Best Baby Ball Pit 2026: How to Choose One for 6 to 18 Months
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Quick answer: The best baby ball pit for a 6 to 18 month old is low (about 30cm high), around 90cm across, made of dense foam so it stays put when your baby leans on it, with a removable washable cover and 7cm balls that are free from PVC, BPA and phthalates. Most babies are ready once they can sit up steadily on their own, usually from around 6 months. A good foam pit with 200 balls costs roughly £145 to £175.
At Soft Play Market most of our ball pit buyers are parents of babies, and the questions are nearly always the same: what age, what size, which balls, and is it safe. This guide is specifically about choosing a pit for a baby between about 6 and 18 months. If your child is older or you're comparing shapes, our post on round vs square ball pits covers that.
What age is a ball pit suitable for?
A baby can usually enjoy a ball pit once they can sit up unsupported, without toppling. For most babies that's somewhere around 6 months, but go by your baby rather than the date. Before that, a baby can't keep their head and upper body clear of the balls on their own, so wait.
A pit stays useful well beyond the baby stage. Toddlers use it for jumping, hiding toys and games, and many children still climb in at four or five. Pick one that will grow with them.
What makes a ball pit good for babies?
- Low walls. 30cm is the best height for babies. You can lift them in and out easily, and they can see you over the side.
- Stable foam construction. Babies lean, grab and pull up on the wall. Foam walls stay put; pop-up fabric walls fold. See foam vs pop-up ball pits for the full comparison.
- A padded base. A foam floor cushions the inevitable sideways topple.
- A removable, washable cover. Babies dribble, chew and have nappy leaks. Being able to take the cover off matters.
- No small parts. No buttons, toggles or loose decorations a baby could pull off.
- The right balls. 7cm is the size we recommend for babies. Never use balls smaller than 6cm for under-3s.
What safety features should I look for in balls for young children?
This is one of the most searched questions about baby ball pits, and it comes down to four things:
- Size: 7cm diameter, so a ball can't fit in a baby's mouth.
- Material: balls made without PVC, BPA and phthalates. Our 7cm balls are made in the EU from non-PVC plastic.
- Testing: look for EN 71, the European toy safety standard. Our balls are EN 71 tested.
- Strength: balls that spring back when squeezed and don't crack into sharp edges. Throw away any ball that's cracked or split.
Which baby ball pit size should I buy?
| Pit | Why it suits babies | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Round 90x30cm with 200 balls | Low wall, enough room for baby plus a parent's arm | From about £145 |
| Round 90x30cm, furniture fabrics (bouclé, velvet, khaki) | Same size, looks more like living room furniture | About £150–£174 with 200 balls |
| Square 90x90x40cm with 200 balls | Room for twins or a baby and an older sibling | About £192 |
| Baby soft play set with pit | Pit plus low steps for crawling and pulling up | From about £217 (5-piece set) |
For a single baby, the round 90x30cm is the one we'd point most families to. Have a look at the light grey cotton pit with 200 balls, the Aesthetic khaki pit or the Bearly creme pit. If you want crawling pieces too, the Aesthetic baby soft play set is designed for this age.
How many balls does a baby ball pit need?
Fewer than you might think. A baby should be able to sit with the balls around their waist, not up to their chest. The 200 balls that come with a 90x30cm pit are a good starting level for a baby. As they grow into a toddler you can add more for a deeper pit. Extra balls are sold in boxes of 750 in one colour (£142.50) or an 800 mixed pack (£178.80).
Can a ball pit be personalised?
The easiest way to make a pit your own is through the fabric and ball colours. Choose a pit fabric that matches the room, then pick ball colours to go with it. Our post on ball pit colour ideas has combinations that work.
How do I keep a baby safe in a ball pit?
- Always stay within arm's reach while a baby is in the pit.
- Put the pit on a flat floor, away from furniture, radiators, cords and stairs.
- Take out any toys small enough to be a choking risk.
- Check the balls regularly and remove any that are cracked.
- Wash the balls in warm water with mild washing-up liquid and let them air-dry fully. No washing machine, bleach or very hot water.
For more, read our guide on whether ball pits are safe for babies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best baby ball pit in the UK?
There isn't one best model for every home, but for most babies a round foam pit around 90x30cm, with a washable cover and 7cm EN 71 tested balls, ticks every box. Then choose the fabric and colour that suit your room.
Can a newborn go in a ball pit?
No. Wait until your baby can sit up steadily on their own.
Is a ball pit worth buying for a baby?
Most families find it gets used for years, from sitting baby to busy toddler, especially if you pick a pit that looks good enough to leave out.
Is delivery free?
Yes, UK delivery is free and returns are accepted within 30 days.