Gymnastics on a ball for infants 2 months. Fitball exercises for infants (15 useful exercises)

18.10.201927.05.2017

When can you start training and how to do it correctly?

If your baby is already 2 weeks old, you can start doing gymnastics on a ball for newborns. You need to exercise before feeding or no earlier than 40 minutes after it. Don’t insist on doing exercises if your child’s mood suddenly deteriorates - wait for a more opportune moment.

First stage

The goal of the first stage is to let the child get used to the new object, the new sensations it gives, and also to help the mother feel confident when playing with the child on the ball. The object is still quite unstable, and the mother may worry about the safety of her child.

To begin, sit on a chair, sofa or armchair, place the ball in front of you and cover it with a clean diaper. Place the baby on his tummy on top of his diaper right hand lightly press it against the ball in the back area, and with your left hand hold the child’s leg under the knee - feel that you are in complete control of your child’s position, and nothing bad will happen to him while you hold him this way.

Start to swing the ball smoothly in different directions, create a slight vibration. To make your child feel more confident and calm, talk to him kindly, praise him, you can sing a song or recite a rhyme. After a minute or two, turn the baby onto his back, holding the ball with his feet.

You can place your baby on a gymnastics ball for children several times during the day. Gradually, this large round object will become as familiar to him as a stroller, bathtub or. This usually happens within 2-3 weeks. By this time, your baby will be one month old, and you can safely move on to the next stage.

Second stage

At this stage and further, to perform exercises on a fitball for infants, the mother stands in front of the ball. The exercises are repeated both for positioning the baby on the tummy and on the back. Move the support area from the back to the baby's knees, supporting him by both legs. We perform rocking and vibration.

Third stage

Smoothly move your hands away from the ball while lifting your baby's legs. Also swing gently, creating emphasis on top part child's body.

Fourth stage

Gradually increase the amplitude of rocking and rotation, holding the child already in the area of the ankle joints. During gymnastics on a ball for infants, try to lower it head down more and more - this strengthens the muscles of the child’s neck and back, and weakens the hypertonicity of the muscles of the arms and legs. When the baby gets used to the head down position, you can stay in this position a little longer.

Fifth stage

Now you can learn to hold your child by the arms. When mastering this method of support, ask one of the adult family members to insure you. Place the baby on his back, place your thumbs in his hands, while holding the baby's arms by the wrists. Start rocking and rotating, gradually increasing the amplitude.

Gradually, you can achieve full lifting of the baby's arms up and stay in this position. Let your child relax while you create a gentle vibration on the baby gym ball. Gradually, the amplitude and variety of movements of the child’s arms in the back position can increase.

Sixth stage

Having mastered the previous positions, try the following: in the “baby on his back” position, smoothly and carefully bend his legs at the knees, pressing him to the body. At the same time, bring the baby closer to you, holding him at the knee or ankle joints. As you move your child away from you, straighten your legs. Gradually, the speed and amplitude of movements increases, and then similar movements are performed alternately with the right and left legs.

Seventh stage

Putting the baby on his tummy and holding him in the lumbar region, place him in the “frog” position - this is extremely useful for the development of joints and prevention. Perform rocking, rotation and vibration.

Eighth stage

Putting the baby on his tummy and holding him by the hands, rock him forward, gradually lifting his upper body. As you further master this position, you can simultaneously move your baby’s arms to the sides.

All these stages are mastered in about a month. In the future, the exercises mastered on a fitball for infants can and should be diversified:

Bend and straighten your legs in a tummy position
Holding your wrists, lower down
Jump on the ball with your feet
, and in the future - sit down from a position on the back

Fitball for babies - video

We hope that the infant fitball will become both a useful exercise machine and a favorite educational toy for your child for a long time.

The importance of gymnastics for newborn babies cannot be underestimated. The easiest way to properly and effectively exercise with a baby is exercise on a fitball. Even an inexperienced mother can cope with this type of gymnastics. What are the benefits of fitball for infants? What types of gymnastic balls are there and how to choose the right one?

Why does a baby need gymnastics?

Any type of exercise is very important for a newborn baby. They give him the opportunity to feel his body and adapt to a new environment.

The most common problem in children is hypertension. This is a normal phenomenon, since before birth the child was in a “crouched” state for a long time, his arms and legs were bent and pressed tightly to the body. This condition creates discomfort for the child, and is sometimes accompanied by painful sensations. Over time, hypertonicity will disappear on its own, but gymnastics and massage help eliminate it much faster.

