Are you planning the kid’s birthday party? Nothing is more exciting than offering them a vast room where they can run and make the best of their time. Ball pits are one such alternative. These play areas are incredibly familiar with youngsters, as balls fill the whole arena. They can climb on it, or they can simply sit down without any interruption. Even adults can’t control getting all the fun sometimes. It is an easy way of keeping your child safe and entertained at the same time; hence below, we will discuss the best ball pits for toddlers.
Table of Contents
What is a Ball Pit for Toddlers?
A ball pit (also referred to in some areas as a ball crawl or ball pools or baby ball pit playpen) is a padded box or ball pool for kids filled with small, decorative, hollow plastic balls, typically no larger than 7.6 cm (3 inches) in diameter. Some spherical artifacts may be used instead of spheres, such as balloons. Usually, it is used by children as a means of leisure and exercise.
A ball pit is, in plain terms, a padded tub overflowing with softballs in varying colors. Kids in this pit will bounce and jump and run, and you don’t have to think about being injured by them. Ball pits come in various types, shapes, and colors.
At nurseries, carnivals, theme parks, theme malls, fast-food chains, and large entertainment arcades, ball pits are frequently seen. Ball pits once had Chuck E. Cheese’s and (now defunct) Discovery Zone, and they were also built into broader play systems, such as mazes, slides, and jungle gyms.
For groups, ball pits may be rented, and smaller models are sold for use in the house. Although typically, ball pits are meant for kids, some are wide enough to fit adults. In popular culture, ball pits are considered a great way of indulging your child in physical activity; hence we have created a list in which we mention the best ball pits for babies.
What are the Benefits of Playing with a Ball Pit for Toddlers?
In the ball pit, the infants enjoy playing. They’ll dive in, and they’ll have fun. They love to swim through the balls and crawl through them. They’re even having fun throwing balls around them. Ball pits offer a range of ways for kids to foster learning. Playing in a ball pit helps kids to consolidate their muscles. Throwing and rolling the balls helps their production of fine motors. Ball pits are also a fantastic sensory-playing game. It provides them with an environment that feels soothing as the children pass around the balls. The ball pit also creates social engagement opportunities for youth. Ball pit play stimulates progress and exciting learning opportunities!
If you make the right choice and buy one of the best ball pits for toddlers, you won’t only give your child a place to have fun but also a place where they can relax their muscles and get them more actively participated in physical activities. Ball pits have options for a mindfulness exercise. Hide a few smaller balls and have kids find the balls using their tactile and visual talents. This approach enhances attention and awareness.
When two kids work together on an activity in the ball pit, ball pits will also promote team play and social skills. When balls fall out of the ball pit, children can focus on eye-hand coordination by tossing the balls back into the pit. The best ball pits for toddlers are commonly built of soft material that provides a quiet space to breathe and be relaxed. When you integrate it into a sensor station, kids will love it.
How to Choose Your Best Ball Pits for Toddlers?
It is time to plunge a bit further into the pit of the subject at hand. For just about any child that isn’t too big for it, kids’ ball pits might be a slam dunk, but that doesn’t suggest that it’s easy to tell them apart. This will make shopping more of a hassle for a ball pit. Below, we share some of the specifications and some of the more essential information points you can bear in mind when searching with your toddler for a new ball pit.
Shapes and Sizes
Toddler ball pits come in shapes and sizes of all kinds. Since all of them are collapsible, a pit that can occupy the whole living room can be obtained virtually since the play session can be packed away by the conclusion of the play session. Know that the larger a ball pit is, the more balls it would take to fill the rubber pit. It differs how many balls it will take to fill your ball pit. You can even choose to have an inflatable ball pit.
Material
With a few exceptions, most children’s ball pits are constructed of an engineered plastic material such as polyester or nylon, with specific quantities of steel or aluminum forming the tents’ structure. Memory foam ball pits are also available in the market but make sure that the ball pit foam is not worn out. Such materials differ significantly in toughness, so perform a detailed analysis of how dense the fabric is, especially along the pit floor. In today’s era, you may be assured that the item you get is clean and non-toxic, but it doesn’t hurt to check for an indicator that the pit is free of BPA to be clean.
Balls
One widespread mistake that customers very often make and a misconception are that you might have already bought a ball pit only to discover that the balls were not included. Without balls, what is a ball pit?! This is your reminder to double-check that you are purchasing one of the ball pits with balls.
