home
Plus, an orthopedic surgeon’s tips for choosing one
By Emma Singer
•
Published May 16, 2024
Additional reporting by
Sydney Meister
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
Amazon
Remember when bean bag chairs were all the rage? Well, friends, they’re making a major comeback—namely because their modern incarnation bears no resemblance to the crunchy, uncomfortable bean bag sack of yore. In fact, the new and improved chairs on the market offer all the comfort and coziness of a well-loved couch (hello, memory foam) for a fraction of the cost. Plus, their low-profile—in terms of both style and actual height off the ground— makes them particularly appropriate for kids of all ages and adults, too. (Personally, I use my kids’ bean bag chair more than anyone else since it provides me with a comfortable place to sit when they want me to play with them.) Don’t take our word for it, though. Here, find our roundup of the best bean bag chairs for kids and teens—from waterproof and washable, to patterned and plush—that will make a believer out of you and your brood. And in case you were wondering what a bean bag chair is doing to your kid’s back, we tapped an orthopedic surgeon for his tips about what to look for.
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying?Sign up for our shopping newsletterto uncover our favorite finds.
The Best Bean Bag Chairs for Kids at a Glance
Show More
Meet the Expert
Dr. Marcus Duda is a board certified general orthopedic surgeon in Greensboro, North Carolina who has been practicing since 1998. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Wake Forest School of Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and active member of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, as well as the Wound Healing Society (WHS) and the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care (AAWC).
How I Chose the Best Bean Bag Chairs for Kids
When looking for the best bean bag chairs, I considered the fabric, filling, size and shape of the bean bag, ensuring that there was a range of options for different age groups (a toddler needs a different type of bean bag than a teen, for example) as well as budgets. I also consulted an orthopedic surgeon to get his tips on what makes a good bean bag (spoiler alert: it’s all about balance), tested a few chairs myself and carefully poured over reviews of the ones I did not test.
RELATED
The 5 Best Cribs of 2024, Vetted by Parents (and Tested by Their Kids)
BEST BEAN BAG CHAIRS FOR TODDLERS AND KIDS
Best Overall
1. Moon Pod Zero Gravity Bean Bag Chair
What We Like
- zero-gravity technology offers ample comfort
- helps with circulation
- can reduce neck and back pain
- comes in multiple colors
What We Don't Like
- bigger than others
Moon Pod
These high-tech, luxury bean bag chairs aren’t specifically designed for kids, but that’s not such a bad thing. (Spoiler alert: You’ll definitely want to seek some R&R in this plush seat when your kid isn’t around.) As for its claim to fame, the Moon Pod is so comfy, it actually makes you feel like you’re floating in space. Yep, the weightless sensory experience this chair provides is truly unique—and the combination of zero-gravity technology and ample back support has earned this product rave reviews as an ideal spot to meditate, read and ready your body for bedtime. (I can personally attest to its supreme comfort and also love the fact that my kids and I haven’t managed to flatten it for going on three years now.) In other words, if you invest in one of these bad boys, it may just help your restless, sleep-resistant kid get to bed without a struggle...and if not, it will certainly be kind to your aching back.
Fast Facts
- Material:unknown fabric blend
- Size:50-56” long x 20-24” high x 20-24” wide
- Weight:12 pounds
Best One-Seater
2. Mack & Milo Standard Classic Bean Bag
What We Like
- low profile is kid-friendly,
- machine-washable slipcover
- childproof
- key-lock zipper
- ideal one-seater for a child’s room
What We Don't Like
- small size is not adult-friendly
Mack & Milo
This bean bag chair keeps a low profile, literally, which is excellent news for your active little kid. The beans in this number are actually polystyrene beads—a filling that provides an extra soft seating experience without compromising structure (i.e., even a full-size person won’t sink straight to the floor). According to one reviewer, this bean bag has the “perfect amount of stuffing and very soft fabric.” It also comes equipped with a machine-washable slipcover and a childproof, key-lock zipper so that not even a trouble-making toddler can wreak havoc (maybe). One more thing to note is that the smaller dimensions of this product make it an ideal one-seater for a child’s room—just don’t expect to be able to join for a bean bag snugglefest because you probably won’t fit.
