Fitball gymnastics for 3 months. Fitball exercises for babies and toddlers

Ekaterina Morozova

Reading time: 5 minutes

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Active gymnastics from the cradle - is it possible? With a fitball - yes! Almost every modern mother has this simulator, which performs several functions at once. This large gymnastic ball helps to strengthen and develop the baby's muscles, relieves pain, reduces muscle hypertonicity, is an ideal prevention of colic, etc., therefore it is simply huge!

The main thing is to follow basic rules of gymnastics on a fitball for newborns and be extremely careful while exercising.

Video: Fitball for newborns - video of fitball exercises

Before starting the exercises, parents should take into account the recommendations of experts on classes on this projectile:

When to start? It is completely optional to hide the ball until the baby gets on its feet: you can start fun and useful workouts immediately after your beloved child, brought from the hospital, enters the natural sleep and feeding regimen. That is, get used to the home environment. The second condition is a healed umbilical wound. On average, classes begin at the age of 2-3 weeks.
The ideal time for exercise is an hour after the baby has been fed. Not earlier. It is strongly not recommended to start classes immediately after eating - in this case, the fitball will do more harm than good.
During the first lesson, you should not get carried away. The first session is short. Mom needs to feel the ball and gain confidence in her movements. Usually, parents who lower their baby onto the ball for the first time do not even understand which side to hold the newborn on, and how exactly to do the exercises. Therefore, to begin with, you should sit on a chair in front of the ball, cover it with a clean diaper, gently put your child on the center of the ball with your tummy and shake it a little. The amplitude of movements (wiggle / rotation, etc.) increase gradually. With an undressed baby, classes are much more comfortable (the child’s stability is higher), but for the first time you don’t have to undress.
Do not pull and hold the baby by the feet and hands during the exercise- children's joints (wrist and ankle) are not yet ready for such a load.
A lesson with a baby will be more interesting and more beneficial if during exercises, turn on calm classical music. Older kids can play more rhythmic music (for example, from cartoons).
If the baby has feeling unwell or he is not disposed to fun and activities, it is categorically not recommended to force him.
For the first lessons, 5-7 minutes are enough for all exercises. If you feel that the child is tired - do not wait until these few minutes pass - stop classes.
The optimal fitball size for a newborn child is 65-75 cm. Such a ball will be convenient for both the baby and the mother, who will not interfere with the fitball to return to its previous shape after childbirth.

Basic fitball exercises for babies - video classes with a baby on a fitball

The main advantage of the fitball is its simplicity. Special preparation for classes is not required. Although experts advise inviting a fitball instructor to the first or second lesson. This is necessary to understand how to properly hold the baby, and what exercises are most useful.

Video: Classes with newborns on a fitball - basic rules

The most effective and popular exercises for babies

Rocking on the tummy
Put the baby with his belly in the middle of the fitball and, confidently holding it with his hands behind the back, shake it back and forth, then left and right, and then in a circle.
We swing on the back
Put the child on the ball with his back (we fix the fitball with our feet) and repeat the exercises from the previous paragraph.
spring
The child is laid on the ball with the belly down. We grab his legs according to the “fork” principle (thumb - a ring around the legs, ankle - between the index and middle fingers). With our free hand, we easily press on the ass or the back of the little one with springy up and down movements - short and soft jerks.
watch
We lay the baby back on the fitball. We hold the chest with both hands, shake the baby, making circular movements to the right and left.

Video: Fitball exercise rules for babies

Fitball exercises for older kids

Wheelbarrow
We lay the baby with a belly on the ball so that it rests on the fitball with its hands. We lift it by the legs in the same position as if we were carrying a wheelbarrow. Gently swing back and forth, maintaining balance. Or just lift and lower it by the legs.
Let's fly!
Difficult exercise - skill does not hurt. We put the baby on the side (alternate exercises), hold it by the right forearm and right shin (the baby is on the left side), roll the little one left and right and change the “side”.
Soldier
We put the baby on the floor. Palms - on fitball. With mother's support and insurance, the baby should independently lean on the ball for several seconds. Exercise is recommended from 8-9 months.
Khvatayka
We lay the baby with a belly on the ball, hold it by the legs and roll it back and forth. We scatter toys on the floor. The kid should reach the toy (tearing off the fitball with one hand) at the moment when it falls as close to the floor as possible.
frog
We lay the baby with a belly on the ball, hold the legs (separately for each), roll the fitball towards us, bending the legs at the knees, then away from ourselves, straightening the legs.

