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The ball, ideal for baby’s development
In fabric, flexible or rigid? Be careful to choose the ball for your child according to his age …
Much more than a toy, the ball is fully involved in the awakening of children. It allows them to train their manual skills and is the bearer of real educational value. However, depending on his age, it is important to choose the right ball for your baby. In fabric, flexible or rigid… which one to choose?
From 6 months, the fabric ball
You can start playing ball with your baby as early as 6-8 months old. As the days go by, it progresses, until the moment when it can grasp it. He grabs it, kneads it and it’s easy since it’s soft! In his park, your child will also enjoy playing with it. If he has already acquired the sitting position, you can also have fun with him. Throw the ball against their right foot, then against their left foot. He will thus become aware of his body and its limits.. Another game: hide the ball behind your back and make it reappear. Indeed, the ball is an ally against the anxiety of separation, which causes crying attacks as soon as you leave it. Between 6 and 12 months, your baby has not yet realized that you continue to exist when he no longer sees you. By playing with him in this way, you will be able, little by little, to make him realize that things can only disappear momentarily.
Also know that at this age, the ball is above all a way to develop your child’s sense of touch. Therefore, choose models with different kinds of fabrics.
From 1 year old, the semi-rigid ball
At one year old, choose a striped balloon with bright colors to catch your child’s eye. It should not be too big so that it can catch it: a diameter of 20 cm will suffice. You can continue to play with your child, sitting on the floor. Roll the ball to him. It comes slowly up to him and he can awkwardly throw it back to you. But whatever, what matters is the exchange with you. At around 13-16 months, your child has pretty much understood that if he doesn’t return the ball to you, the game stops. But he had too much trouble catching it to throw it straight back to you.
From 2 years old, the smooth plastic balloon
At this stage, your child better appreciates the rules of the world of adults. The smooth plastic balloon, which washes easily, floats on water and rolls fast, is therefore perfect. Your child grabs him, and he takes turns goal and scorer, even if he falls often. Indeed, your little one is not yet a “professional” player. Show him how to shoot the ball and encourage him even if he falls.
Little by little, your child will also learn the movement that allows you to release the ball, which is not at all natural for him during the first months!
According to professionals, ball games are also a further step on the road to socialization. Thanks to the ball, he will accept the principle of “each in turn” …
And the balloon?
It is better to reserve it for the older ones. Unpredictable, light, slow, colorful… children love to play with it. They learn to look up for a long time, to raise their arms, to jump… without losing their balance. Another advantage: it teaches them to adapt their strength because when they shoot very hard the ball does not go far. Nevertheless, this inflatable ball has some drawbacks, even dangers. Deflated, you should never leave it within the reach of the little ones, who could ingest it. In addition, it explodes easily and the detonation may frighten your little one. The pieces of a burst balloon also represent a danger for him. Make sure you collect them all so that your child is not tempted to put them in their mouths.