How to Choose Ergonomic Study Furniture for Your Kids

Rejoice! School has started and you can finally pack your children off for another academic year. As your precious little ones embark on yet another learning journey, it's imperative for them to do so on a set of ergonomic furniture that helps them concentrate well. After all, who can blame them for fidgeting when the desk or chair causes them to slouch or is the main cause of their discomfort? We check out 4 important tips to choose the right furniture for your precious little ones.  

Age Range

In a commendable effort to save money, sometimes parents will buy adult-sized furniture so their kids can grow into it. But if your kid has to strain their bodies to accommodate the furniture, they could develop injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints. The key thing is choose an age-appropriate desk and chair that can be adjusted to fit the body size of a child who will grow over time. Adjustments should optimally be done at least once every year.  

Height of Furniture

Make sure that the chair enables your child to sit with their feet flat on the ground and their knees forming an angle of at least 90 degrees. The same goes for the desk; the child should be able to rest their elbows comfortably on the desk with an angle of at least 90 degrees. There should also be sufficient clearance under the desk for the legs; optimally 15 inches for knees and 24 inches for the feet.  

Freedom of Movement

To encourage blood circulation, get a chair that allows your child to switch between postures for different tasks. This means a more flexible backrest and no armrests. Your child should be able to move back, forth, and sideways as well. If possible, choose a desk that can be tilted at least 16 degrees to make it a comfortable angle for working. The desk should also be deep enough (60cm at least) to accommodate a monitor with a minimal viewing distance of 20 inches.  

Material

Go for materials that are sturdy and strong enough to withstand the inevitable 'abuse' your child is going to put it through. Optimal materials should be scratch and stain resistant, with a not too shiny surface to lessen the strain on the eyes.   Your child already has enough on their plate without adding body aches to it so be sure to shop wisely for their furniture! We'd love to hear about YOUR tips when buying furniture for your kids so don't forget to drop us a note in the comments section of our Facebook fan page!