Video: Massage for newborns on a fitball - moms experience

Video: Massage on the ball, baby 1-3 months

Of course, these are not all fitball exercises - their number depends on your imagination and the age of the crumbs. With a little effort, classes will become a fun and rewarding game for both of you.

Today, pediatricians recommend starting the physical development of the baby from the first months. Regular exercises and gymnastics, freedom of movement - the key to the successful growth of the child. In recent years, fitball gymnastics for babies has gained popularity. Fitball is a large ball for various physical exercises, which comes in several types and diameters. Classes on the ball have a positive effect on health and will be an interesting entertainment for children.

You can start training on the ball two to three weeks after birth. But keep in mind that exercises for babies up to six months and after six months are slightly different. In addition, it is important to follow safety precautions and never leave the baby alone for a minute! In this article, we will look at how to choose the right ball and fitball exercises for babies.

Useful properties of fitball

Eliminates muscle hypertonicity, which occurs in newborns in the first days of life;
Strengthens bones and muscles;
Forms posture and abdominal press;
Stabilizes the functioning of internal organs;
Develops the vestibular apparatus and coordination of movements;
Normalizes pressure;
Performs massage functions. How to massage a baby, see the section;
Improves digestion, reduces gas formation and colic;
Swinging on the ball soothes and relaxes the baby.

Which fitball to choose for babies

Fitball diameters vary between 45-75 centimeters. A ball of 75 centimeters is considered universal, as it is suitable for both children and adults. After all, mom can also do gymnastics on a fitball! But if adults do not plan to use the ball, it is better for a child to choose smaller sizes.

For children, choose comfortable fitballs with special handles or horns for holding the ball. For newborns, take only smooth products! Gymnastic equipment with a relief surface is suitable for babies older than 3-4 months. Do not forget to purchase a pump along with the fitball. But, as a rule, it comes already in the kit.

It is important to choose a quality and safe thing, so buy a projectile in a specialized sports store. The material of the product must be dense, elastic and not slippery. When buying, try to pinch the surface, high-quality material will immediately take on its original state. But the appearance of small folds indicates a poor-quality product.

The ball must not have visible and palpable seams, and the material must not emit a synthetic or rubber smell. Check that the ABS mark is on the product. This is the safest equipment, which also has an anti-explosive function.

How to exercise on fitball

In the morning, do more active exercises on the fitball for babies, and in the evening, do quiet exercises so that the baby relaxes and sleeps well;
Before the start of the lesson, make sure that the child feels good and calm;
The pause between the last feeding and exercise should be 1-1.5 hours;
If the baby is very naughty and resists, do not force it to do it! Crying may indicate that the child is hungry or not feeling well. In addition, not every kid will immediately be happy to accept such activities on the ball. The kid needs to get used to and get used to;
The first workouts are short. They are about five minutes long. Gradually, time can be increased;
During the lesson, hold the baby gently by the forearms, back, tummy or ankles;

You can not pull the baby by the feet or hands when he is doing exercises !;
Do not leave the baby on the ball unattended!;
Accompany classes with songs and rhymes. Then the exercise will be fun and joyful;
It is desirable that the baby is engaged without clothes, as it will go astray and cause discomfort;
If the child is naked, cover the fitball with a film. It does not create discomfort when in contact with the surface of the projectile and ensures hygiene;
Choose the right exercises. Activities are divided into two categories depending on the age of the baby. The first is intended for children from two weeks to six months, the second - for babies older than six months;
Before starting gymnastics, consult a pediatrician. Find out if the newborn has any contraindications. In addition, the specialist will help you choose an individual set of exercises that is right for your child.