Fast Facts
- Material:cotton
- Size:18'' H X 30'' W X 30'' D
- Weight:8 or 12 pounds
Most Plush
3. Germaine Modern Corduroy Beanbag
What We Like
- supportive foam filling
- childproof zipper
- machine washable
- plush corduroy fabric
What We Don't Like
- small 3-foot diameter
GDF Studio
A big ball of memory foam swaddled in ultra-soft corduroy—need we say more? This chair gets rave reviews for comfort and its size is generous enough to accommodate an average-sized adult (or lanky teen). Best of all, the removable cover makes it a breeze to clean up accidental spills on the slipcover, and the childproof zipper will prevent your youngest from damaging the luxurious, pillowy interior. Plus, the corduroy gives this bean bag an extra cozy look—so if you’re looking for a bean bag that is more understated and neutral, this one might be your best bet. That said, it’s worth noting that one reviewer, who describes the product as “comfy and soft,” also notes that for this style of bean bag “you will need to massage [it] into the shape you want it to be.”
Fast Facts
- Material:polyester
- Size:35”D x 35”W x 30”H
- Weight:unknown
Best Lightweight
4. Big Joe Milano Bean Bag Chair
What We Like
- lightweight construction
- stain-resistant fabric
- comes in seven different colors
- good for small spaces
What We Don't Like
- non-removable cover, not long-lasting
Big Joe
If you’re looking for a bean bag with a bit more backbone, this structured Milano chair from Big Joe will likely fit the bill. This medium-sized seat is roomy enough for teens and adults to relax in, but it’s lightweight enough for a toddler to drag it around. (There’s a handle for that, too.) The durable, stain-resistant cover features a soft, cozy feel that reviewers describe as easy to clean and a faux leather look that’s decidedly more stylish than your average dorm room sack of beans. (One happy customer who bought three of them reports that they’re “very comfortable and good quality.”) This refillable chair arrives stuffed with ‘Meggah’ beans—a polystyrene bean designed to conform to the body—and the double locking zippers ensure the filling stays put until you’re ready to replace it.
Fast Facts
- Material:polyester
- Size:28"D x 30.5"W x 28"H
- Weight:4.5 pounds
Best Structured Chair
5. Urban Shop Structured Faux Fur Bean Bag Chair
What We Like
- plush, faux fur fabric, long-lasting
- sturdy and comfortable
- doesn’t sink over time
What We Don't Like
- non-removable cover
- might be too firm for some
Urban Shop
Another mid-range structured option, the Urban Shop bean bag chair is generously sized (think: a 225-pound weight capacity) but not so enormous it takes up half the room. This bean bag chair also has a cushioned seat for added comfort and the polyester exterior is undeniably welcoming, and one reviewer confirms that it will “work for adults and children.” Note that the cover does not come off so it must be spot cleaned, and the chair cannot be refilled. That said, this sturdy seat is designed so as to not fall flat or sag after heavy use and the handle makes it easy to transport from room to room. (Although, you’ll probably want this one to stay put unless bright blue tie-dye fur matches your living room decor.)
Fast Facts
- Material:polyester canvas
- Size:28" X 32" X 28"
- Weight:8 pounds
Most Durable
6. Posh Creations Canvas Bean Bag Chair
What We Like
- durable
- stain-resistant fabric
- lightweight
- machine washable
- doesn’t sink over time
- comes in multiple colors and sizes
What We Don't Like
- might be too small for some
Posh Creations
This bean bag chair won’t take up too much space in your home, but it is just the right size for the toddler or pre-K kid in your life. In fact, the small size of this bean bag makes it best-suited for younger kids only, but parent reviews report that “the size is spot on and the filling is abundant.” It’s also super comfy and soft (so it's ideal for little bodies to hop and flop on). Furthermore, not only is this one’s cover removable and machine washable, but its canvas fabric is stain-resistant as well. You can expect the seat to arrive slightly overstuffed. However, word on the street is that this one breaks in quite nicely and chances are your wild child will accomplish that in no time.
Fast Facts
- Material:textile
- Size:27"D x 27"W x 22"H
- Weight:5 pounds
BEST BEAN BAG CHAIRS FOR TWEENS AND TEENAGERS
Best Versatility
7. Yogibo Max
What We Like
- its 72-x-24-inch size can accommodate multiple kids and adults
- memory foam conforms to your body
- covers are durable and machine washable, plush fabric, offers back support
What We Don't Like
- not great for small spaces
Yogibo
The company says that its Yogibo Max bean bag chair is “the only furniture to completely conform to your body with zero pressure points” and, after testing this one out personally, I can say it absolutely lives up to this promise. (It’s in my kids’ room, but that hasn’t stopped me from sitting on it to work.) This chair’s filling is composed of EPS beads for maximum comfort and a memory foam effect, and its exterior—a machine washable blend of cotton and spandex—is as soft as your favorite T-shirt. Kids and parents will love the generous (read: enormous) size of this chair, which is roomy enough to accommodate multiple little kids or two adults. When flat on the floor, the 6’x2’x2’ Yogibo Max is roughly the size of a twin bed (and more comfy than some mattresses). Bonus: You can also mold this guy into the shape of a chair for a seat that takes up less floor space and offers back support to boot.
