The whole family can enjoy a bean bag chair, actually. It’s a squishy place for little ones to relax, but it can also be a convenient perch for parents while they supervise playtime. But not just any sack of beans (or foam) will be worth your money. When testing bean bag chairs, we considered their comfort, durability, design, quality, value, and ease of setup—useful criteria to use when shopping, too. “A good quality bean bag chair should be comfortable and inviting so that your child will actually want to use it,” explains Maegan Bucur, a professional interior designer at Dement Designs in Dallas, Texas, and the editor-in-chief of Rhythm of the Home. “A bean bag chair should be reliable, so that it doesn’t fail the moment your kid jumps on it or uses it for extended periods of time.” Based on real-world testing, here are the best bean bag chairs for kids. This bean bag chair earned a full 5 stars for comfort and design. Our tester, who has had another Moon Pod for a year in addition to the one she tested, said, “The older one is actually more comfortable, because you fall right into it.” She also reported that it’s cozy for parents and kids alike. “[My son is] only 2, but he’ll kick me off of it if he wants to sit on it. We keep ours in our playroom, so he can rest after a really rambunctious stint.” Thanks to its solid, oblong shape, she said, “It’s also great for me to take a break in a place where I can still watch him.” A removable, machine-washable cover helps the Moon Pod stand the test of time, earning it full marks for durability. If your kiddo spills or you have shedding pets (“Our cats also love the Moon Pod,” our tester said), simply unzip the cover and toss it in the washing machine.  The only category the Moon Pod got docked in was value, in which it received 4 out of 5 stars. The bean bag chair itself is priced at $300, and our tester also bought the crescent back pillow accessory (sold separately), which she thought was an “almost necessary” addition. However, given its perfect scores in every other category, we think the investment is well worth it.   Price at time of publication: $299 The Yogibo Max can comfortably accommodate multiple little ones or one sprawled-out kiddo. “It’s big enough for all three of my kids to sit side by side on, but they prefer to have it all to themselves and lie on it as if on a bed,” our tester said. Thanks to the EPS beads in the filling, the soft bean bag takes on the shape of your body for added comfort. Our tester does note that “if you have a hard time getting off the ground, this bag can be tricky… It’s very comfortable, just hard to get out of!”  This bean bag chair earned full marks for durability and quality. The removable outer cover is machine washable, making it easy to stay on top of spills and stains. Plus, it holds up over time. “So far, so good!” our tester said. “My kids are tough on things, so I think it would have busted by now, based on their history with new products. I love that after several jumps and body slams, the Yogibo Max seems to be winning.”  In terms of design, the Yogibo Max received 4 out of 5 stars. It comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can find the right match for your preferred design aesthetic. There are also thoughtful safety precautions, including an inner liner and childproof zipper, to prevent a potential choking hazard from the beads inside. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to move around, in and out of the box. The tester wished that “it would bend a bit more” for sitting upright, but it’s a top-notch option if you’re looking to use a bean bag chair primarily for lying down and lounging. It does take up space, “so be prepared to have it out and part of a bedroom or living area,” our tester advised. The Yogibo Max earned a full 5 stars for overall value. Though it’s not the cheapest option, it’s “a piece of furniture that feels like it will last a long time,” our tester said. Price at time of publication: $299 The Ultimate Sack 3000 earned a full 5 stars for comfort thanks to the large pieces of foam inside, which stay fluffy and don’t feel lumpy. Our tester’s dog loved it, too, as did her 9-year-old, who frequently asked, “Why can’t I sleep in it?” Since it’s sized for kids, adults may need to use a separate pillow for their heads or feet to get comfortable.  