Exercises for children up to six months

Rocking on the stomach is the easiest exercise that is suitable for both newborns and older babies. The child is placed on the stomach face down, held behind the back and rocked back and forth. Such activities are especially useful for children under 3-4 months old, when they are greatly tormented. Such gymnastics normalizes the work of the intestines and soothes the baby.
Swinging on the back is carried out similarly to the previous exercise, only now the baby is laid on his back face up. When rocking, support the child by the tummy and make sure that the head does not throw back. Such gymnastics strengthens the spine and back muscles, contributes to the formation of posture.

Repulsion from the ball is done when the baby is lying on a bed, sofa or table. Move the fitball to your feet and lightly press. The kid will instinctively begin to push the ball away with his feet. Such a task strengthens the muscles of the legs, develops coordination.
Exercise "Watch" assumes that the baby lies on his back. The child is held by the stomach or chest, and the ball is gently rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. When the baby is six months old, new exercises can be added to gymnastics on the ball.
The “Spring” exercise implies that the child is placed on the ball with his stomach down, while supporting his back with one hand, and the ankles with the help of a special grip with the other. Then soft springy movements are made so that the ball under the baby rises and falls (springs). By analogy, training is carried out when the child lies on the ball with his back down.

Exercises for children over 6 months old

The press exercise is done when the child lies on the ball with his back down. The baby is held by the forearms and lifted to a sitting position for a few seconds, then released back. How and when to sit down the baby, see.
The toy in front of the fitball develops grasping reflexes, coordination of movements, attention and vision of the baby. At a short distance in front of the gymnastic apparatus, lay out the baby's favorite toys. Place your baby on the ball, tummy down. Hold the legs and tilt the ball so that the baby can grab one of the objects.

Jumping on the ball is a workout in which an adult sits on the floor and firmly fixes the fitball between the legs. Then he puts the baby on the surface of the ball with his legs. Holding the baby under the armpit or by the body, raise and lower the baby, bounce and bounce.
Two adults do the ball rolling. One holds the baby on the forearms when he lies on the tummy, and the second - by the shins. The crumbs begin to be pulled back and forth, and he rolls on the ball. These exercises are great for strengthening the muscles of the back and spine.
Swinging with emphasis on the hands helps strengthen the muscles of the hands. The child is laid on his stomach, the legs are taken as if they are rolling a wheelbarrow, and with his hands he rests on the ball. Then the ball begins to roll slightly back and forth, bending and unbending the legs.

It is no secret that gymnastics is useful for all kids. When a newborn baby appears in the family, it will be very handy to purchase a fitball for the baby (or give it to young parents). In order for exercises with the ball to be not only useful, but to bring pleasure to the crumbs, it is necessary to correctly perform exercises on the fitball for babies.

Classes on the ball are extremely useful even for the smallest. It is safest to start classes when the baby is a month old.

Laying the baby on his tummy can help him avoid or reduce the manifestation of colic. In addition, in this position, the baby will strive to raise and hold the head.

Children who are 7 months old can be trained to stand on the ball.

Why buy fitball

Classes on the ball are useful for the physical development of the baby.
With the help of a sports ball, you can not only do gymnastics for a child, it will also come in handy for a young mother to entertain the baby. Older children are happy to roll it, push it, ride it.
With the help of such a ball, you can perform special exercises that will help relieve muscle hypertonicity.
Such gymnastics is extremely useful for strengthening the abdominal muscles, back, arms and legs of the baby.
Special exercises with a fitball help prevent colic, as they have a beneficial effect on the child's digestive processes.
Classes with the ball contributes to the development of the vestibular apparatus of the crumbs, coordination of movements.

In addition, the fitball can be used not only for dynamic gymnastics, but also for relaxing the baby before going to bed. To do this, you just need to change the pace of the exercise.

How to do the exercises correctly

There are certain rules that are recommended to be followed.

You can start playing with the ball from the moment the child turns one month old.
To make gymnastics a pleasure for the baby, it is better to do it in the morning, when the child is at the peak of activity, he had a good night's sleep and is in a good mood.
Before doing the exercises, you should make sure that nothing bothers the crumbs.
Any exercises on the ball can be performed no earlier than after 1.5 hours.
Many children need time to get used to a new object (ball), do not rush them. To begin with, gymnastics on a fitball should be short - from 1 to 4 minutes. In the future, the time of classes should be increased, focusing on the mood of the baby.
If the baby is naughty - the lesson should be stopped.
All movements should be smooth, without sudden jerks.
You can not pull the child by the feet, you should be careful with his joints.

