Retail Stores @ 118 Maling Rd Canterbury (Near Canterbury Train Station) Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm Call 130 000 3126 | Chadstone Shopping Centre (near Baby Bunting )
Retail Stores @ 118 Maling Rd Canterbury (Near Canterbury Train Station) Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm Call 130 000 3126 | Chadstone Shopping Centre (near Baby Bunting )
When I first started looking for a kids chair for my own child, I assumed it would be a quick decision. After all, it's "just a chair", right?
As someone who has worked in education for many years, I quickly realised there was much more to consider. In early learning centres, children spend hours every day sitting to read, draw, build, eat, complete puzzles and work on craft activities. The right chair doesn't just give them somewhere to sit—it helps them feel comfortable, independent and confident.
Like many parents, I spent weeks researching different options, reading reviews, comparing materials and watching how children used different chairs in classrooms. One question kept coming up:
Should I buy a wooden kids chair or a plastic one?
After using both at home and seeing both in educational settings, I've learnt that each has advantages. The best choice depends on how your child will use it.
Many parents focus on toys when creating a learning space but overlook furniture.
In reality, children often spend several hours each day sitting while they:
If a chair is uncomfortable or unstable, children are more likely to lose focus or constantly move around. A properly sized chair helps children sit with their feet flat on the floor, encouraging better posture and greater independence. Child development experts also recommend choosing furniture that matches a child's size rather than expecting them to adapt to adult furniture.
When I visited early learning centres, one thing stood out immediately.
Most classrooms used wooden furniture.
That wasn't simply because it looked nice.
Wooden chairs are often chosen because they're sturdy enough for everyday use and can handle years of climbing, moving and creative play.
At home, I noticed the same thing.
Our wooden kids chair stayed exactly where it was meant to. My child could climb on and off independently without the chair sliding across the floor.
That stability gave them confidence.
Whether they were drawing, completing a puzzle or eating afternoon tea, they seemed more settled and focused.
Another benefit is durability.
Children don't treat furniture gently.
Chairs become trains.
Rocket ships.
Stepping stools.
Sometimes even climbing frames.
A quality wooden chair is designed to cope with years of daily use, making it a worthwhile investment that can often be passed down to younger siblings.
That doesn't mean plastic chairs are a poor choice.
In fact, they can be perfect in certain situations.
Plastic chairs are lightweight, making them easy for children to carry themselves. They're also simple to wipe clean after painting, messy play or snack time.
If you're looking for seating that moves between indoors and outdoors, plastic can be a practical option because it isn't affected by rain as easily as untreated timber.
They're also usually more affordable, which is why many families choose them for temporary use or outdoor play areas.
After using both, the biggest difference wasn't the material.
It was how each chair felt during everyday use.
The wooden chair felt more like real furniture.
It stayed in place while my child climbed on.
It didn't wobble.
It felt solid during activities like drawing and writing.
The plastic chair was easier to move, but because it was lighter, it occasionally shifted as my child climbed onto it.
Neither option was wrong—it simply depended on how we planned to use it.
For everyday indoor learning, I found myself reaching for the wooden chair far more often.
If you're buying your child's first kids chair, stability is usually more important than portability.
A chair should allow your toddler to climb on independently while keeping both feet comfortably on the floor.
This encourages confidence and supports good sitting posture during play and meals.
As children grow, they begin spending longer periods colouring, building and completing early learning activities.
A sturdy wooden chair often provides better support for these longer sessions.
Older children use their chair for homework, reading and creative projects.
At this stage, durability becomes even more important because the furniture will likely be used every day.
Regardless of whether you choose wood or plastic, I always recommend checking for:
These features make far more difference than simply choosing one material over another.
If a friend asked me today which I would buy, I'd probably recommend a wooden kids chair for most families.
Not because plastic is bad, but because wooden chairs tend to last longer, feel sturdier and blend naturally into everyday family life. They also provide a stable place for children to learn, create and grow.
That said, plastic chairs still have their place, especially outdoors, during messy activities or if you need something lightweight and easy to move.
Ultimately, the best kids chair is the one your child feels comfortable using every day.
At My Playroom, we've carefully selected a range of quality wooden kids chairs designed to support children's independence, creativity and learning. Built with durability and child-friendly design in mind, they're made to grow with your family and become part of everyday play, reading, drawing and discovery.
Find our Kids chairs and kids chair collection at My Playroom stores in Chadstone and Camberwell, or shop online. We offer Free Standard Shipping for orders over $89!