This bean bag chair also scored well in design and quality. The cover material, which has no visible stitching, felt “luxurious” and had no chemical smell, our tester reported. Plus, the zippers didn’t stick. Though our tester did wish the 3-foot bean bag were a bit lighter and smaller so her son could move it around more easily, “it works well as a stationary piece of furniture.” Earning 4.5 stars for durability, the Ultimate Sack 3000’s foam insides may settle somewhat over time, but it’s easily refluffed by tossing the bean bag around. At $129, our tester felt the price was worth it for a piece of furniture her son will use for years to come. “I definitely would recommend this product. It’s changing my mind about what a bean bag is—as opposed to the lumpy, short-lived, ugly bags I remember from the ‘80s.” Price at time of publication: $129 The foam-filled Big Joe Fuf is large enough to comfortably seat two kiddos as they game, or one kid and a pet. There are several color and pattern options to choose from for the polyester cover, which can be tossed in the washing machine in case of a spill. One cool design feature is the sewn-in handles to help move the bean bag around. Our tester does caution that the bag felt pretty heavy when she moved it to clean underneath. In terms of durability, the Big Joe Fuf has held up even with a 9-year-old and 12-year-old jumping and roughhousing on it. It can also easily be spot-cleaned and lint-rolled in the case of dog hair, giving it a longer shelf life. For $119, this is a great option for gamers, especially older kiddos and tweens due to its larger size. Our tester particularly recommends it for families who have ample space for this “big guy“ to occupy.  Price at time of publication: $119 The cotton cover is machine washable and comes in a variety of colors and patterns so you can find the best match for any room. Though the material isn’t super soft, it doesn’t attract pet hair as much as plusher fabric does. Our tester praised the bean bag chair’s design features, including a handle for moving it around and fabric covering over the zipper. She also appreciates how the bean bag helps keep her daughter’s clutter contained, making the surrounding space more pleasing to the eye. The comfort level of the bean bag will depend based on what you put inside of it, but as long as you’re using plush toys or blankets, it can be used as a relaxing seat or as a backrest.  The Creative QT Stuffed Animal Storage Bean Bag Chair costs $30, earning it 5 out of 5 stars in our value category. “For $30, you are getting a kids’ bean bag chair (that’s a nice size for anyone) as well as a large, durable stuffed animal storage container. You can’t beat it!” our tester raved. Price at time of publication: $30 The Chill Sack received a full 5 stars for comfort. “My kids love it, but when I lay down on it to talk to them or read a book with them, I enjoy how comfy it is too,” our tester said. “It’s so large and supportive—you feel like you’re being snuggled.” Easily spot-cleaned, it stood up to six weeks of jumping, bouncing, and lounging, earning it 5 stars for durability and quality. Filled with memory foam, the bean bag has a microfiber outer cover that comes in a variety of colors and textures. Our tester docked a point for design due to its huge size. While it’s great for accommodating multiple little ones, “once it’s set up and expanded to its full size, it’s really hard to move,” our tester noted. With prices starting at $225, this bag is “a little pricier than I’d expect for a bean bag chair,” our tester said. “But since the product description says you can fit two people on it (and I’ve fit four small kids on ours), it is worth the price.” Price at time of publication: $225 Earning a full 5 stars for comfort, this Pottery Barn bean bag chair “feels like a warm hug,” according to our tester. When it comes to design, her 6.5-year-old “loves the size, feel, and pretty much everything about this giant ball of coziness.” Since it’s lightweight, our tester found it easy to move from room to room, although it was too large to take on a road trip. The bean bag received 4.5 out of 5 stars for design and quality, since there was some initial shedding of the fur (our tester recommends having a lint brush on hand). Aside from the shedding, “the faux material is easy to clean, like a cowhide rug… [I] just wipe up spills with a damp cloth,” our tester said. To keep little ones from playing with the polystyrene bead filling, the zipper is locked and requires a key to access the inside. As for the overall value of the Ivory Polar Bear Faux-Fur