Exercises for the crumbs

There are certain basic exercises to perform on a gymnastic ball. They need to be mastered first. As your baby grows, you will be able to experiment and come up with your own exercises.

Do not forget to undress the baby before starting the workout and cover the ball with a diaper so that the baby is warm and comfortable.

We put the baby on the ball with his tummy. Hold the chest with both hands. With one hand we hold it by the legs, and with the other we cover the back. Gently rock the baby from side to side, back and forth.

"We swing on the back."

We perform similarly to the first exercise, but we put the child with the tummy up. This exercise requires special care, as it is worth holding the baby's head, not letting it tip over.

"Spring".

Starting position - the baby lies tummy down. With one hand we hold the legs, and with the other hand we cover the back of the child or his ass, with light pressure we make the ball spring.

"Push the ball."

We put the baby on the sofa (bed or changing table). We substitute the fitball under the legs of the child, while the baby begins to rest against the ball and push it.

"Jump".

We fix the ball on the floor (you can use another adult). We put the child's legs on him and help him jump. We hold the baby by the back.

Lay the baby tummy down. The baby should rest against the ball with the handles. Holding the baby by the legs, we slightly swing it on the ball back and forth, as if we are swinging a stroller.

"Get the toy off the floor."

We lay the child on the ball with his tummy. Holding the baby by the legs, we tilt him forward until he can reach the toy on the floor with his hands, and slowly return the baby to its original position.

Starting position - the child on the back. Gently hold the baby by the forearms and slowly raise him to a sitting position. Carefully return to the starting position. This exercise is recommended to be performed no earlier than 3 months (the child must hold his head confidently!).

"Teach the baby to stand."

All exercises on the fitball with the baby should be done very carefully, especially if the baby is not yet a month old, taking precautions so that the child does not fall and throw back his head.

Fitball for babies, as a rule, begin to use after the child is one month old.

Choosing a fitball

How to choose a fitball for babies with such a variety? This question is not in vain worries young mothers and fathers. The choice of the ball depends on the convenience of its use, as well as versatility.

If mom’s plans include getting in shape after childbirth and at the same time using a gymnastic ball to exercise with a baby, then you should choose the most optimal ball size for both - with a diameter of 75 cm.

It is advisable to purchase a ball made of materials with anti-fracture properties. Its quality can be judged by the presence of the corresponding ABS or BRQ marking. Such a sports equipment will last much longer.

Exercise with pleasure and grow healthy!

Gymnastics is a mandatory attribute of caring for an infant. The most effective and safest way to develop a baby physically is to exercise with a fitball. What are the best fitball exercises for babies? How to prepare for classes? What precautions should be taken?

How to prepare?

Gymnastics on a fitball for babies is a type of physical development of a child, so you need to choose the right equipment. You can read about how to choose a good fitball for training with babies and the benefits of this type of gymnastics in this article.

In addition to high-quality inventory, it is necessary to take into account and take care of some more things:

You can work with a baby from two weeks of age. Around this time, the umbilical wound completely heals.
Before starting the lesson, you need to study the topic and choose exercises that are appropriate for the age of the child. They are divided into two groups: from 2 weeks to 6 months and from 6 months to 1 year.
The best time to exercise is before bathing, just before a night's sleep. Charging and water procedures will tire the baby, and he will sleep soundly and calmly for at least 6-8 hours. This will ensure healthy sleep for the whole family.
Exercises on the ball for babies can only be started if the baby is not sick and does not cry. If the baby is capricious, it is necessary to calm him down, set him up in a positive way, gymnastics should bring joy to the child.
Before charging, you must wait at least an hour and a half after feeding.
Pre-baby is better to completely undress. Clothes can get in the way, as they often get tangled and bunched up, which can rub against delicate skin.
If the ball is picked up incorrectly and its surface is slippery or corrugated, then the clothes should be left, but choose one that fits snugly and does not go astray, these are bodysuits and overalls. It is also permissible to cover the surface of the fitball with a diaper.

