Fun activities for toddlers: Balance

Fun activities for toddlers: Balance: games to stimulate and strengthen it

 Little by little, your child naturally develops his balance. The play is an excellent way to reinforce this critical skill.

Balance: Essential Skill

During the first year of your toddler's life, all stages of his motor development help him to develop his balance. Indeed, when he learns to hold his head, to roll on himself, to sit down, to walk on all fours and to stand, he develops his stability. Moreover, when it falls, it learns to react by keeping its balance to avoid falling again. The development of equilibrium is essential since it is at the basis of all body movements. It is also necessary for the safety of your toddler. Without balance, it can fall and get hurt. Indeed, when it has a right balance, the child is agiler and feels more confident in his movements.

Games to help your child

Although your toddler's balance naturally develops, it is possible to stimulate and strengthen it. Here are some ideas for activities.

From 0 to 12 months: make the baby move.

• Dance with your child in your arms. This fun activity stimulates his balance. If your baby does not still hold his head, you should stay his back, shoulders, and head when you dance with him. However, as soon as he can keep his head and his back, take him to the height of his hips, without holding the upper part of his body. This will require your child, even more, effort to maintain his balance.
• Sit your baby on your lap by holding hands. Your baby then enjoys moving forward and backward from left to right safely. Through this activity, you stimulate the reactions necessary to maintain your balance.
• Sit your child on a blanket and place cushions around him. Then gently pull the cover on which it is seated. This activity promotes the maintenance of its stability. Moreover, if it falls, it does not hurt, thanks to the cushions placed on him.

From 1 year to 3 years: adventure!

• Give your toddler the opportunity to walk on the grass, on the sand or in the snow. These uneven and unstable surfaces present a beautiful challenge to maintain its balance.
• Put different objects on the ground to make a course to your child. For example, pillows to climb, a chair under which to crawl or a step on which to climb and descend.
• Encourage your toddler to hit the balloons on the lawn. This forces him to lift his foot and to keep himself in balance.

From 3 years to 5 years: new challenges

• Play in different parks. This allows your child to try new game modules and practice making various moves. He develops new skills.
• Make it swing. The backless swings are excellent for stimulating upper body balance.
• Help your child stay in balance sitting on a pool noodle. In the water, your toddler can exercise his balance otherwise.
• Make him do sports and games that promote balance. For example soccer, basketball, cycling, scooter, karate, tiger, hopscotch, etc.

Lack of balance: when to worry?

Some disorders, such as motor dyspraxia, can cause a balance problem. For example, if you notice that your child is not following the various stages of motor development, for example sitting and moving on all fours around 6 to 12 months or walking around 12 to 18 months, talk to your doctor.

To remember

Balance develops naturally from the birth of the child. Some daily activities help to develop balance. The balance gives your child a sense of security and helps him not fall or get hurt.

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