Bean Bag Chair, it received 5 out of 5 stars. Though the medium size costs $259 and the larger version is $309, our tester felt it was reasonably priced for its size and stylish look. Price at time of publication: Starting at $259 The GamerSac was fairly straightforward to set up. To assemble, zip the insert into the cover and fluff up the bean bag. Just make sure you’re setting it up in the location you want to keep it in, since its large size and weight make it tricky to move around. A thick foam blend filling allows you to sink into the Sac while still feeling supported, though it can flatten out after your kids have been on it for a while (it can be refluffed, however). Our tester’s kids enjoyed flopping onto the bean bag on their stomachs, but also found it supportive enough for sitting upright. As a result, it earned 4.6 out of 5 stars for comfort. This bean bag chair earned 5 stars for both quality and durability. In addition to being machine washable, the cover can easily be wiped clean, “and it almost feels like upholstery,” our tester said. There are multiple cover material options to choose from, including faux fur and velvet. “There are no signs of wear yet; the kids have used it almost daily, and it still looks good,” our tester reported. The cover seems like it’s real furniture upholstery and [feels like] it should hold up for quite some time.”  Depending on the fabric you choose, the CitySac can cost between $565 and $875, so it’s definitely an investment. However, if you have room in your budget (and home), “This is definitely a big step up from a regular bean bag,” our tester said. “All the size and cover options make this fit well into any room.” Price at time of publication: Starting at $565 Assembly was a bit challenging, according to our tester, who gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars for ease of setup. The large pieces of foam filling need to be separated inside a fabric sleeve, which “was a bit of a workout,” and pulling the cover over the foam required a second pair of hands. However, the bean bag chair made up for it in our other categories, receiving 4.5 or 5 stars in each. The bean bag chair is “huge, incredibly comfortable, and soft,” and our tester’s 13-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son loved it, too. Thanks to its thick, machine-washable chenille cover and strong stitching, the bean bag feels durable and high-quality. “The thick material gives me confidence that it’s not going to rip or tear, even with three kids (and the occasional adult) jumping on it,” our tester said. When the bean bag chair is unfolded into the mattress, the fabric does feel a bit thin, though a mattress cover is available separately. CordaRoy’s Chenille Bean Bag Chair earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for design. “I think it’s genius to have a bean bag that serves a double purpose,” our tester said, noting that it’s a handy space saver. To convert the bean bag chair into a mattress, simply unzip the cover and unfold the filling. When unfolded, the mattress measures 54 x 75 x 8 inches. Our tester docked half a point because of the bean bag chair’s bulkiness. “It’s not too much of a problem for us because we have it in a game room,” she said. “But if you were to have it in a bedroom, it would definitely take up a lot of space.” This bean bag earned a full 5 stars for value since you’re getting both a bean bag chair and a fold-out mattress. “If you add the cost of a bean bag chair and an extra mattress or an inflatable mattress and its pump (which you would need for guests or sleepovers), it’s definitely worth it,” our tester noted.  Price at time of publication: $281  According to our tester, the Anywhere Beanbag was the ideal size for her 2 1/2-year-old. “The fact that it is small really is a win if you’re looking to buy it for a toddler,” she said. “It’s the perfect size and shape for her to get in and out of it easily.” The bean bag chair received 4 out of 5 stars for comfort, due to our tester wishing it were “fuller” and less floppy. This makes it ideal for smaller kiddos, but not the best fit for teenagers or adults.  The Anywhere Beanbag earned full marks for design, thanks to the large array of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, in addition to the option for customization; for an additional fee, you can personalize your child’s bean bag chair with their name or initials. Our tester appreciates the customization options since you can “really design it to work with your decor and style,” even in your kid’s room or the playroom. Plus, since it’s a smaller bean bag, it’s lightweight enough to easily move between rooms.   