There's just something about a baby ball pit that's really exciting for little ones. They will love playing and crawling amongst the balls and enjoy feeling them roll around under their legs and arms. Not to mention, they'll build on their developmental skills as they learn to reach and throw them. They're colourful and have lots of textures to play with, making a ball pit a great toy for six-month-olds and beyond.
If you want your bubba to experience the joy of soft play without having to leave the house, buying your little one a ball pit to use at home is a fantastic option.
Are ball pits safe for babies?
Ball pits are perfectly safe for babies to use, as long as they are supervised. We're sure this goes without saying, but you should never leave your little one to play inside one alone.
You'll also want to make sure the pit isn't too deep for your bubba, and also make sure you don't overfill it. Your tot should be able to sit comfortably inside without the balls completely covering them.
The recommended age that little ones can start playing in a ball pit is six months. This is because this is around the age they start to be able to sit up with and without support. However, we recommend checking the specifications of your chosen ball pit as many have a recommended age higher than this and you should always follow the manufacturer's advice.
Best ball pits for babies
If you'd like to get your little one a ball pit, check our recommendations for the best ones below. They range in size, colour and shape so you can choose the one that will work best in your home.
Something to bear in mind is that some ball pits come with or without balls. We have added whether or not balls are included in the specifications so you've got all the information you need. You'll just need to think about the additional cost of adding balls if you choose one without.
Best ball pit with colourful balls
Description
Hours of fun will be had inside the Selonis Ball Pit. We've picked this grey option with
Pros
- Comes with approx. 200 balls
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the pit lost its shape after a while
Best for Paw Patrol fans
Description
If your little one loves all things Paw Patrol, they'll be obsessed with this ball pit. It can
Pros
- Lightweight so easy to move around
Cons
- Reviewers wished it came with more balls
Best budget ball pit with balls included
www.aldi.co.uk
Description
With a soft and smooth velvet outer and around 200 eye-catching gold, pink and gold balls inside,
Pros
- Cover can be detached and machine washed
Cons
- Some reviewers said the balls were smaller than they expected
Best ball pit for corner spaces
Description
Looking for a ball pit that's more discreet? The design of this one is shaped to fit into corners
Pros
- Balls and pit are made using non-toxic materials
Cons
- A pricey option
Popular choice
Description
Easy to fold and set up, this one's ideal if you've not got the space to have the ball pit out all
Pros
- Doubles as a play tent without the balls
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't think 100 balls were enough
Best ball pit with hoop
Description
Baby can practise their dunks from this pit as it's got a hoop included, giving them the chance to
Pros
- Has a circular opening at the back so it can be paired with a play tunnel
Cons
- It can bounce open quickly so be careful when you open it
Best ball pit playhouse
Description
Three ball pits, two tunnels, a hoop and a target wall with three dart balls included = a whole
Pros
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Takes up a lot of room
Best ball pit and activity gym combined
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Put the walls of this play gym up and you'll have a ball pit, put them down and your bubba can
Pros
- Machine washable mat and easy-to-clean wipeable toys
Cons
- Requires three AAA batteries that are not included
Best budget ball pit without balls included
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Priced at just under £10, this is a bargain buy for your little one's first ball pit. The bright
Pros
- Great price
Cons
- Would be nice to have the balls included
Recommended
Description
Lightweight, portable and easy to store, this ball pit ticks all the right boxes. It's made from
Pros
- Comes with a storage case
Cons
- Some reviews mention it was smaller and shallower than they expected
Recommended
Description
If you've got the space and the budget for it, your tot will love making their way through this
Pros
- More than just a ball pit
Cons
- An expensive option
FAQs
Are ball pits good for baby development?
You may not think it but playing in a ball pit offers your baby the chance to develop their motor skills. Here are just some of the skills they're working on while playing.
Hand-eye coordination
Your baby's eyes and hands are working together as they spot one of the colourful balls, reach for it and grasp it with their small hands. The more they practise this over and over, the better control they will gain over this coordination skill.
Fine motor skills
Throwing, rolling, bouncing and kicking the balls around will develop the use of your little one's fine motor skills.
Gross motor skills
Baby will love to kick their legs and crawl amongst the balls. In doing that, they're gaining power in their arms and legs and strengthening their muscles. Learning to navigate themselves amongst the rolling balls will also teach them how to balance.
Is a ball pit sensory?
Did you know that playing in a ball pit can be a sensory activity for your baby? They'll be drawn to the bright colours and the different textures of the balls and the material that your chosen pit is made from. The feel of the plastic or foam balls against their skin may have a calming effect on your baby, similar to the feeling you may experience while having a massage.