Physical exercise also has a very beneficial effect on the mental development of a child. The fact is that children under one year of age develop harmoniously, that is, their physical and mental development are inseparable from each other, they help one another. The sooner you start working with your baby, the more effective and better his brain development and the establishment of neural connections will be.

Why should you choose a gymnastic ball?

Fitball for newborns is very useful. Such gymnastics has many advantages over other types of physical development.

Soft and smooth rocking on this ball reminds a newborn of his intrauterine life. Thanks to this, he tolerates the exercises calmly, falls asleep well after them and sleeps very soundly.
Gymnastics on a ball for infants helps relieve hypertension and perfectly strengthens muscle corset crumbs.
Exercises with a gymnastic ball perfectly develop the respiratory system and stimulate the baby’s blood circulation.
Fitball is good not only for gymnastic exercises, but also for massage.
The vibrations that the fitball transmits to the infant have a beneficial effect on the internal organs, producing a kind of massage that stimulates their work. In addition, vibration has a slight analgesic effect.
Massage on a ball is easier to do, as the child behaves calmer and perceives the manipulation as a fun game.
If you perform exercises in the “lying on your stomach” position, this has a beneficial effect on digestion, significantly relieves colic, promotes the release of gases and is an excellent prevention of constipation in infants.
You can start exercising on a fitball practically from birth; you don’t need to wait until your child grows up and gets stronger. Optimal time the beginning of gymnastics is the day when the umbilical wound heals.
Fitball exercises for infants help strengthen the musculoskeletal system, an excellent orthopedic effect is achieved, the child begins to hold his head up earlier, and tries to sit up, crawl and walk faster.
Exercises on the ball allow you to develop your child’s vestibular apparatus well.
Having fun on the fitball is not only good for the baby’s health, but also contributes to his psycho-emotional comfort, arouses interest and joy.
The older children in the family will also appreciate such a useful purchase as a gymnastic ball. Playing with him is fun and useful. Even simple jumping on it has a beneficial effect on all organs and systems of the body.
For nursing mothers, ball exercises will also be useful; they will help get your figure in shape and develop flexibility.

Types of gymnastic balls. How to choose a fitball for babies

Today in stores you can find the most different types gymnastic balls. Not all are suitable for infants, so you need to choose wisely and know the topic.

The diameter of such balls varies from 45 to 85 cm. This ball is universal and is well suited for exercises with children. In addition, adults can also practice with it. For gymnastics with infants, a ball with a diameter of 60 cm or more with a smooth but not slippery surface is suitable. It is better to immediately buy a product with a large diameter, so that later you can use it for physical education with an older child.

The most common type of gymnastic ball that many are familiar with

2. Children's fitball with handle or horns

Such jumping balls have a relatively small diameter, as they are designed for owners of short stature. Adults are not allowed to use this equipment. The ball is designed for a user weight of up to 50-60 kg. For a baby, you can choose this type of ball; you can perform all exercises on it in the same way as on a classic fitball. But you need to make sure that the surface is not too slippery.

If the ball is purchased for older children, then you need to pay attention to the fact that the handles are non-slip, firmly attached to the product and have a grooved shape - this will ensure the child’s safety when playing.

This type of ball is only suitable for children. The handle or horns help to hold it during games, so that it is more convenient to jump on it and not slide off to the floor

This ball is more useful for adults, as it allows you to combine physical exercise with a light massage. This option is not worth buying for infants. Pimples on the surface of the product can cause discomfort to the baby. If such equipment is already present at home, then you can try to use it for gymnastics with your child, but only after he is six months old. At the slightest dissatisfaction of the baby, you should immediately stop the activity.

This type of gymnastic ball is characterized by the presence of “pimples” over the entire surface

Oval fitballs appeared relatively recently, but have already become popular among users. This gymnastic equipment provides good stability when performing exercises, thereby significantly expanding your capabilities. Oval fitballs vary in shape, size and texture. They come in “peanut” or ellipse shapes. The surface can be smooth or “bumpy”. Ball sizes also vary.

The newest variety of gymnastic ball, which is gaining more and more popularity

This type of fitball can be successfully used for kids. Gymnastics on such balls for infants is used in rehabilitation centers, children's hospitals, and exercise therapy rooms. For inexperienced mothers, such equipment will give confidence due to its stability.