Our tester felt the high quality and customizable design make the bean bag chair worth the price, earning it 5 stars for value. Price at time of publication: $149 This bean bag chair is large enough for the tester’s three kids to comfortably fit on together (“mostly without fighting!”). Plus, since it’s on the firmer side, it “feels more like a worn-in couch than a bean bag,” which the tester’s family loved, giving it 5 out of 5 stars for comfort. In terms of design, there are several color and cover material options to choose from. Our tester described it as “an oversized, round pillow [that’s] not fancy but very comfy and fun,” making it a great addition to a playroom or game room where you have plenty of space. The Jaxx Cocoon Bean Bag scored 4 out of 5 stars for value. While it’s a pricier option, it’s a solid option for families with plenty of space and are planning to get good use out of their bean bag chair. Price at time of publication: $259 Earning 5 out of 5 stars for design, this bean bag chair comes in several colors and has a handle to help you move the lightweight bean bag around. Since it’s not as huge as some other options on the market, it’s a good fit for a reading nook or a kid’s bedroom. Though you may need to squish around in it to find the comfiest position, it will mold to your shape when you sit down. As a bonus, it goes back to its original shape when not in use.  The Yogibo Pod X earned a full 5 stars for durability and quality. Our tester spot-cleaned it once and reported that “it still looks great!” Plus, the bean bag has kept its original shape even after a month of use. Our tester was “pleasantly surprised” at the quality, saying, “I thought it would be like our other bean bags that don’t last more than a few months, but I see this one standing the test.”  Our tester recommends the Yogibo Pod X for kids under 10, given its medium size. If your kiddo’s favorite activities call for a decent amount of support, like reading a book or sitting up to video chat with a friend, this bean bag chair is a reasonably priced choice.  Price at time of publication: $219 The Jaxx Juniper Outdoor Bean Bag Chair features a fade- and weather-resistant outer cover to protect it from the elements, while the inner liner keeps out moisture.The bean bag is filled with polystyrene beads, which are contained in the childproof zippered inner liner as a safety precaution. While it isn’t the fanciest outdoor furniture, it’s a fun perch for kiddos and adults alike, earning 4 out of 5 stars for design. When sitting in the chair, “you recline a lot,” so our tester docked one point for comfort. However, it’s still cozy, as the polystyrene beads conform to your shape. It proved to be durable even in the outdoors, receiving 5 out of 5 stars. Our tester reports that her bean bag chair “kept its color and shape through many rainy storms,” adding, “We got a blue and white striped pattern, and it still looks pretty white!” Plus, the outer cover is removable and can be tossed into the washing machine if needed. Our tester recommends the Jaxx Juniper to those looking for a comfortable piece of outdoor furniture that will hold up despite the weather. At $185, it’s a “decent price for a niche: outdoor bean bag chair,” she said. Price at time of publication: $185 4.5 to 4.7 stars: These best bean bag chairs are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. 4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great bean bag chairs, but others are better. 3.5 to 3.9 stars: These bean bag chairs are just average. 3.4 and below: We don’t recommend bean bag chairs with this rating; you won’t find any on our list. Testers were instructed to set up the bean bag chairs right out of the box, noting the ease or difficulty of assembly. They also moved the bean bag chairs around to determine how lightweight and portable they were. Next, the testers’ kids tried out the chairs for a month-long period, sitting in them to read, play video games, and do other activities. Testers asked their kids about the comfort of the fabric and filling, if they felt supported, if it was easy to get in and out, and how relaxed they felt when using it. The parents also observed how the bean bag chairs held their shape over time, washing the covers when necessary.