A very important part of preparing for classes on a fitball is a consultation with a pediatrician. Perhaps the health features of the crumbs will not allow you to choose this type of gymnastics

Precautions for gymnastics with a baby on a fitball

Gymnastics on the ball for babies should be carried out correctly, with the use of precautions that will protect the baby from injuries and falls and ensure his psychological comfort.

In no case should you do exercises with a crying child, this will not only associate gymnastics with something negative, but also a direct threat of a child falling. It is difficult to keep a wriggling baby on the ball.
If the child cries, it is necessary to stop the gymnastics and give him time to calm down. The kid must get used to and get comfortable. No need to rush things. Very soon, the gymnastic ball will cause only positive emotions in the baby.
The first lessons on the ball should have a duration of no more than 5 minutes. Over time, the duration can be increased to 20 minutes. You don't have to be too zealous. Gymnastics should cause joy, not overwork.
During each exercise, you must hold the baby by the back, tummy or legs.
Hands should be left free, in no case should you pull on the hands: this is fraught with injuries.
You should never leave a child on a fitball without support and proper supervision!
To make the baby have fun and not be afraid of new exercises, you can accompany gymnastics with songs or nursery rhymes.
Hygiene conditions must be ensured before charging: the ball must be clean. If in doubt, it is better to cover it with a diaper.
It is better to start classes with infants with simple and proven exercises. In the future, you can complicate the elements or come up with your own. But the main condition is the safety of the child.

Fitball for newborns. Exercise from 2 weeks to 6 months

Gymnastics with a fitball is often carried out in special exercise therapy rooms. Pediatricians prescribe a visit to such rooms for children with hypertension, problems with the musculoskeletal system and other ailments. If it is not possible to take a course of therapeutic exercises in a medical institution, then it can be successfully practiced at home. To do this, it is enough to buy a high-quality gymnastic ball.

Gymnastics with a child up to six months is not very diverse, since all the baby's systems are just beginning to grow stronger. You need to treat each exercise carefully, following the technique of performing and the well-being of the baby.

1. Swing on your stomach

The baby is placed on the ball with his stomach down, and swaying is performed in different directions with a small amplitude. At the same time, you need to hold the baby behind his back, and grab the ankles with the other hand. Such an exercise can be carried out not only in the gymnastics complex, but also at times of exacerbation of colic and bloating.

2. Swing on your back

This exercise is very similar to the previous one, but is performed when the baby is not lying on his stomach, but on his back. It has a beneficial effect on the spinal column and the formation of the muscular corset. The main thing is to make sure that the child's head does not tilt back too much.

3. Spring

The child needs to be laid on his back and gently press on the area just below the tummy, so that the baby seems to spring along with the fitball. You need to hold the baby by the legs. The same exercise can be done while lying on your stomach, pressing on your back or ass.

4. "Watch"

The baby should be laid on his back and gently rotate the fitball clockwise, holding the child by the stomach and legs. After a few rotations, you can change direction and make circles already counterclockwise.

5. Pushing the ball with the legs

The baby needs to be laid on a flat surface - a sofa or a changing table. Bring the fitball to the legs so that they rest against the ball. Instinctively, the baby will begin to push the ball away with his feet. Light resistance must be created. This exercise well develops the muscles of the press and legs.

6. Jumping

An adult should sit down and hold the fitball between their legs. An infant should be placed with its legs on the ball and imitate jumps, holding the baby by the back. This exercise can be practiced with an infant who already holds his head well. Jumps should be of small amplitude and performed very carefully. With age, the amplitude can be increased. In most cases, this movement becomes a favorite among children.

7. "Wheelbarrow"

The baby needs to be put on the ball with his tummy and, holding his legs, roll back and forth, as if rolling a garden wheelbarrow. The range of motion should be small.

Fitball for babies. Basic exercises in pictures

Fitball exercises for a child aged six months

After six months, you can practice all the exercises you already love and add to them a few new, more complex movements.

1. Abs

The child should be placed with his back on the ball and, holding his hands, help him rise to a sitting position. Then gently return to the starting position. This exercise is practiced closer to six months, when the child is already starting to try to sit down.