Which ball is best for babies?

Stores can offer a huge variety of similar products. In order not to get confused, you need to remember a few important points.

The main selection criteria are as follows:

The fitball shape can be either round or oval. You can buy a ball with handles: it is suitable for both older children and infants.
The fitball size for infants is from 60 cm and more (orthopedists advise buying a ball with a diameter of at least 75 cm). This diameter of the ball will allow all family members to use it. The easiest way to choose the right size is to sit on a ball. The angle between the thigh and shin should be approximately 90°.
It is imperative to make sure that the ball is marked with the abbreviation ABS. This means that it will not explode during use. The same property of the product can be designated BRQ.
When inflated, the ball should be elastic, that is, when pressing on the surface, there should be no dents left, and an elastic, springy counteraction should be felt under the palm.
The walls should not be too thin. The product must be made of durable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic material.
The surface of the product should be warm and not sticky to the touch - this will make it possible to exercise without clothing or additional equipment such as a diaper.
The greater the permissible maximum load on the product, the better. The highest quality models can withstand weights of up to 300 kg or more. This load makes it possible for all family members to exercise without fear.
A good fitball for a baby should not have rough seams. It is better to choose a smooth surface without “pimples”.
Although the surface is smooth, it should not be slippery. It is best to choose balls made of porous non-slip material (thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride). This will ensure greater safety for the child when performing exercises.
You need to ask whether the material from which the ball is made has an antistatic effect. This is necessary to prevent debris, dust, and pet hair from sticking to the ball: this can provoke allergic reactions in the child. In addition, sticky clothes make many exercises difficult, and the baby can also be hit by a static current discharge.
A high-quality fitball does not have any foreign chemical odors. Ideally, it doesn't smell like anything at all.
The nipple for inflating the fitball should be recessed inside the product so as not to accidentally injure the baby.
The ball can be any color. High-quality branded products often have natural, calm shades, while Chinese fakes have acidic, unnatural colors. This fact can also be taken into account when purchasing.
It is very important to pay attention to the manufacturer. Today, the best fitballs are produced by companies - TOGU (Germany), Mondo (Italy), Ludi (France), Reebok (USA). These products can be purchased safely, are hygienic certified and are suitable for pregnant women and activities with babies.

Purchase sports equipment It’s better to go to trusted stores, where they can provide comprehensive information about the product and offer to review quality certificates that will confirm the safety of the ball and the ability to use it for activities with infants.

It is better to buy a fitball before the baby is born. It will serve perfectly during pregnancy, relieving tension from the back muscles and improving blood circulation in the pelvic organs. And after the baby is born, it will be an indispensable assistant when doing gymnastics with the baby. How to prepare for exercises and what correct technique gymnastics, described in detail.

A fitball is a round gymnastic apparatus, a large elastic ball. Adults and children use it. Fitball classes for newborns at home are easy to organize, even for inexperienced parents. When to start, how to conduct training and what are the benefits of gymnastics on a ball for young children, we’ll talk in our article.

From this article you will learn

The benefits of fitball

Gymnastics on a fitball for infants is necessary and useful for the following reasons:

Eliminated increased tone muscles.
Abs and posture are formed.
Muscles are being trained.
Bones are strengthened.
The vestibular apparatus and coordination develop.
Work is returning to normal internal organs, intestines (with the help of exercises on a fitball, mothers will get rid of sleepless nights due to infant gas and colic).
The pressure stabilizes.
The baby relaxes and receives a lot of positive emotions.
The body receives a massage.

Fitball is useful for entertainment and health promotion. It is a mistake to believe that such gymnastics is needed only for those children who have neurological and physiological defects. Warm-up and communication with mother will not interfere with absolutely healthy babies.

Interesting! Fitball was invented in Switzerland. The author of the technique is doctor S. Kleinvogelbach. Initially, ball gymnastics was used to treat patients with spinal injuries. The simulator was called the Swiss ball after its birthplace.