Fast Facts
- Material:cotton-spandex blend
- Size:72 X 24 X 24 inches
- Weight:19 pounds
Most Comfortable
8. Chill Sack Giant Memory Foam Bean Bag Chair
What We Like
- ultra-comfortable shredded
- memory foam filler
- removable cover is machine-washable
- plush
- moisture-resistant fabric
- doesn’t sink over time
What We Don't Like
- weighs 55 pounds
Chill Sack
This squishy bag of shredded memory foam has room enough for two, so you can comfortably cuddle up with your kid for movie night and story time alike. In fact, with its whopping 5-foot diameter, this guy provides enough space for two grown-ups to chill and one glowing review describes it as “the best piece of furniture I own.” As for the exterior, this bean bag has a durable, double-stitched cover that’s made from low-maintenance (i.e., stain-resistant and washing machine safe) microfiber. Bottom line: This option might not be the cheapest on the list, but it scores high in terms of both comfort and quality, so you’re guaranteed to get plenty of bang for your buck.
Fast Facts
- Material:microfiber
- Size:60"D x 60"W x 34"H
- Weight:50 pounds
Best for Small Spaces
9. Sofa Sack Microsuede Bean Bag Chair
What We Like
- accommodates all ages
- super-soft
- microsuede cover
What We Don't Like
- non-removable cover
Sofa Sack
This guy gets rave reviews for its ideal size—large enough for an average adult or two little kids, but small enough to be practical for apartment dwellers—as well as its dreamy memory foam filling. Aside from being extremely soft, the durable, double-stitched microsuede exterior is water-resistant and easy to spot clean. (Sadly, it isn't removable.) Owners of this bean bag chair also report that it holds its structure well over time, but it’s worth noting that this one needs to be broken in. Due to its vacuum packaging, you’ll want to aggressively fluff this chair upon arrival, so the interior foam is broken up and the chair has a chance to properly expand. Or, as one reviewer puts it, prepare to “spend ten minutes opening up the cover and literally breaking up the big brick of foam inside.”
Fast Facts
- Material:textile
- Size:36"D x 36"W x 24"H
- Weight:21.6 pounds
Best Long-Lasting
10. Big Joe Imperial Lounger Beanbag Chair
What We Like
- polyester fabric is stain-resistant
- childproof closure
- durable and long-lasting
What We Don't Like
- non-removable cover
Big Joe
Big Joe is a big name in the world of bean bags and they do it all well—from classic bean-filled bags to more modern foam-filled fare. This bean bag lounger falls into the latter category, boasting an ultra-soft foam stuffing that one reviewer describes as being not as fluffy as a traditional bean bag, but “more supportive and better for hanging out longer.” In other words, this type of filling won’t go completely lifeless like a traditional bean bag might, but it does benefit from a gentle fluffing from time to time. This one also boasts a childproof closure, which is particularly important because the cover is not removable. Don’t let that scare you off, though: The soft-to-the-touch and stain-resistant polyester exterior is plenty durable and takes kindly to spot cleaning.
Fast Facts
- Material:textile
- Size: 45"D x 47"W x 34"H
- Weight: 33.5 pounds
Best for TV Watching
11. Lumaland Luxurious 4-foot Bean Bag Chair With Cover
What We Like
- cooling memory foam
- has a removable and machine-washable microsuede cover with a zipper
- available in five different sizes
What We Don't Like
- takes up to three days to fully expand after opening
Lumaland
Not too big and not too small, this 4-foot bean bag is just right for teenagers who are looking to lounge after school. Its microsuede outer cover is removable and machine-washable and we love how it has a beige, polyester inner cover that allows your teen to lay comfortably while washing (because we all know how much teenagers *love* to wait). Furthermore, this one is filled with a super-soft, cooling memory foam that adapts to your body temperature and shape. The best part? It’s available in a range of styles and sizes (3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet and 7 feet) that can accommodate the whole family. Oh, and if you’re concerned about the price tag, the reviews should put your mind at ease—including this one, which reads, “while pricey, its quality and comfort is far superior to any normal bean-filled bag I’ve sat in.”