2. "Get a toy"

The child is placed on the fitball with his stomach. Holding on to his legs, you need to roll him forward so far that his hands reach the floor. At the same time, rather large toys that the child will try to grab should be laid out on the floor in the reach zone. When the baby takes the toy, then roll the ball back. If the child does not take toys, then you do not need to hold him upside down for a long time!

3. "We are standing!"

If the child is already trying to stand at the support (about 7-9 months), then you can start doing this exercise. The child must be placed at the fitball and given the opportunity to stand, holding on to the ball. At the same time, be sure to insure the baby from falling. Such gymnastics perfectly contributes to walking skills.

4. Drag

This movement will require two adults. One holds the child by the legs, and the other by the forearms. The baby lies on his stomach on the ball. Then adults gently pull the child towards themselves, rolling it back and forth on the ball. This exercise perfectly strengthens the muscles and the spine.

5. "Airplane"

The child is placed on its side, holding the arms and lower leg by the forearm. Then roll back and forth. After several rolls, you can repeat the movement on the other side.

How can I use a massage fitball with spikes for babies

In addition to the classic fitball, you can purchase a gymnastic ball with spikes. It will help a lot in the case when the baby, when standing on his feet, does not stand on his entire foot, but on his toes. Often in this case, expensive massage courses are recommended, which not every family can afford. If the family has a gymnastic ball with spikes, then the search for a massage therapist can be postponed.

The following exercise will relieve the disease:

An adult sits on a chair and squeezes the ball between his legs. The child needs to be put on the ball with his legs and jump or just stomp on the relief surface. At the same time, the spikes will gently massage the child's feet, relaxing the muscles and relieving tone. This exercise will give results in 2-3 weeks. You can use a massage ball for a healthy child, as foot massage has a great effect on the nervous system.

You should not use a massage fitball for other exercises, as the spikes can cause discomfort and rub the child's skin. For regular gymnastics, you need to purchase a classic smooth ball

Fitball gymnastics for babies is not only a pleasant pastime and physical development, it contributes to the mental development of the crumbs and strengthens the immune system. As a rule, kids with whom they regularly do gymnastic exercises get sick less, start talking early, have a good memory, and are ahead of their peers in skills and abilities. The main thing is to choose high-quality sports equipment and do not forget about the safety of the child.

Physical exercise and gymnastics are beneficial for people of all ages. For such classes, there are many simulators and other devices that contribute to achieving better results. One of these shells is a fitball - a large gymnastic ball.

Fitball exercises will contribute to the rapid and proper physical development of the crumbs, bring a lot of positive emotions, and also help the mother of a newborn to restore her physical form after pregnancy.

Fitball - a large inflatable ball made of dense elastic material. It is designed for exercises aimed at improving the health of the human body of any age. The diameter of the ball is usually 50-95 cm. Gymnastics on the ball provides a load on most muscles, corrects posture, and increases body flexibility. You can just sit on the ball, springy, this will help reduce the load on the spine. You can lie on your back and ride back and forth. This exercise will relax the back muscles, help stretch the spine, improve blood circulation.

Many gymnastic complexes have been developed, starting from infancy and older.
Physical exercises on the fitball are shown to both healthy children and those who have neurological and orthopedic pathologies.

Fitball gymnastics gives such positive results:

Reduces increased muscle tone, which occurs very often in newborns

Strengthens the muscles and skeleton of the child. During gymnastics on the ball, the development and strengthening of all muscle groups of the baby occurs.

Strengthening the muscular corset of the back will make the spine strong and flexible, which will help ensure the proper development of the child's nervous system;

Forms the correct posture and abdominal muscles;

Promotes the development of the vestibular apparatus, which is very important for children of the first year of life;

Improves coordination of movements;

Reduces gas formation and colic, performing the function of a light massage that promotes digestion;

Calms the child.

The swaying movements on the ball relax and soothe the child, some even sway and fall asleep.

The vibration of the ball serves as a kind of physiotherapy, relieves pain and tension, stimulates the work of internal organs.

Fitball selection

In order for fitball classes to be successful and fun, you need to choose the right ball. First of all, let's decide on the diameter of the ball.