Which ball is better to choose

When buying a fitball for exercising with a baby, parents need to pay attention to the following parameters:

Ball size. The optimal diameter of a gymnastic apparatus for newborns does not exceed 45 cm. For children under one year old, an apparatus with a circumference of 75 cm is suitable for adults.
Elasticity. The surface should be springy and hard. Check this parameter in the store by pinching the projectile. If the rubber quickly returned to starting position, the product is of high quality and is suitable for training with infants.
Material. Fitballs are made from rubber, caoutchouc, and latex. For infants, choose an odorless ball; the material does not really matter.
Surface. The smooth version is suitable for babies. Children after one year - with thorns, horns, pimples. Also pay attention to the seams and valve. Protruding elements can injure a newborn, so the inflation valve should be hidden inside, and the seams should be barely noticeable.
Anti-explosion system. If the projectile is marked ABS, then it will withstand a weight of up to 300 kg, will not explode under the load, but may deflate if it is exceeded.
Color. For infants, choose exercise equipment in pastel colors. Poisonous greens, garish oranges and reds are most often cheap knockoffs.
Manufacturer. Choose Italian, German, American balls. They will last more than 10 years.
Equipment. A good set must include an inflator.

Important! Buy a fitball from a sports or children's store. The likelihood of purchasing a quality product in branded retail chains is much higher.

How to recognize a fake

With the growing popularity of fitball classes, sports equipment began to be counterfeited more often. It is very easy to recognize a low-quality product using the following criteria:

Low price. Good ball small diameter, suitable for infants, will cost more than 800 -1000 rubles.
Protruding seams, inflation valve. Feel the projectile with your palm. If you feel roughness, burrs on the surface, seams protruding clearly, then the ball is fake.
Folds. Even good inflated ball does not have a smooth surface, which means the rubber is thin. It stretches and has a low density. Such a simulator will become unusable in a couple of days.
Strong unpleasant odor. The material has an unnatural, chemical smell. Inhaling this “aroma”, the baby can be poisoned.
Bright colors and drawings. High-quality branded balls are made in a single-color version.
Erased inscriptions. For professional manufacturers, the label does not wear off for years.

At what age to start

You can start exercising your child on a fitball at any age. The earliest is considered to be 3 weeks after birth. By this time, the umbilical wound has healed, the mother recognizes the baby’s temperament and can confidently hold him. Parents will feel the benefits of swinging on a large ball almost immediately. The baby will calm down and have fun.

Interesting! Dr. Komarovsky speaks out against rocking of newborn babies. He believes that this procedure only brings harm. But the fitball is treated very positively, if you do not use the gymnastic ball as a saddle for a tired mother who is trying hard to put her child to sleep.

Important Rules

When creating a schedule for activities with your child and choosing a set of exercises, parents should take into account some generally accepted rules:

Start your first introductory lessons with your baby no earlier than 2-3 weeks after birth.
The introductory lesson lasts no more than 5 minutes. The baby needs to get used to the ball and new tactile sensations.
Increase the duration of the exercises gradually, focusing on the baby’s well-being, his interest, and mood. By 2-3 months, exercise on the ball lasts 8-10 minutes.
Wash the ball and your hands thoroughly before class.
There is no need to pump the projectile as much as possible. It should spring back a little.
Place a flannel diaper on the gymnastic ball. This is necessary so that the baby does not slip off.
Turn on soft, calm music.
Take the child, hold him on the ball confidently, firmly. For newborn babies, secure the cervical spine well.
Regardless of the baby's age, ankles and wrists are not suitable for holding them on the ball. The joints are not strong enough - dislocations and injuries are very easy to get. It is better for adults to hold the child by the torso: forearm, chest, tummy, back.
It is strictly forbidden to leave a baby unattended. A child will be able to exercise independently, swing and jump on a fitball only after 1-2 years.
Conduct active activities in the morning, calm ones in the evening, so that the little child does not become overexcited and falls asleep well.
You cannot do gymnastics immediately after eating. Wait 1 - 1.5 hours after feeding or start exercising 30 minutes before eating.
To get the maximum positive effect from charging, it is better to undress the child. The body will be in contact with the ball over its entire surface, the receptors and muscles will receive a good load.
Plan lessons only on those days when the baby is healthy, cheerful, and good at interacting. If your child is not in the mood and cries on the ball, take a break.
Choose a set of exercises on a fitball, taking into account the age of the baby.
During gymnastics, sing, talk to your child, read poems and jokes.

Important! You need to wipe the fitball before each lesson. Babies, lying on their tummy, will definitely try to taste it.

Exercises

Training complexes for fitball are usually divided into several groups according to the age of the infants. Parents should understand that these tasks are classified as general strengthening tasks and are intended for children without developmental pathologies.

To solve health problems with the help of a fitball, we recommend that you consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe a special course of gymnastics, which will be more effective and targeted.

