This will increase the reliability of the structure, while it will be easier for an adult child to study.
Height
The height of the chair depends on the height of the child. The measurement is based on the distance between the floor and the seat:
- with a height of 90 cm, you will need a chair 22 cm high;
- if the height is 120cm, the height of the chair is 30cm;
- Height 140 cm - product height 37 cm.
When choosing a product, it is important that the student sits on it. If the foot is completely on the floor, and the knees form an angle of 90 degrees, then the furniture is chosen correctly.
Security
Since the child will spend a lot of time at the table and sitting in a chair, it is important to take care of the reliability of the structure. Furniture parts should not wobble, the presence of gaps between the elements is unacceptable.If the backrest or wheels are movable, then they should work without binding. It is recommended that the product be made with environmentally friendly materials; before buying, you should familiarize yourself with quality certificates.
Additional criteria
In addition to the correct selection of the height of the product, the presence of wheels and armrests, there are several other criteria, thanks to which it will be not only safe for a child to use a chair, but also comfortable.
You can't move your legs
It is important to choose a chair on which, when sitting, the child will not be able to push his legs under the seat and thereby spoil his posture. It is worth paying attention to the location of the legs of the product and choosing such furniture where the student will have to keep his feet properly.
Strength
The chair is designed for many hours of sitting and rocking the child. Younger schoolchildren rarely behave calmly at the table: they may fidget, get up and sit down on a chair, try to roll over it or walk around the room. This means that the product must be strong enough to support the load.
Estimated age
You need to choose a product based on the age of the child. Manufacturers of children's furniture always indicate for which age category a particular model is suitable. Ignoring this rule will lead to increased stress on the spine and the entire musculoskeletal system, which will negatively affect the health of the child.
Colors
Preference is given to bright and cheerful colors, after consultation with the student himself. The child will have to spend a lot of time doing the lessons, so he should like the chair.
Review of the best manufacturers
When choosing a comfortable, safe and practical chair, you should pay attention to industry leaders.They offer products specially designed for children.
kettle
The brand offers both classic chairs and armchairs with wheels. Models designed to change size as the child grows are particularly interesting. All chairs have a minimalist design and are created taking into account the anatomical features of young children.
Moll
The manufacturer produces wooden and ergonomic chairs and armchairs for children. They are distinguished by high build quality, the use of safe materials in their manufacture, bright and cheerful colors.
Duorest
Ergonomic child seats are made using Japanese technology and can support up to 110 kg.
Thanks to the well-thought-out design, the child will not suffer from stress on the back, can sit up straight without effort and avoid spinal deformities.
TCT Nanotec
The manufacturer produces ergonomic chairs for children. The products are distinguished by their bright and well-thought-out design. Thanks to the special structure of the back and the whole product, the load is removed from the back, the child sits upright without effort. All models are adjustable, so the chair is precisely adjusted to the height and weight of the student.
Professional comfort
The manufacturer offers both computer and ergonomic chairs, as well as kneeling and stool chairs. Thanks to the thoughtful design, the student will learn to sit up straight without overloading the musculoskeletal system.
All of the above manufacturers do not belong to the budget, the cost of their products ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 rubles.
It is important to remember that if the model is not declared as "growing" or transforming, then such a chair will have to be updated as the child grows. If this is not done, posture problems will inevitably begin, as the student will be uncomfortable using small furniture.
Varieties
Manufacturers offer different models of school chairs, each of which has both strengths and weaknesses. When choosing, it is important to focus on the age, height and weight of the child, as well as find out how much money parents are willing to pay for this piece of furniture.
Classic
An ordinary chair that lacks ergonomic details. Its only advantage is the price. Children find it uncomfortable to sit on an ordinary chair, their back gets tired faster, they fall to one side, which deteriorates posture.
computer
A computer chair is a more comfortable option, but it still doesn't meet all of a child's needs. An ordinary product may have unstable legs, an uncomfortable back and armrests, which together make using furniture uncomfortable.
Orthopedic
These are products designed taking into account the anatomical characteristics of children of different ages. The furniture is very convenient to use, but it should be chosen strictly according to the height and weight of the child, you will have to change the chair every year.
Mobile
This is a special model with a movable seat. To maintain balance, you will need to instinctively adopt a posture in which your back is straight.
With support on your knees
In this model, the main load falls on the knees, and thanks to the slightly inclined seat, it is easier for the student to sit upright.
Growth
An economical option with adjustable backrest and seat height.As a rule, such models are designed for children under 10 years old.
Convertible chair
Similar to the previous model, the only difference is that it has an ergonomic shape and is equipped with wheels.
Ergonomic
A distinctive feature is the anatomical design, which makes it easier for the student to keep their back straight. There are several types of these chairs: saddle, knee and balance.
Saddle
Looks like a saddle and has no backrest. Thanks to the unusual shape, the first-grader instinctively assumes the correct posture and does not bend over at the table.
Knee
Similar to a regular knee chair, but in this case the knee pads and seat are anatomically shaped.
Balance
Variation of knee saddles. The product does not stand on legs, its lower part resembles a rocking chair. Thanks to this feature, the child will have to keep balance, and this is possible only with a straight back.
It is important for parents to remember that the saddle, balance, kneeling and mobile chair models are not designed for prolonged sitting. The student can use them for 45 minutes, after which he must take a break.
Manufacturing materials
When choosing a suitable product, parents face a difficult task - to choose not only a convenient, but also a practical option. On sale there are models made entirely of wood or covered with textiles, much less often - with natural leather or eco-leather. All of these options have pros and cons to keep in mind when choosing the right furniture.
Leather
This material is extremely rarely used as upholstery for children's furniture, as leather is expensive and wears out quickly; if handled carelessly, it will quickly lose its attractive appearance.
TREE
The advantage of wood is that it is easy to maintain and non-toxic. Disadvantages include the severity of the chair and its rigidity; parents will additionally need to purchase special pillows for more comfortable use of furniture.
Textile
The most common and economical option. Textiles have many advantages: the fabric is easy to care for, it can be easily cleaned from various types of dirt, the child is comfortable with the chair. Models with textile upholstery are often supplemented with removable covers that are easy to wash as they get dirty.
Correct placement of the child at the table
When it is important to choose not only a beautiful and comfortable chair, but also a chair suitable for his growth, you should sit the child on the chosen product and check the following parameters:
- the foot is completely on the ground, the heel is not in the air;
- bent knees form an angle of strictly 90 degrees;
- when the child puts his hands on the table, they also form a right angle.
If all 3 conditions are met, then the product can be purchased, otherwise you will have to look for another model.
Tips and tricks for choosing
When choosing a child seat or chair, it is important:
- buy furniture from famous brands;
- take into account the height and weight of the child;
- favor orthopedic models, as they promote good posture for the student;
- attend to the purchase of a special pillow if the seat is hard;
- provide a footrest if the chair meets all requirements, but the student's feet do not reach the floor.
Otherwise, the choice of furniture depends on the material capabilities of the parents.It is not worth saving, because subsequently the treatment of scoliosis and other anomalies in a child will cost much more.
Choosing a chair for a student is not an easy task, as parents have to keep in mind a lot of factors that will affect the usability of the furniture. You only need to collect a chair with your child from the store to make sure that the product meets the requirements and that the student does not feel discomfort when using it.