As we have been using beach balls at class this week, and
inspired by a mum’s at one session who told us that the beach ball was the best
play thing she had bought for her daughter, I thought I would share with you
some of the ways this simple, inexpensive item can be used to help boost your
baby’s development, as well as providing hours of entertainment!
Tummy Time Fun on the Beach Ball
I’m sure it goes without saying but do take care to always hold your baby securely when doing any of the following activities on the ball.
Massage and Relaxation
- Lie baby on his or her back over the ball with
it partially deflated. - Bring baby’s arms above the head and stretch out
the spine. - Gently bounce baby on the ball, move the arms
and legs up and down, and side to side. - Hold baby’s hands and pull up a few centimetres,
then release. Do this slowly and gently, supporting the head if needed. - Gently massage baby’s hands, feet and face if
they enjoy it. You can also place baby over the ball on his or her tummy and
massage the back.
Tummy Time
- Lie baby over the ball on his or her tummy.
- Encourage baby to keep their head lifted as you
rock the ball forwards and back, and side to side. This helps to strengthen the
neck and back muscles and improve head control. - Rock baby all the way forward until his or her
hands touch the floor. Place a toy in front for baby to reach out for and pick
up. - For older babies, encourage them to put weight
on their hands, and build up to forwards hand walking, letting the body roll
forwards on the ball.
Balance
- Sit baby on top of the ball, and holding them
securely, rock the ball in different directions. This will help to strengthen
baby’s core muscles as they naturally move to regain balance. - Hold baby’s hands and gently move them forwards
and back a few times, then pull further forwards until their feet touch the
floor. Let them take their weight on their legs as you pull them up to
standing. - Sit with your baby and give them the ball to
play with as they wish. You may want to show them how to roll the ball, and how
to shake it or bounce it, and if it is made from clear plastic like the ones we
use at the play sessions, how to look through it to see you on the other side.
For more activities like these to stimulate the development of your baby’s body,
brain and all their senses, sign up for our free weekly Tots Play Bulletin at www.totsplay.co.uk, or even better, come
and join us at a class very soon.
Playing to Win! 