Why sitting can be problematic in early childhood

The research paper "Healthy sitting: Dynamic sitting and seating dynamics" (2025) summarize it together:

"Lack of exercise and a lot of sitting in school and leisure are the main causes of the increase in back pain in childhood."

Studies show that 27 % of school children sue back pain at least once a week - a development that often begins in preschool age.

On sitting, muscle activity is greatly reduced in fuselage, legs and buttocks. The metabolism drives down, the blood circulation slows down. In the long term, this can affect physical development, favor concentration problems and cause negative damage.

What is "dynamic sitting" - and why does it make sense in kindergarten?

Dynamic sitting means: moving while sitting. This can be rocking, sliding, turning or changing posture. Instead of educating children to move ("Seat still!"), It is about giving space to their natural urge to move.

The research paper emphasizes:

"Children move a lot while sitting- you know the fidgety rocker with the chair or the back and forth. Instead of completely preventing this, experts advocate giving space for this urge to move, as it promotes concentration and physical development."

What does a movement -friendly kindergarten look like?

1. Versatile seating furniture

Instead of rigid chairs, stools, seat balls, pillows or Modular seating stones like from Stapelstein® be used. These enable different sitting positions and promote micro movements.

2. Flexible seating circle

Children don't always have to sit in a rigid formation. A change between floor work, standing phases and loose seating arrangements (e.g. on upholstery or Balance elements) brings variety and activates different muscle groups.

3. Moving morning circles

Songs with movements, small stretching exercises or rhythmic rocking help to music to get the children in motion right at the beginning of the day.

4. Active breaks and movement games

Already 2–3 minutes of movement per hour are enough to promote blood circulation. Classics such as "The soil is lava" or "imitating animals" can be installed in a targeted manner.

Movement not only promotes the body - but also the mind

Several studies show that physical activity improves cognitive performance. According to an examination at primary schools, the use of standing desks and moving lessons led to one by 12 % higher attention. In kindergarten, too, movement can help to reduce overwhelming, promote self -regulation and to improve social interaction.

Conclusion: more movement = better development

Movement in kindergarten is much more than a "Nice-to-Have". She is one health necessity - and can be actively promoted by simple but thought -out measures. Dynamic sitting and movement concepts such as those of Stapelstein® Not only support back health, but also lay the foundation for lifelong joy of movement.

Frequent questions about movement in kindergarten

• Why is movement in kindergarten so important?
  Movement not only strengthens the body, but also supports the cognitive, emotional and social development of children.
• What is dynamic sitting in kindergarten?
  Dynamic sitting means active, movement -friendly sitting, in which children can move freely while sitting - by rocking, balancing or changing postures.
• Which furniture is suitable for more exercise in kindergarten?
  Movement -friendly furniture such as balancing cushions, flexible seat stools or Modular elements like Stapelstein® Promote child -friendly, active sitting.

Interested?

• Discover our ergonomic seating furniture
• Stapelstein® For schools and kindergartens
• Ergonomic seating for children - what to look out for?
• Back pain in children

Sources

• Engeroff et al. (2025): Current evidence of seating behavior
  
• Karolinska institute: study on activity through dynamic sitting
• Lukas & Langendörfer (2020): Back pain in the growth age
• Stapelstein Research (2025): Healthy sitting-dynamic sitting and seating dynamics

• Who Guidelines (2020): Physical Activity and Sedary Behavior