Play on an exercise ball

Playing with your older baby on an exercise ball is a fun way to help strengthen postural muscles necessary for the development of higher level motor skills such as crawling, standing, and walking.

It’s also an easy way to provide more opportunities for movement and sensory input (especially if they seek out ways to move them in different positions a lot or you have limited space in your home).

You can play with the baby by laying him/her on their tummy or sitting on the bottom while you roll, rock, and gently bounce the little one on the ball. 

Make sure you’re safe with the baby by having a good hold on the midsection (between hips to armpits), stabilizing the ball as necessary, only moving the baby as much as the neck and back muscles can handle, and following his/her lead for how comfortable the baby is with the different types of movements.

You can use a regular exercise ball or, for added stability, you may find that an exercise ball filled sand is easier to control.

Take advantage of this opportunity to play with the baby, make eye contact, sing songs, and have fun!

Make photos of the process, upload to the App. Write what exercises he/she prefers.