If you intend to use the ball only for activities with a child, then you can choose a diameter of 50-60 cm. However, it is more preferable to purchase a large fitball with a diameter of 75-80 cm. Then the whole family can use it together with the baby.

Pay attention to the material from which the projectile is made. The fitball should have a smooth but not slippery surface. It must be elastic. With a little pressure from the hand, it repels the ball, springs, and does not easily fall through or has a strong resistance. If there is any doubt about the thickness of the material, then you can pinch the ball. With the formation of a large number of folds and wrinkles, we can conclude that the quality of the product is low.

An important quality is the strength of the material from which the ball is made. The elasticity of the ball and its functionality also depend on the strength. If the fitball is made of high-quality durable rubber, then it can withstand a load of 300 kg.

An important characteristic of the ball is the presence of the ABS marking. It means that the fitball has an anti-explosive function. Such shells are the safest for babies.

A high-quality ball does not have noticeable seams, burrs, scars, it has good antistatic properties, dust and debris do not stick to it. A good fitball is made of hypoallergenic material, without harmful chemical smell. It is always warm and pleasant to the touch. The nipple at the ball should not protrude outward, interfering with its operation.

Cheap balls are often slippery and sticky, do not spring well, have an unpleasant odor, joints and roughness are visible on them. This will make it difficult to use them.
Don't skimp on quality. It is better to immediately purchase a large high-quality ball that will serve all family members for a long time.

Gymnastics rules

It is recommended to start exercises on the fitball approximately 1 month after birth. You can start in 2-3 weeks. However, the set of exercises for children up to 6 months and after is different. These differences are associated with the development of motor skills, which the baby masters gradually every month.
Before you begin to perform a set of exercises for a baby on a fitball, parents should familiarize themselves with the rules for gymnastics:

1. It is desirable to conduct classes in the morning or in the afternoon, when the baby is most active and vigorous;
2. Do not do gymnastics for babies immediately after feeding. Let at least an hour pass after eating;
3. The first lesson is introductory and its duration is 3-5 minutes. Both adults and children need to get used to the ball.

You can gradually increase the time. Classes for babies for 2 months are enough to be carried out for 6-8 minutes;

1. When dealing with a child for the first time, you need to hold him well, the amplitude of rocking the ball is minimal.

Exercises are chosen the simplest. Over time, when parents master the technique of conducting such gymnastics, and the child grows up a little, the set of exercises can be complicated;

1. You can not hold babies when doing gymnastics by the feet or hands.

1. You need to firmly hold the baby by the ankles, forearms, back, chest, stomach.

Don't get distracted in class. Do not leave the child unattended;

1. During gymnastics, the baby should have a minimum of clothing so that it does not interfere;
2. It is necessary to conduct classes on a fitball only when the baby is healthy and in a good mood.

If the baby cries or shows dissatisfaction, then it is better to stop classes. Gymnastics should bring only positive emotions. At the time of the child's illness, classes are also stopped;

Classes will be more successful if, when performing exercises, you affectionately talk to the baby, tell him funny rhymes, sing songs, you can turn on the music that he likes.

Exercises

There are different sets of exercises for babies depending on their age. You can start from 2-3 weeks, but it is better from 1 month, when the child holds the head at least a little.

The first lesson should be short. Both parent and child need to learn. An adult sits on a chair, places the ball in front of him, Holding it with his feet. If the baby is naked, then cover the projectile with a diaper. Carefully lower the baby to the center of the ball. Holding the child by the back with both hands, gently swing the ball slightly towards you - away from you, to the left - to the right.

Exercises for babies 1 - 2 months

1. The baby lies with its back on the table.

Put the ball near his legs. Bring to the feet so that the baby kicks and pushes the ball. Repeat several times.

1. We put the baby on the gymnastic ball on the tummy, his torso, legs and head lie completely on the surface of the ball.

We hold the child by the waist, shake the ball a little back and forth.

1. "Spring".

The baby lies on the fitball with his tummy down. Holding it with one hand on the back, the other on the legs. It is necessary to perform a "fork" capture. One ankle is grasped between the index and thumb, the other between the middle and index fingers. Slightly press on the back of the child and release so that the ball springs up and down.