The best ball pits for toddlers would have all of these things covered up. We hope that your tiny tike gets out of their little ball pit; the number one advantage is that they’re having fun. What matters is that we just want your kids to have a total blast in their new toddler activity center ball pit, regardless of all the other nice stuff. Your kid has the opportunity to discover what this ball pit has to offer, and there is not a wrong or right way of playing with the toys and enjoying them.
Comparison Table of the Best Ping Pong Balls
Product Review of 6 Best Ball Pits for Toddlers
01- EocuSun Kids Ball Pit
This fun, colourful pop-up playhouse ball pit will keep kids amused for hours! An excellent place for your children to crawl, climb, hop and play, full of excitement for children or pets, enhances their mobility and coordination. A must-have toy for the active toddler, baby, cats’ and dogs! Avoid using this playpen on course surfaces like concrete or pavement.
Features and Specifications
- Designed on the Outside
- Is Compact
- Easy to store
- Quite durable
- Made with soft polyester fabric
- Completely waterproof
- High-strength steel holder
- Easy to clean with wipes
- Large Ball Pit with 39.4(L) X 39.4(W) X 14.5(H) inches dimensions
- For two kids of ages six months to four years
Designed Perfectly
This foam ball pit has circular designs on the outside, which look quite pleasing and attractive at the same time. This adds a lot more look to this ball pit and hence the reason why it has made it to the top of this list of best ball pits for toddlers.
Strongly Built
It is built with durable material and high-strength steel holder for long time usage.
Comparatively Large
It has quite the space in it and can easily hold up to two kids up to 4 years in it. This makes it a lot more attractive to the customer’s eye.
02- KUUQA Ball Pit
This ball pit is made of soft polyester fabrics and high-strength memory steel holders. This ball pit tent can fold into an 18 cm diameter package; hence is lightweight and convenient. The play tent size fits two kids (1 – 4 years old) inside, suitable for indoor and outdoor play—colourful polka dot hexagon playpen, specially designed for kids.
Features and Specifications
- Outdoor and Indoor Both
- Medium size of 9.06 x 10.24 x 1.18 inches
- Weighs 0.51 pounds
- Designed on the outside
- Made of soft polyester fabric
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Convenient to carry
- Size for two kids (3 years to 4 years old)
- Takes about 500 balls to fill up
Basketball Hoop
Your child can almost play an infinite amount of games with the balls present in the ball pit, but an addition to it can be a basketball hoop to make him or her Lebron James from the beginning. This is one of the most incredible things about this specific ball pit, which is why it seals its spot in the list of best ball pits for toddlers.
Foldable and Compact
Most of the ball pits are more of a stationary kind but not the best ball pits for toddlers, and this is why this ball pit can be folded into a small teeny tiny 18 cm diameter package, which is a lot lightweight and convenient to carry.
03- Eocolz Kids Ball Pit
Soft waterproof fabrics and high-strength memory steel holders for longer life, easy to clean and dry quickly; Pass CPSC toy safety standards to give your child the safest enjoyable experience. The entire play ball pit pops up and opens in seconds and folds away flat for convenient storage in a zipper carrying case. Perfect for indoor or outdoor play.
Features and Specifications
- Easy to Assemble
- Basketball Hoop
- Portable
- Folds back in seconds
- Soft polyester fabrics
- Waterproof
- High-strength memory steel holder
- 200-300 Balls are recommended
- Fits three kids
- Kids of ages half a year to 4 years can play
- Hexagon
Passes CPSC Standards
Your kid’s safety is not a thing to not take seriously; hence this ball pit is certified by CPSC’s standards, and that is why it is in our list of best ball pits for toddlers.
Comes with a Zipper
This ball pit is easy to assemble and much easier to fold back up; and in addition to all of this, it is also received with a zipper carrying case making it a lot more portable.
Indoors and Outdoors
This acts as an indoor ball pit, as well as an outdoor ball pit.
04- LOJETON 3PC Girls Princess Fairy Tale Castle
For hours, this pink girls’ playhouse will keep your kids entertained! A princess shelter, a holding case for the zipper, a ball pit, and a crawl tunnel are included. The several different combination maze choices can be personalized by children, making this playing collection enjoyable and exciting! A must for active babies, dogs, and cats! The included lightweight carry pack, Princess Fairy Tale Palace, ball pit, and crawl tunnel will bend and fold away for easy storage. Made with 190 T soft polyester cloth of the highest quality and heavy steel wiring, guaranteeing your children the ultimate healthy, long-lasting, and enjoyable playground experience for hours of play!
