Peanut balls for labour, and for children who love to bounce
There are two kinds of peanut ball here. The Peanut Ball for Labour is 50cm and made for lying on your side, with your top leg resting over it or the ball between your knees, so you can rest between contractions without holding your leg up yourself. It's especially useful if you've had an epidural and need to stay in bed.
It comes with a foot pump and our Labour Book, which goes through each stage of labour with peanut ball positions you can practise at home first. Midwives use peanut balls too, so check with your midwife or birth centre about bringing your own.
The Peanut Ball for Kids and the Exercise Ball for Kids are both 45cm and anti-burst, and each comes with a book of games and exercises. The peanut shape is steadier for toddlers and less confident children to sit astride, and the round ball, with raised dimples, suits older children, including as a seat at the table.
The electric pump fits all of our balls and saves you the hand pumping.
Questions, answered.
What's the difference between a peanut ball and a birthing ball?
A birthing ball is for sitting upright and moving your hips. A peanut ball is mostly for lying down, holding your legs in position while you rest, so they do different jobs at different points and plenty of people bring both.
Can I use a peanut ball with an epidural?
Yes, and that's when it's most useful. It holds your top leg in position while you lie on your side, so you can rest between contractions.
What size peanut ball do I need?
For labour, the 50cm suits most people. How firm you make it matters more than the size: firm enough to hold your top leg up without sinking, and if it feels too big, let a little air out. The kids peanut ball is 45cm, sized for children.
Which ball is best for my child?
The peanut shape is steadier to sit astride, so it suits toddlers and younger or less confident children. The round Exercise Ball for Kids suits older toddlers and school-age children. Use either on carpet or a mat, with an adult close by.
How do I blow it up?
Let the ball warm to room temperature, inflate it in stages, then leave it overnight and top it up the next day, as the material keeps relaxing. Every ball comes with a pump and our electric pump fits them all; for labour, do it well before your due date, around when you pack your hospital bag.