Exercises for children up to 3 months

Newborn babies love to swing on a fitball. The basic gymnastic exercises for babies of this age are based on this principle. The baby is laid on his tummy, the mother sits on the floor or stands nearby so that the hold is strong. Complete the following tasks, devoting 1-2 minutes to each.

Swing

The exercise is performed on the stomach and back alternately. In the stomach position, hold the baby with your hand, placing it in the area of the shoulder blades, and clasp the legs with the other palm. Make swaying movements left and right, back and forth. In a supine position, it is better to clasp the ball with your legs so that the fixation is stronger.

Spring

A two-month-old baby lies on a fitball with his belly. Hold the baby's legs and lightly press on the butt so that the ball bounces up and down.

Rotations

Spin the fitball clockwise. Hand movements should be done slowly, remembering to hold the baby tightly.

Leg kicks

Mom’s pet or darling lies on the sofa, a fitball is rolled up to his heels. The baby rests his feet on the ball, the surface is springy.

Watch the video on how to perform these exercises:

Classes for children from 3 to 6 months

Gymnastics with a fitball is much easier to do at the age of three months. The baby holds his head, his neck is stronger, he rests his hands on the surface, tries to roll over and sit down. Help him learn new tasks and his physical skills will develop faster.

Wheelbarrow

The baby lies face down, resting his hands on the projectile. Mom swings the fitball forward, taking a couple of steps, then back. The child is forced to move his palms to maintain position.

Reach for the toy

The baby is placed on the belly and held well by the legs. Tilt the fitball forward so that the baby can reach the floor with his palms. Place several bright toys near the ball, the baby will try to get them.

Jumper

The most favorite exercise for infants. Place your baby on the ball and hold him under your arms. Hold the fitball with your feet. Help your child jump, make sure he bends his knees and pushes off on his own.

Little Frog

The child lies on his stomach. The mother swings the ball back and forth, bending and unbending the baby’s legs at the knees.

Airplane

Lay the baby on his stomach and rock him on the ball a couple of times. Gently secure the baby's forearm and lower leg and turn him onto his side. Rock on one side, then switch to the opposite position.

Important! The set of tasks does not change with age, but is supplemented. Don't stop doing simple exercises for newborns, use them as a warm-up and new ones as the main part.

Watch the exercise video below:

Exercises for children 6 months and older

In six months, it is important to strengthen the muscles of the legs, back, and spine. Fitball tasks are aimed at learning to sit, stand, walk, and exercise vestibular apparatus.

Downloading the press

The baby is placed on the back. The ball is firmly fixed with the feet of an adult. The mother pulls the baby by the arms, holding the forearms, sits the baby up, then carefully lowers him to the starting position.

Learning to stand

The fitball acts as a support for the baby. The mother places the child near the ball and rests the child’s palms on it. Hold the projectile so that it does not roll away. Slowly release the child and let him stand on his own. 2-3 seconds is enough.

Drag

Requires two adults to complete. One holds the child by the legs, the other - by the hands. The baby lies face down. Parents carefully pull the baby towards them one at a time.

horse

The baby must be able to sit. The mother puts the child on the exercise machine astride and helps him bounce on his butt. You can press the ball so that it springs along with a small load.

Keeping your balance

Place the baby on the fitball and find a fulcrum. Place your hands on your child's lap. Let him sit for 3-5 seconds almost independently, keeping his body in one position.

Help for parents! Download pictures online describing exercises on a fitball for infants. Print the instructions and keep them handy during class. This way you won’t forget or confuse anything.

A set of exercises for dysplasia

Dysplasia is common in infants. This violation of the formation of joint tissues is detected during the neonatal period. You can correct the situation if you regularly conduct fitball exercises at home, invite a specialist for medical massage and do not forget about the morning warm-up.

The following exercises on a Swiss ball are useful for children with dysplasia:

Place the baby on his back and support the body with your hand on his tummy. Press the child's pelvis against the ball. Hold your legs in your palms and use them to circular movements clockwise. Repeat 5 times.
Do not change the child's position on the fitball. Raise one leg and spin the bike 4-5 times, then do the same with the other leg.
Turn the baby onto his stomach. Let him grab the ball with his hands, hold his body. Bend your legs at the knees and place them in a frog pose. Press your knees to the fitball, fix for 5 seconds, straighten. Repeat 8 times.
Maintain the position on your stomach. Bend your knees so that the heels of both legs touch and your feet rise towards your butt. Hold for 5 seconds, release. You need to repeat 6-8 times.