Features and Specifications
- Easily Storage
- Easy to Clean
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Made with 190T Soft Polyester Fabric
- Thick Steel Wiring
- Princess Look
- Uses 300-500 Balls
- Easy to Assemble
- Customer Service
3-IN-1 Design
This Design includes three portions, a princess tent, a crawl tunnel, and a ball pit, one of the only ball pits with a tunnel. This type of design is more extensive than others, so it makes it to the list of best ball pits for toddlers.
Zipper Carrying Case
A zipper carrying case comes with this ball pit making it a lot more compact and comfortable to carry.
Crawl Tunnel
One of the features that are only present in only a few ball pits and this is what makes this ball pit unique.
05- LOJETON Tunnel & Ball Pit Rocket Ship Kids Play Tent
For hours, this pink girls’ playhouse will keep your kids entertained! A princess shelter, a holding case for the zipper, a ball pit, and a crawl tunnel are included. The several different combination maze choices can be personalised by children, making this playing collection enjoyable and exciting! A must for active babies, dogs, and cats! In the included lightweight carry pack, Rocket Look Palace, ball pit, and crawl tunnel will bend and fold away for easy storage. Made with 190 T soft polyester cloth of the highest quality and heavy steel wiring, guaranteeing your children the ultimate healthy, long-lasting, and enjoyable playground experience for hours of play!
Features and Specifications
- Easily Storage
- Easy to Clean
- Durable
- A Combination of Maze Options
- Thick Steel Wiring
- Rocket Look
- Uses 300-500 Balls
- Easy to Assemble
- Easy to carry
- Customer Service
Crawl Tunnel
One of the features that are only present in only a few ball pits and this is what makes this ball pit unique.
Zipper Carrying Case
A zipper carrying case comes with this ball pit making it a lot more compact and comfortable to carry.
3-IN-1 Design
This Design includes three portions, a princess tent, a crawl tunnel, and a ball pit. This type of design is more extensive than others, so it makes it to the list of best ball pits for toddlers.
06- Crayline Pop Up Princess Tent
A fantastic toy for a baby girl; she will enjoy the time playing with her toys and friends in her tent. This pink princess tent can help make every little girl’s princess dream come true. Fully automatic pop-up tent in one second with no assembly required, saving a lot of time and effort to build and store. String starlight is included to make the tent lovelier and shining during the night—a great decoration gift for birthday, Xmas day, etc.
Features and Specifications
- Specially designed for girls
- No Assembly Required
- Top-quality polyester material
- Thickened fabric
- Waterproof
- Breathable Mesh Style
- 49″ W x 49″ L x 36″ H, 49″ width from bottom & 29″ from top
- 0.78 KG weight
- Portable
- Removable Roof
Princess Theme
This tent is specifically designed to represent a girly theme or, more precisely, a princess one, which is why it makes it to our list of best ball pits for toddlers.
1 Second Pop Up
This ball pit can be assembled so easily that it can form its shape in 1 second.
A string of Star Light
This ball pit comes with a string of lights in a star shape, making it a lot more attractive and pleasing to the eyes.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Ball Pits for Toddlers
In daycare centers, nurseries, theme parks, and other play areas for youngsters, you are likely to find ball pits. You can also create your DIY ball pit at home if you wish, but the choices in our list of the best ball pits for toddlers are a great option. And while these ball pits are mostly intended for children, it can also be enjoyable for teenagers and adults to play in them.
Age and Weight Limits
The bulk of ball pit suppliers target babies and toddlers. While you will see specific versions that can handle older children’s weight, most of them are designed specifically for young children. That said, before buying, you should always check the ball pit’s weight cap. If you buy one for an older child, make sure they can handle their weight.
Features and Add-Ons
Will you like to purchase a simple ball pit or one that will keep your young one busy all day long? Although certain ball pits only have basic features, there are complicated versions equipped with several parts that offer a large play area for your child once attached. If this is something you’d be interested in, try ball pit and slide, basketball hoop, or tunnel styles.
Simplicity of Use
Ball pits have two key variants. A stagnant ball pit, so it is not intended to be moved around, is the first kind. The second form is one that makes it easier to store and has a lightweight and foldable nature. You should decide if and where you intend to use the ball pit to pick between the two. If you want one that sits outside all the time, it is not a bad idea to have a stationary one. But if you buy one that is easy to fold up, you can pick one that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Design
Before agreeing to go for it, it is also imperative that you analyze the pit’s overall configuration. There are useful features of certain ball pits, such as foldability. Not only is it easy to store after playing with a foldable ball, but it is also easy to take to the park, picnic, or the house of your mate. The inclusion of mesh windows is another useful feature you can check for. Your toddler will have a chance to admire the scenery surrounding her as she plays as you set up the ball pit in your backyard. Even when you garden, you should keep an eye on them.
