Quick answer: Check your chair's owner's manual first: manufacturers set their own rules. Human Touch says children should not use or play with its chairs without close adult supervision, and the OHCO M.8 manual says the chair is not recommended for children under 14. Never let children play with, climb on or crawl under a massage chair, its footrest or cords. Ask the child's doctor before any use.
Is a massage chair safe for children?
Massage chairs are built for adults, and they have powered recline, moving footrests, rollers and airbags. Follow your manual, and supervise any child near the chair. We don't recommend a chair "for kids."
What do manufacturers say?
Guidance varies by brand. Two examples, from the manufacturers' own pages:
| Source | What it says |
|---|---|
| Human Touch support: "Can children use Human Touch chairs?" | "Children should not use or play with a Human Touch® chair without close adult supervision." It also says to consult the child's physician first. |
| OHCO M.8/M.8LE owner's manual (PDF) | "This appliance is not recommended for children under the age of 14. Please keep children away while in use or storage." |
Your chair's manual may say something different. Read its safety section before anyone, adult or child, uses the chair.
What are the main risks around kids?
- Moving footrest: it can pinch when it retracts or lowers.
- Recline: the backrest moves.
- Rollers and mechanism: keep fingers out of gaps.
- Cords: trip and pull hazards.
- Heat: follow the manual's heat warnings.
How do you childproof a massage chair?
- Switch off at the main switch or unplug when not in use (per your manual).
- Keep the remote out of reach.
- Leave the footrest retracted and the chair upright.
- Use a cover when it's not in use; see massage chair covers and floor mats.
- Never leave the chair running unattended.
Our massage chair owner's guide and maintenance guide cover more setup and safety basics. When you're choosing a chair for a family, our guide on how to choose the right massage chair explains how to read height and weight ranges.
Should kids use it at all?
That's for you, the manual and the child's doctor to decide. If the manual allows supervised use and the doctor agrees, use the lowest settings and short sessions. See how to adjust intensity and timers and session length.
What to do
| Pick | If you... |
|---|---|
| Follow the manual | always |
| Adult supervision | any use by a child, if the manual allows it |
| Childproofing | have toddlers at home: power off, remote stored, footrest retracted |
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child use a massage chair?
It depends on the manufacturer. The OHCO M.8 manual says it's not recommended for children under 14, and Human Touch requires close adult supervision. Check your chair's own manual and ask the child's doctor.
Can kids sit in a massage chair when it's off?
Supervise anyway. Footrests and recline can move if someone presses the remote, and children shouldn't climb on or crawl under the chair. Keep the remote out of reach and switch off at the main switch.
Can pets sit in a massage chair?
Pets can scratch upholstery and get caught in moving parts. Keep them off while the chair runs, and use a cover when it's not in use. Our maintenance guide has more pet tips.
Is it OK to use a massage chair if I have a health condition?
Check with your doctor first if you have a health condition, are pregnant or have an implanted device. Also read your chair's owner's manual for its own safety guidance, and check the height and weight range on the product page before you buy.
Specs and prices as listed on each product page; prices change, so check the product page for today's price. Prices change; see each product page for today's price. Written by the eMassageChair team.