Important! Prevention and treatment of dysplasia during the neonatal period will protect the child from lameness and joint defects in the future.

Exercises for muscular dystonia

With muscle dystonia, children experience hypotonicity or hypertonicity. For treatment and health promotion, use the pool, massages and fitball exercises at home. The standard set of tasks includes the following exercises:

Do it together. Place the baby on the ball. One adult holds the straight legs, the second holds the arms. Roll your baby back and forth on the ball. Repeat 10 times.
Don't change your position. Secure the child's back with your palm, tilt the fitball forward until the baby reaches the floor with his palms. Then take the baby's hands and release the legs. Tilt the ball back until your child's feet touch the floor. Repeat the bends 5 times. Do this exercise with 9 month old - one year old children.
The baby lies on his back, the mother places her palm on his tummy. The ball rolls into different sides at low speed. This exercise relaxes the back muscles well.

Possible contraindications

Fitball has no categorical contraindications. Gymnastics on a Swiss ball is useful for absolutely all children. There are just a few things parents need to consider when deciding to start classes:

Has the child matured physically, has the umbilical wound healed? There's no need to rush. Do not put your baby on a fitball immediately after being discharged from the hospital. Wait 3-4 weeks.
Which set of exercises to choose. Focus on the child’s age and level of development. For babies who show no signs of wanting to sit, walk, or stand, a set of exercises for one-year-old and six-month-old babies is contraindicated. The body has not yet matured.
Why do you need fitball classes? If the purpose of the classes is general strengthening, then choose a set of exercises yourself, improvise, involve older children and preschoolers 5-6 years old in the games. If classes are necessary as a medical procedure, it is better to contact specialists (neurologists, pediatricians, orthopedists). To treat developmental defects of the musculoskeletal system and neurological ailments, an individual course of gymnastics will be required.

The benefits of fitball for newborns are undeniable. Pediatricians say that active activities on the ball I improve the baby’s sleep and appetite, which means the mother will be positive.

IMPORTANT! *when copying article materials, be sure to indicate an active link to the original

Children under one year old benefit greatly from massage, a variety of physical exercises, the development of the vestibular apparatus, and, of course, babies need their mother’s touch - all this gives a baby under one year of age fun and useful exercises on a fitball for babies. Fitball for babies– one of the important purchases for a young family, this item will replace various sports equipment and will be useful for a very long time.

My son and I still jump and ride on our fitball, and even all the children who come to visit us, ages from 0 to 10 years old, love to jump on this ball too! So I highly recommend such a useful thing, and let’s talk about the fitball in more detail.

Advantages of exercising on a fitball for infants

First, let's discuss the advantages gymnastics on fitball for babies up to one year old:

Promotes the development and strengthening of the chest muscles.
Reduces hypertension.
Serves as a preventive measure for intestinal colic and soothes the tummy when it occurs.
Activates metabolism.
Develops the musculoskeletal system.
Trains the vestibular apparatus.
Develops baby's coordination of movements.
This is a fun pastime and tactile contact between mom and her little one.

How to choose a fitball

First of all, in order to start actively exercising on a fitball, you need, of course, to purchase this very fitball. What should you pay attention to when choosing a ball for training with infants? To be honest, I wanted a fitball so much that when I came across it in a store, I immediately bought it without choosing, since our city is small, and with necessary things It’s not great here, but I found my fitball in the regional center. But if put correctly, then there are the following criteria good fitball:

Diameter. Choose a fitball with the largest diameter - preferably at least 75 cm. Such a ball is more convenient for training with infants and will also be useful for you in the fight for harmony.
Fitball quality. Everything is clear here - as in choosing any things for a child: odorless, acidic colors and cutting seams. Preferably, a well-known company that produces either sports equipment or children's products. For example, such fitballs from companies "Artist" And "Ecowellness":

Anti-explosion system. It is especially important for children, although I have never heard of fitballs exploding, they are very strong and thick. Ours has been serving us for more than three years and has withstood quite a lot of weight.

Lack of horns and pimples. In principle, if you don’t find another one, it will do with horns, it’s just more convenient to roll the fitball without them. But a smooth ball is much better, otherwise it’s simply not comfortable, especially for a baby with its delicate skin.

At what age can fitballs be used for newborns?

