Yoga ball rock
A gentle and playful way to engage your baby or toddler using a yoga ball
Using a yoga ball can be a fun supervised way to entertain little ones while building their gross motor skills.
You can use it as a tummy time option for babies, rocking them gently and strengthening their muscles. Simply lay your baby tummy-down on the ball and slowly rock it back and forth or side to side while holding them securely. The gentle movement can be calming while also helping with sensory input and motor development.
As they grow, toddlers can enjoy sitting on the ball while...
Materials
Play
Place your baby tummy-down on the yoga ball, keeping a firm hold on their back and sides. Gently rock the ball forward and backward, then try side to side. Observe their reactions and adjust based on their comfort. If they enjoy it, you can also make soft up-and-down movements. For toddlers, let them sit on the ball while you stabilize them at the hips, introducing small bounces or rolling back and forth.
Extend
Sing a song: Sing a gentle lullaby or nursery rhyme while rocking to create a calming experience.
Bounce to the beat: Play gentle music and time the movements with the rhythm to create a sensory-rich experience.
Superhero toddler ride: Let a toddler lie on their belly on the ball and “fly” forward while you hold their arms and guide the motion.