Stationary vs. Foldable Ball Pits
Stationary Ball Pits are foam-based pits with a firm design, and while they may be “smooched” to some degree, they are not meant to be folded and packed away. Instead, the side of the room would be tucked in, and the playing balls would be left inside. Foldable Ball Pits are both more popular and more inexpensive because they don’t need to have a solid structure as the stationary variety. This suggests smaller, cheaper, lightweight materials for fast transport can be folded down into small circles. This is the true beauty of foldable pits; you can easily take them everywhere. In our list of the best ball pits for toddlers, we have taken into account both types.
What Age is a Ball Pit Suitable for?
Your main starting point is to know how old your kid is and what kind of ball pit would be best for them. For the most part, most of these pits have no actual age limit. Instead, how much weight the plastic pit balls can handle before they collapse inwards is the more vital limit to pay attention to. Most of the pit balls for babies available online are classified at around 90 pounds of pressure, but stronger pit balls can be found from specialized vendors.
How Many Balls Are Needed?
You can review two key factors to decide precisely how many balls you need: the space that is taken by the ball pit and the average capacity of your ball pit. You should keep in your memory because, because they are built for children between 0 and 7 years of age, most ball pits are small. That said, 4 feet high and 3 feet wide are the vast majority of ball pits. You should add at least 50 ball pits balls for such a ball pit.
Are Ball Pits Safe?
Drowning in a pit is unlikely. The 7 cm standardized balls produce an incredibly porous pit and are too large to fill your nose or mouth simultaneously. It’s also entirely safe for kids to play in ball pits concerning bacteria. However, steps should be taken if a child has a weakened immune system or if they are taking medications that decrease their ability to fend off infections. Similarly, it’s better to keep out of the ball pit to prevent injury if a kid has an open sore or cut.
How do you Clean Ball Pit Balls at Home?
After a few research pieces were conducted regarding the germs found inside a ball pit, the results showed that some of the pits, which were sanitized, were safe for children. In contrast, the others, not very much, but then a question arose, what sanitizing procedures are being used, if any? Some potential strategies of ball sanitizing cited by the researchers and online analysts were:
- In a professional ball washer with washing balls (yes, these exist!)
- Using a bleach and water solution to disinfect and sanitize balls manually
- Washing balls (assuming no tiny holes or gaps in the balls) in a clothes washer
- Soaking balls in a chlorinated water tub (assuming there are no tiny holes or gaps in the balls)
- Using disinfectant wipes (especially those with holes or cracks that could make the water inside) on individual balls
In 200 parts per million chlorine bleach solutions, ball pit balls without holes or cracks should be handled. One tablespoon of unscented, regular (approximately 6 percent) chlorine bleach is required for every gallon of solution needed. Until sanitizing with the bleach solution, the balls should be cleaned with soapy water first and rinsed with clean water.
How deep is a Ball Pit?
The size of the ball pit usually varies as the variants come in for different age groups. There are various shapes and sizes of ball pits within those other age groups, but usually, the ones that come in kids’ sizes are 4 feet high. These ball pits can hold children up to 4 years old and have up to 400 balls inside. The ones that come in for adults are much higher and have much more capacity than the smaller ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ball pits suitable for babies?
Ball pits are fun and safe for kids above six months of age and not below that because they can injure themselves.
Can a 2-year-old throw a ball?
By the age of 2, kids can throw a ball easily in a direction, but you cannot expect accuracy with it, but soon when he keeps playing with the balls, he will gain that too.
Can you drown in a ball pit?
It is almost near to impossible to drown in a pit, and also, the balls are of such a diameter that they cannot fill in your nose or mouth.
Can you die in a ball pit?
There haven’t been any cases of anyone dying in a ball pit. After all, you can neither drown nor get hit by anything sharp but try not to fall because you can injure yourself.
What to do with ball pit balls?
Kids can play catch with those balls or even hide a ball to find it; later on, there are countless games you can play with them.
Can a 1-year-old throw a ball?
No, he might grab the ball and topple over, but there are no chances of him throwing a ball with force.