General rules for training infants on a ball:

Do not handle a newborn whose umbilical wound has not healed.
You should not work with a sick baby if he does not feel well or has a fever.
Don’t force it if your child doesn’t like fitball exercises (although I haven’t seen such children).
For a baby up to 3-4 months old, place a diaper on the fitball.
Start exercising no earlier than an hour after eating.
It is better to do exercises on a fitball for your toddler naked.

A set of exercises for babies up to 6 months on a fitball

To begin with, exercise with your baby for only 5 minutes, but you can several times a day, then increase the time of exercise with infants to 15-20 minutes. Start with simple and enjoyable exercises so that both you and your child get used to the fitball.

Have you recently become a mother of a baby?

These are the exercises we did until 6 months:

Rocking on our tummy. We do this: put the diaper on the ball, put the toddler on it, tummy down, and slowly rock the baby together with the fitball back and forth, left and right, diagonally and in a circle. Be sure to hold your baby's legs with one hand and place the other on his back, holding him.
Let's ride on the back. This is done in the same way as the previous exercise, only we put the child on his back and hold him by the chest and tummy.
"Footballers." We do this: put the baby on his back on the floor or bed (sofa, etc.) and roll the fitball to his feet, the child will definitely push it away, feeling it with his foot.
And at the end, be a spring. To do this, place the baby on the fitball - first on the tummy, hold the legs with your hand, with the other hand lightly press on the back and butt so that the baby springs up and down. Then do the same “springs”, only lying on your back.

A set of exercises for infants after 6 months on a fitball

After 6 months, you can diversify your activities with new exercises, when your baby is already accustomed to the fitball. Then to basic exercises for infants, gradually add these fun games on the ball:

We bend the legs. We put the baby on his tummy, roll the baby towards us and bend his legs, roll him away from us and straighten his legs.
"Little car." Do this with your baby: put him on the ball with his stomach, hold him by the legs and roll him forward so that the child rests his hands on the floor. Then the baby continues to walk in his arms until he completely rolls off the fitball, then you help him get back.
"Catch and grab." The principle is approximately the same: the baby is on his tummy, you hold him by the legs, and in advance, a little further than the fitball, place, for example, a bright rattle toy or a favorite teddy bear. Now roll your baby forward and cheerfully offer to grab the toy with your hand - a lot of fun is guaranteed for the little one!
Kiryushka and I call the next exercise “Karapuz on a ball.” We do this exercise like this: mom sits on the edge of the sofa and fixes the ball with her feet. We put the little one on the fitball and, holding the baby by the sides, first just stand on the ball, then jump.
"Airplane". We hold the baby by the leg and arm and roll him on one side, then on the other.

A little advice: these exercises are more active and easier to do without a diaper, so after 6 months there is no need to use one.

In this article:

Sport has a beneficial effect on our body as a whole. Therefore, it should be present in the life of any person, regardless of age, even in newborn children. To instill in them a love of sports, it is not necessary to wait until they grow up and get stronger. Fitball exercises for infants will help you with this, which you can start from the first days of your baby’s life.

Why study?

Fitball is called big rubber ball, which was invented for the purpose of rehabilitating patients with spinal injuries and disorders of the central nervous system. But today it has already been proven that exercise on a fitball can bring much more benefits than it seems at first glance, especially for newborn babies. Namely:

exercises on a fitball for infants can reduce muscle hypertonicity, which occurs in every second newborn;
regular exercises contribute to the development of coordination of movements and the vestibular system in a child;
all muscle groups are also strengthened, and in particular the back muscles, which has a beneficial effect on the development of the musculoskeletal system;
the ball promotes the child’s mental development;
Gymnastics on a fitball for infants improves the digestive system (excellent prevention of colic), improves the functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Babies exercise with great pleasure on a fitball; smooth rocking movements imitate the swimming movements that they are used to making while in the womb. Therefore, during gymnastic exercises, the baby feels “like a fish in water”, he is calm and comfortable.

Older children also enjoy practicing on the ball. Since for them it is not only a sport, but also a kind of game in which his mother takes part. And for babies it is very important that their mother spends as much time as possible with them - this is how they feel her warmth and care and feel her love and desire to protect them in various situations. After all, it is thanks to games that a child learns to trust his loved ones.

