Cheerleading pom poms are an iconic symbol of school spirit and integral to cheer routines. Their flashy, colorful nature makes pom poms a must-have accessory for any cheerleader.
If you're looking to buy pom poms for your aspiring cheerleader, there are a few key factors to consider first. Purchasing the right pom poms ensures your child has the best equipment to shake and shimmy their way through cheer season.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know before purchasing pom poms for kids, including:
Pom Pom Basics
Material
Size
Attachments
Quantity
Durability
Extras like Bags and Cases
Top Pom Pom Brands
Safety Tips
Follow these tips to buy cheer pom poms that will have your mini cheerleader jumping and shouting for joy.
Pom Pom Basics
Traditional pom poms feature a solid plastic handle with colorful strands flowing out the top. Pom strands are made from shredded plastic film or paper that's been layered and glued together, creating a full, fluffy effect when shaken.
Pom poms come in a variety of styles, but most include:
Handle - This is the base that connects to the pom strands. It's usually made of plastic. Handles can be straight or curved.
Strands - The colorful strips that flow out from the handle. More strands mean a fuller, fluffier pom. Most poms have 100-500 strands.
Attachment - How the pom connects to the handle. This is usually a strap or loop that goes around the wrist.
When buying poms for kids, make sure to get all-plastic poms. Paper pom strands don't hold up as well to heavy use, and all-plastic poms are more durable for cheerleading routines.
Material
Pom pom strands are typically made from either plastic film or metallic-coated paper.
Plastic film is the most popular option for cheer poms. The thin plastic is layered and shredded to create soft, flowing strands. Plastic film comes in vivid colors that won't fade over time. It's also water-resistant and easy to clean.
Metallic paper creates eye-catching, shiny pom strands. However, it fades more quickly than plastic film and rips more easily, especially when wet.
For maximum durability, opt for cheer pom poms with plastic film strands. Make sure they're rated for outdoor use, as plastic film can become brittle and degrade under extended sun exposure.
Size
The length of the strands measures pom size. Common youth sizes include:
12 inches - Best for elementary school ages 5-9
16 inches - Ideal for middle school cheerleaders ages 10-13
20 inches - Standard high school pom size for ages 14+
Measure from your child's wrist to their elbow. Then, add 2 inches to determine the right pom pom length.
Longer pom strands create more dramatic shakes and visual impact. But they can be unwieldy for smaller hands. Make sure the size is comfortable for your child to grip and wave around.
Keep in mind that bigger poms work better outdoors, while smaller poms are ideal for indoor gymnasiums.
Attachments
Look for a secure attachment method to keep poms in place while cheering. Common options include:
Velcro Straps - Velcro wraps around the wrist for an adjustable fit. It's easy to take on and off.
Elastic Loops - Stretchy loops slide over the hand and fit snugly around the wrist. They provide flexible movement.
Snap Clasps - These open and close around the wrist like a bracelet. Snaps keep poms securely in place.
Finger Loops - Individual finger holds allow twirling and flourishing tricks. It's not ideal for vigorous shakes.
Velcro straps or elastic loops work best for cheerleading. Make sure the attachment is sturdy enough to withstand hardcore stunting. Flimsy attachments could cause pom poms to fly off mid-routine.
Quantity
Most cheerleaders use two pom poms for routines, one in each hand. A matching pair provides visual symmetry.
For practice sessions and games, it's smart to have multiple sets on hand. Extras ensure your cheerleader is always fully pom-equipped. Aim for at least:
2-3 pairs for recreational youth squads
4-6 pairs for competitive cheer teams
Having backup poms also allows you to rotate sets as needed. Letting poms fully dry between uses maximizes their lifespan.
Some companies sell pom packs with coordinated team colors. Buying in bulk helps ensure uniformity across the squad.
Durability
Cheer pom poms undergo a lot of wear and tear. Between stunting, throwing, and high-intensity dance routines, they need to be extremely durable.
When shopping, prioritize poms made with:
Thick plastic handles - Avoid thin handles that can crack under pressure.
Securely glued strands - Strands should be tightly adhered to prevent shedding.
Reinforced attachments - Look for reinforced stitching on loops and straps.
Weather-resistant materials - Poms should hold up to outdoor elements like sun, rain, and snow.
Check product reviews to see how well pom poms hold up over time. Higher-quality poms maintain their fullness and bright colors even after heavy use.
Extras
Cheerleading pom poms often come with added accessories:
Bags - Mesh bags allow for air circulation while keeping poms clean and together.
Cases - Hard cases protect pom poms in gym bags and during transport.
Decorations - Mini pom poms, tinsel, and other embellishments can be attached to ponytail holders.
Cleaning kits - Specialized brushes and shampoos keep poms looking fluffy.
While not necessary, these extras help organize equipment and extend the lifespan of your poms. Cases and bags are especially useful for travel to cheer competitions.
Safety Tips
While pom poms are generally safe, keep these precautions in mind:
No metal handles - Only use lightweight plastic handles to prevent injuries if accidentally hit.
Monitor wear - Replace poms once strands start shedding excessively or the handle shows cracks.
Use wrist straps - Secure straps keep poms attached during stunts to avoid injuries.
Watch eye contact - Have cheerleaders avoid excessive eye contact with poms, as dyes can rub off.
Clean regularly - Dirt and buildup can cause irritation. Gently wash poms to remove any chemical residue.
By selecting high-quality pom poms sized appropriately for your child's age and carefully monitoring use, you can feel good about this fun addition to their cheerleading uniform.
With the right poms, your aspiring cheerleader will have a blast pumping up the crowd all season long. Let their spirit sparkle with pom poms that can stand up to their energetic stunting, dancing, jumps, and tumbles!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cheer pom poms ensures your young cheerleader can perform with confidence and excitement. Prioritizing quality, durability, and comfort will make a big difference in their experience. At GetPoms, we offer a wide range of vibrant, high-quality pom poms perfect for every cheer star. Shop with us to find the best poms that bring energy, spirit, and sparkle to every routine!