How do you teach a toddler to throw?
It is quite natural that by around two years of age, your toddler would learn how to throw but giving him many balls to play with will help a lot.
Are soft play Centers full of germs?
If not kept sanitized, any place in the ball pit can be full of germs hence harmful for your toddler, so it is recommended to clean the pit once a while and if your child is on medications or his immune system is weak, we would recommend you to keep it sanitized all the time.
How many balls do I need?
It depends on how large your pit is but usually around 50-400 balls but keep in mind that this is only an estimate and the size taken here is 7cm.
How many balls do you need to fill a ball pit?
Usually, it takes around 400-600 balls to fill the ball pit but know that this is only an estimate and the size taken here is 7cm.
How many balls does it take to fill a kiddie pool?
It takes around 150-200 7cm balls to fill a kiddie pool but keep in mind, this is only an estimate and the size taken here is 7cm.
Has anyone ever drowned in a ball pit?
No, as it is almost nearly impossible to drown in a pit, and the balls are of such a size that they cannot fill in your nose or mouth.
What are ball pit balls called?
They are simply known as ball pit balls or, more commonly, hollow colorful small 7cm balls. They come in different colors, but the standard size is 7cm.
Our Recommendation for the Best Ball Pits for Toddlers
After reading this full guide if you are confused which one to buy and ask for our recommendation we will say go for LOJETON 3pc Rocket Ship Kids Play Tent.
The most amazing LOJETON 3pc Rocket Ship can be an innovative tent for those kids. It not only comes for these being an adventuresome play-house nevertheless also the rocket tent in addition to the night time skies and celebrity publish. This may surely secure the kids very excited. It sports a lasting crawl tent, attached by way of Velcro the ball pit, and also rocket tent.
That is a lovely play-set that’s likely to continue to keep kids participated. At length, the gentle fabric is out of polyester provides a watertight mesh hence maintaining your child refrigerated in any way times.
- ✨3-IN-1 DESIGN: This rocket ship playhouse will keep your children entertained for hours! Include a rocket ship tent, zipper carrying case, a ball pit and a ovel crawl tunnel. Kids can customize the many different combination maze options, keeping this play set fun and exciting! A must for the active baby, cats and dogs!
- ✨EASY STORAGE AND CLEAN: Rocket ship tent, ball pit and crawl tunnel can bend and fold away for convenient storage in the included lightweight carry bag. It’s easy to clean as well. You can use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean this rocket ship tent.
- ✨DURABLE AND LIGHT WEIGHT: Made with highest quality 190T soft polyester fabric and thick steel wiring, your kids will get ultimate long lasting and enjoyable play ground experience for hours of play!
- ✨BEST GIFT for CHILDREN: This rocket ship play tent set would be a perfect gift for Birthday, Christmas, or just a surprise to your kids .Best toddler toys for parties, picnics, parks, carnivals or at home. We recommend 300 -500 balls ***BALL PIT NOT INCLUDED BALLS***
- ✨GREAT AFTER SALES SERVICE: LOJETON play tents are durable and easy to assemble and store. If you experience any issue simply contact us right away.
It is the time to take a wish decision
In a quickly becoming world dominated by tech gadgets, finding an outdoor play item that gives your child a dose of fresh air can come in handy. One such toy that will facilitate hours of fun is a ball pit. And the good thing is that it provides a safe playing environment, so you don’t have to monitor your toddlers continually. Moreover, a ball pit enables your child to develop motor skills and coordination. If you’re considering getting a ball pit, remember to check its weight limit, the material used in its construction, and whether it has add-on features.
We hope this article was useful for you in terms of choosing the best ball pit for your toddlers!
Carl works as a charted account by day, and sports enthusiast and amateur fiction writer by the weekend. He was a multi-sport athlete in his school days and played Division 3 lacrosse in college. He is a gear freak and is always looking for an excuse to upgrade his sports equipment. When not working or playing, he likes to hike and explore the countryside. Carl is a certified basketball athlete by the Basketball Association of America and has participated National Basketball League in 2016. He played for Akron Goodyear Wingfoot’s.
Moreover, Carl is also a badminton expert and he is playing it since 2006 when he was at standard 8. He has won several badminton championships and one remarkable is the Yonex USA International 2015. Also, he is an expert in Bowling.
Carl is the Co-Founder & Editor-In-Chief of Indoor Games Zone. He shares his expertise on basketball, badminton, and bowling on our website to help people get the best tips and products they are searching for.
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Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