Choosing a fitball

Basic rules for purchasing a fitball for activities with young children:

for newborns, the best option would be a ball with a diameter of 75 cm;
seams should not be noticeable;
the material from which the ball is made must be homogeneous and, most importantly, dense (look at the instructions included with it, the maximum load must exceed 150 kg);
the nipple must be soldered inside (this is necessary so that it does not interfere during classes).

You shouldn't skimp on gymnastic ball. Your choice should be made on balls whose manufacturers have already gained popularity in our country. You can buy a fitball for babies at any specialized sports store.

Fitball exercises for infants

Classes can begin immediately after the umbilical wound has healed. During this time, the baby adapts to the home environment and his daily routine will improve. It will be possible to presumably calculate the time for the exercises, the main thing is that they do not take place immediately after feeding, you need to wait about one hour, then you can safely start gymnastics.

Classes should take place during wakefulness, and their duration should increase gradually. First, you should “introduce” the baby to the ball; to do this, sit on a chair, hold the fitball between your legs, cover it with a diaper and carefully place the baby on his tummy in the center of the ball. Perform light swings, about 5 - 7 times, and remove the ball. After a few days, the number of swings can be increased slightly.

During classes, under no circumstances should you pull the baby’s hands and feet. Their radiant and ankle joints very weak, so any awkward movement can lead to injury to the baby.

Exercises with children from 2 – 3 weeks to 6 months

The exercises below will help you improve digestive system and reducing muscle hypertonicity. Mom can also do them for quick recovery after childbirth. Such gymnastics for adults + for newborns for 2 months not only helps solve many health problems. But also to establish contact between parents and their child.

As is known, in children early age very frequent colic occurs in the abdomen, which greatly worries children. If your baby is affected by this problem, you can solve it with the help of the following exercises:

Place the child on the ball in the center with his stomach down and begin smooth rocking, holding the baby's back with your hand, first up and down, then make circular movements;
Turn the baby onto his back (he will resist and strain his abdominal muscles), hold him by the tummy and chest. Perform gentle rocking motions in different directions. Such gymnastics for infants at 2 months will allow you to relax the back muscles and prevent microdisplacement of the intervertebral discs;
Turn the baby onto his tummy again. Holding the baby by the ankles with one hand, make jerking movements up and down with the other, pressing on the back of the baby;
Place the baby on the bed and place a ball on his legs, he will begin to push him away intensively, this helps reduce muscle hypertonicity and proper development hip joints. This gymnastics is most suitable for infants aged 2 to 4 months.

6 months and older

When the child has grown up, more complex exercises can be added to the basic exercises, which will contribute to the active development of the baby. For example:

Perform jumping jacks on the ball. To do this, you need to place the ball against the wall and fix it with your feet, put the baby on it and perform jumping actions up/down, holding the baby by the back.
One more thing interesting exercise, which will cause a storm of positive emotions in your child. Place the baby with his stomach on the ball and begin to lift his legs up. He will begin to rest his hands on the ball and in the end you will get a kind of car.
For this exercise you will need the help of an adult, such as your dad. Place the child on the ball with his stomach down, you take him by the arms, and dad by the legs (just under no circumstances grab the baby by the feet, you can grab the shins or thighs, and you need to grab your hands in the forearm area). Start lightly tugging the child - first in one direction, with only the child’s legs touching the ball, then in the other direction, only the baby’s arms and chest should touch the fitball.
This exercise can be done when your baby learns to grab toys independently. Take soft toys without sharp corners and scatter them around the room. Place the baby on the ball with his stomach down and, holding him by the hips, roll the ball forward, inviting the child to grab this or that toy.
Fix the ball between your legs, lay the baby on it with his back, take the child by the forearms and begin to slowly lift him up to sitting position. Hold it in this position for a few seconds, then return it to the lying position again.

If your child at the age of 8-9 months stands on his toes rather than on his feet, a fitball with “spikes” will help you correct this. To do this, you need to fix the ball between your legs, put the baby on it, holding the back, and make springy movements (jump). These “spikes” massage the baby’s foot, relaxing all muscle groups and having a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. You'll see how in a few weeks regular classes, your baby will begin to fully step on his foot and will soon delight you with his first steps.

Another exercise that is suitable for children aged 8 months is to place the child on the floor on his feet and offer him a ball as a support. At first, you can support the fitball, and then, if the child stands confidently, release it for a few seconds.

Fitball exercises have a very good effect on the child’s condition. He sleeps better, eats better, as he spends a lot of energy during exercise, becomes more active and cheerful.