Fast Facts
- Material:leather, microsuede
- Size:28"D x 48"W x 28"H
- Weight:40 pounds
Best for Gaming
12. West Elm Kids Rory Bean Bag
What We Like
- shape provides back support
- compact size is easy to move and well-suited for a wider variety of spaces
What We Don't Like
- non-removable cover
West Elm
Available in super cozy shearling or eye-pleasing cotton and jute, this sleek little number is just the right size (40 inches wide x 25 inches deep x 51 inches high) for playrooms, game rooms and bedrooms alike. Best of all, the Rory bean bag’s unique design provides back support for a superior lounging experience without all the smooshing, shifting and shaping that other bags require, making it a perfect place for tweens and teens to comfortably study, game or read. Plus, it comes in four subdued and decidedly stylish colors so it won’t stick out like a sore thumb in your living space.
Fast Facts
- Material:shearling or jute cover
- Size:40"w x 25"d x 51"h
- Weight: unknown
What to Consider When Buying a Bean Bag Chair
- Fabric: This all depends on the level of durability and softness you want from your bean bag. For example, if you’re looking for something that’ll provide maximum comfort, cotton and microsuede fabrics are just as pretty as they are cozy. However, these fabrics tend to be fickle in the wash and they’re rarely stain-resistant. That said, if you have two young boys under the age of six, you’ll probably want something more durable (i.e., polyester or leather) that can hold up in the wash. Same goes if you have a cat, for example. (I learned the hard way that the cover of our bean bag chair could not stand up to cat claws or getting caught on furniture as my kids dragged it around.)
- Filling: Most bean bags are constructed with either polystyrene beads or foam filler…. so what’s the difference? In terms of comfort, polystyrene beads compress while you sit on them, but quickly spring back to their original shape when you get up. Foam, on the other hand, offers more support and precisely-molded comfort when compressed, but takes a much longer time to spring back up. Furthermore, polystyrene beads have been used to fill bean bags for years, foam filler is relatively new to the market. When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider how much support you’d like from your bean bag. While some people love the shiftiness of the beads, others love the sink-into-me feeling of the foam.
- Size and Shape: Gone are the days where you could only choose from a standard, 4-foot circular bean bag. Now, you can choose from rectangular, square and even tear-drop-shaped bags that range from 4-feet to 8-feet long. When it comes to selecting the best size for kids, we’d say something in the 4-to-5 foot range should give them ample room to spread out. And, if you have limited space, rectangular or teardrop shapes can easily fit in the corner without taking up too much room. Otherwise, if you’re looking for something that can accommodate the whole family—or a group of growing teens—we’d recommend going with an oversized, (minimum of 6-feet) circular bag that allows 2-4 people to plop down comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bean Bag Chairs Good for Kids?
According to the expert, this is a definitive ‘yes.’ Per Dr. Duda: “sensory feedback is promoted by a beanbag chair because it gets children to engage their core,” which, he explains, is critical for helping a wide range of gross motor skills, including balance—a prerequisite for everything from walking to running and beyond. (I can personally attest to the truth of this, given that my core muscles aren’t exactly ship-shape and I experience quite a physical workout when it comes time to extract myself from the sensory heaven of my kids’ bean bag chair, just saying.)
Which Brand Is Best for Bean Bag Chairs?
The doctor doesn’t have an opinion on any particular brands, but tells us that the most important thing is to look for that sensory experience that really promotes balance. As such, we’re going to go out on a limb and say that the firmer, more structured bean bag chairs probably provide less of a benefit when it comes to strengthening the core and developing balance. Additionally, Dr. Duda suggests taking the age and size of your child into account and choosing a bean bag chair that’s neither too small nor too big for their body. Oh, and be sure to upgrade the chair when they’ve outgrown it or it has started to sag and is no longer performing as well.
Are Moon Pods Good for Kids?
Dr. Duda also gives his seal of approval to moon pods—namely because this style of bean bag delivers the aforementioned sensory feedback that promotes core muscle development. Moon pods tend to be on the smaller side, though, so the expert recommends them for toddlers and smaller children in particular, noting that older kids might not reap the same benefits.
RELATED
The 15 Best Mattresses to Buy Online (Without Buyer’s Remorse One Year Later)
Emma Singer
Freelance PureWow Editor
Emma Singer is a freelance contributing editor and writer at PureWow who has over 7 years of professional proofreading, copyediting and writing experience. At PureWow, she covers...
read full bio
Sydney Meister
Associate Editor
Sydney Meister is PureWow's Associate Editor, covering everything from dating trends and relationship advice (here's looking at you, 'soonicorns') to interior design, beauty...
read full bio
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