1. starting position too.

We hold the child by the waist. Swing the ball to the left - to the right, forward - back, then in a circular motion with a small amplitude. Do not forget - everything must be done smoothly, babies cannot be pumped sharply. During gymnastics, be sure to monitor the mood of the baby.

Examples of exercises for babies - in the video:

Exercise at 3-4 months

To the previously mastered, we add new tasks, more complex:

1. We put the child on the back of the ball.

Hold on to the shins. Bend the baby's legs at the knees and press them against the chest. Rolling the fitball back, straighten the baby's legs. Return to starting position.

1. Place the ball on a flat surface (such as a table).

Bring the child to the ball facing forward. The baby's arms are extended, we hold him by the body and tilt him so that he rests on the ball and pushes him with his arms.

1. We put the child on the fitball with the back.

Holding the baby with one hand by the tummy or chest, with the other by the legs, swing the ball forward - backward, left - right.

1. The position of the child is the same.

Hold with one hand on the chest, the other on the hips. Lightly pressing, we spring on the ball.

More options for gymnastics on the ball for this age:

Exercise at 5-6 months

We complicate the complex with new exercises.

1. Lay the child on the ball with his stomach.

Holding the baby by the hips, we swing the ball so that the baby reaches the floor with outstretched arms and back.

1. Put the baby on the ball with your feet, while holding it under the armpits.

The back is turned towards the adult. Rolling the ball forward, put the child on it. We roll back, lifting the baby to its feet.

1. Exercise "Watch".

Lay the baby back on the ball. We hold it on both sides by the torso, we perform ball movements in a circle, first in one direction, then in the other.

From 6-7 months and older

After six months, gymnastics becomes more difficult, because the child is gradually preparing for crawling and walking.

1. The favorite exercise of the kids is jumping on the ball.

The ball is fixed between the legs of the parent. We support the baby under the armpits and put it on the ball. We show how you can spring and jump on a fitball.

1. "Clutches".

The child lies on the ball with his tummy, arms extended forward. Place toys in front of the ball. We swing the ball forward so that the child reaches the floor and grabs the toy and back. You can hold the ball with your foot. Usually this exercise turns into a fun game.

1. Exercise for the back and press.

You will need two adults. The child lies on the ball with his tummy. One assistant takes him by the forearms, the other by the ankles. Roll the ball back and forth. You can also do the same by turning the child on its back.

1. The child lies with his back on the ball.

Pulling him slightly by the hands, we seat him on the ball, let him sit for a while and return to the prone position. The exercise is aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles.

1. Wheelbarrow exercise.

The child lies on the ball with his tummy. We lift it, holding it by the ankles so that it rests on the projectile with outstretched handles. Slightly shake it. The kid needs to keep his balance.

1. "Storage".

Put the baby on the fitball with the tummy. He hugs the ball with his hands. We hold the baby with our hands on the ankles. We roll the ball towards us, pulling the child, we bend his legs. We return the ball back - we unbend the child's legs. We repeat 6-8 times.

1. We put the baby on the gymnastic ball with the tummy.

We take the left ankle and left forearm, turn the baby on the right side and shake it in one direction (head down), in the other. We change position and swing the child on the opposite side.

1. We teach a child to stand with a fitball.

We start the exercise from 7-8 months. Fix the ball and put it in front of the child. The kid is standing, holding the ball with his hands. An adult insures him, allowing him to stand a little on his own.

1. A one-year-old baby can be placed on the ball with their legs and allowed to walk with support.

At the same time, fix the ball between the legs.

More about classes for children 6-9 months:

Once parents have mastered the basic exercises, you can start inventing your own. The main thing is to observe safety measures, and make sure that the child is happy. You can play ball - push, roll, throw to mom and so on.

Classes should be carried out regularly for 10 minutes a day. You can combine them with a preliminary light massage, and finish with a swim in the bath. The benefits of such an integrated approach will be tangible, and the results will be noticeable very quickly. The child will become strong, active and more mobile, his sleep will improve, his appetite will increase.

In addition, both mother and baby will receive a lot of positive emotions during such activities. Check out some more examples of gymnastics for babies in our video.

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