What to Look for When Buying Bean Bag Chairs for Kids

Cover Material

Polyester: There are several popular materials used for bean bag chairs that bring different pros and cons to the table. “Polyester has the benefit that it doesn’t slouch and can retain its form for extended periods of time,” Stefan Bucur tells Verywell Family. Polyester is typically stain- and water-resistant, making it a good choice for spill-prone kids. (Our tester found the Big Joe Fuf Bean Bag Chair’s polyester cover easy to spot clean!) On the downside, “Polyester is slippery and cold at first touch, so that can make the bean bag feel less inviting,” he says. Chenille: “Chenille is one of the plushest materials you can pick for a bean bag chair,” Stefan Bucur says.  He also notes that thanks to its thick pile, it’s fairly easy to clean, as it’s “convenient to wipe liquid spills off right after they occur.” When washed frequently, chenille may shrink or be distorted, he cautions. If you’re in the market for a chenille option, we recommend the CordaRoy’s Chenille Bean Bag Chair. Cotton: “Cotton bean bags are generally the most comfortable [as they] resemble the qualities of bedding,” Stefan Bucur says. However, since cotton isn’t a particularly stretchy material, these bean bag chairs can be harder to clean and may be prone to ripping.

Filling Material

Beads: Expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads are a popular bean bag chair filling because it’s “affordable, lightweight, and [retains its] form even after repeated use,” Stefan Bucur says. EPS beads have a similar consistency to Styrofoam and are heat- and moisture-resistant, he adds. While there are several advantages to a bead-filled bean bag (we recommend the stylish Pottery Barn Ivory Polar Bear Faux-Fur Bean Bag Chair), it may not provide enough support for longer activities, such as gaming or reading.  Foam: Foam-filled bean bag chairs, like the Big Joe Fuf Foam Beanbag Chair, are quite comfortable to sit on, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to purchase one. “Foam actually tends to expand when exposed to heat and oxygen/air,” Stefan Bucur says, so you’ll want to take care of the bean bag cover to prevent any holes. It’s also “a little more volatile [than other filling materials] when it comes to retaining its shape over the long term,” he notes. Memory Foam: Memory foam-filled bean bag chairs are a great pick if you want a supportive option that will retain its shape over time. High-quality memory foam “can retain its form over time almost as well as EPS bead filling,” according to Stefan Bucur. Plus, memory foam-filled bean bags like the Ultimate Sack 3000 or the Yogibo Pod X, are supportive to sit on for a while. However, keep in mind that memory foam is typically much heavier than EPS beads, so a memory foam-filled bean bag may be a bit tricky to move between rooms.

Style

Bean bag chairs come in a wide variety of colors, materials, and patterns. While brightly colored bean bags, like the Chill Sack 3000 Bean Bag Chair, are a lively option for a playroom, some parents may prefer to find a bean bag chair that blends in with their home’s decor. “From an interior design standpoint, a good quality bean bag chair should seamlessly integrate with the rest of the room by not attracting too much novelty attention to it but still being a statement and comfort piece,” Maegan Bucur tells Verywell Family. “For example, if you have dark oak furniture in the room, you will want to look for a dark brown bean bag that doesn’t stand out compared to the other… furniture pieces.” However, if color coordination isn’t a priority for you and your kiddos, there are plenty of neon-hued and patterned options to choose from. Since some bean bag chairs tend to slouch over time, she recommends selecting one with an internal structure to support its original shape, like the Yogibo Pod X. “That will prevent awkward focal points where the bean bag can attract unnecessary attention,” she says.

Cleaning

Let’s face it: Kids can be messy, and cleaning up spills probably isn’t at the top of their minds during playtime. Helpfully, many bean bag chairs come with removable, zippered covers that you can spot clean or even toss in the washing machine. Pet parents will also want to seek out a bean bag chair that’s easy to clean, since many popular cover materials will gather pet hair. 

Safety 

Before purchasing a bean bag chair for your kiddo, make sure to read the manufacturer’s age recommendations to ensure that it’s safe for them to use. Many children like to jump around on bean bag chairs, so consider the durability and quality of the bean bag’s material as well. Plus, some bean bag chairs use small beads as filling, which could pose a choking hazard if swallowed, so look for options with safety precautions such as a childproof zipper or an inner lining that contains the beads. Younger children, such as toddlers and infants, should not sleep or nap on a bean bag chair due to the health risks it poses. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines recommend that infants sleep only on flat surfaces that are not inclined and avoid soft bedding, which can cause overheating or pose a serious suffocation risk.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Phoebe Sklansky is Verywell Family’s Associate Commerce Editor. As a stuffed animal lover herself, she recommends the Creative QT Stuffed Animal Storage Bean Bag Chair for its space-saving abilities. Prior to joining the Verywell Family team, Phoebe was a freelance writer for multiple home and entertainment outlets. She holds a B.A. from Vanderbilt University.