Beach ball fun for your baby

AIthough it might not be beach weather outside, a beach ball offers year round opportunities for play time fun with your baby!

Here are a few ways that this simple, inexpensive item can be used to help boost your baby’s development, as well as providing hours of entertainment – whatever the weather!

Massage and Relaxation:

• Lie baby on his or her back over the ball with it partially deflated.
• Bring baby’s arms above their 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.

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.

The great thing about a beach ball is that is it can continue to be enjoyed by your little one and used in lots of different ways as he/she grows too!

Make photos of the baby activities with a beach ball, upload to the App. Write briefly about your experience.