Gymnastics on the ball for babies 2 months. Fitball exercises for babies (15 useful exercises)

18.10.201927.05.2017

When can you start exercising and how to do it right?

If your child is already 2 weeks old, you can start doing gymnastics on a ball for newborns. You need to do it before feeding or not earlier than 40 minutes after it. Do not insist on doing the exercises if the baby's mood suddenly deteriorated - wait for a more opportune moment.

First stage

The purpose of the first stage is to get the child used to the new object, the new sensations that it gives, and also to help the mother feel confident when practicing 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 the tummy over the diaper right hand lightly press it against the ball in the back area, and with the left - hold the child's leg under the knee - feel that you are in complete control of the position of your child, and nothing bad will happen to him as long as you hold him in this way.

Start gently rocking the ball in different directions, create a slight vibration. To make the child feel more confident and calmer, talk to him affectionately, praise him, you can sing a song or tell a poem. After a minute or two, turn the child on its back, supporting the ball with your feet.

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

Second phase

At this stage and further, to perform exercises on the fitball for babies, the mother stands in front of the ball. Exercises are repeated both for the position of the child on the tummy and on the back. Move the support area from the back to the baby's knee area, supporting him by both legs. We perform swings and vibrations.

Third stage

Gently move your hands away from the ball while lifting the baby's legs. Also gently wiggle, creating an emphasis on upper part child's body.

Fourth stage

Gradually increase the amplitude of rocking and rotation, holding the child already in the ankle joints. During gymnastics on the ball for babies, try to lower it more and more with its head down - at the same time, the muscles of the neck and back of the child are strengthened, and the hypertonicity of the muscles of the arms and legs is weakened. When the baby gets used to the upside down position, you can linger in this position a little longer.

Fifth stage

Now you can learn to hold the child by the handles. As you learn this support method, ask an adult family member to insure you. Lay the baby on the back, put your thumbs into his palms, while holding the baby’s hands by the wrists. Start swinging and rotating, gradually increasing the amplitude.

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

Sixth stage

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

seventh stage

Putting the baby on the tummy and holding it in the lumbar region, put him in the “frog” position - this is extremely useful for joint development and prevention. Perform wiggles, rotations and vibrations.

Eighth stage

Having put the child on the tummy and holding him by the hands, sway in the direction forward, gradually lifting the upper body. With further development of this position, you can simultaneously spread the baby's arms to the sides.

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

Bend and unbend the legs in a position on the tummy
Holding by the wrists, lower down
"Jump" on the ball with legs
, and in the future - to sit down from a position on the back

Fitball for babies - video

We hope that the fitball for babies will become both a useful simulator 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 engage with a baby is to exercise on a fitball. Even an inexperienced mom can handle this type of gymnastics. What are the benefits of a fitball for babies? What are gymnastic balls and how to choose the right one?

Why does a baby need gymnastics?

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

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

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

Why choose a gym ball?

Fitball for newborns is very useful. In such gymnastics there are a lot of advantages over other types of physical development.

Soft and smooth swings on this ball remind the newborn of his intrauterine life. Thanks to this, he calmly endures the exercises, falls asleep well after them and sleeps very soundly.
Gymnastics on the ball for babies well helps to relieve hypertonicity and perfectly strengthen muscle corset crumbs.
Exercises with a gymnastic ball perfectly develop the respiratory organs and stimulate the blood circulation of the baby.
Fitball is suitable 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 the ball is easier to do, as the child behaves calmer and perceives manipulation as a fun game.
If you perform exercises in the “lying on your stomach” position, this has a beneficial effect on digestion, greatly alleviates colic, promotes gas discharge and is an excellent prevention of constipation in infants.
You can start classes on the fitball almost from birth, you do not need to wait until the child grows up and gets stronger. Optimal time the beginning of gymnastics is the day when the umbilical wound heals.
Classes on a fitball for babies help to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, an excellent orthopedic effect is achieved, the child begins to hold his head earlier, tries to sit down, crawl and walk faster.
Classes on the ball allow you to develop the child's vestibular apparatus well.
A fun pastime on the fitball is not only good for the health of the baby, but also contributes to his psycho-emotional comfort, arouses interest and joy.
Older children in the family will also appreciate such a useful acquisition as a gymnastic ball. Playing with him is fun and rewarding. Even simple jumping on it has a beneficial effect on all organs and systems of the body.
For nursing mothers, exercises with the ball will also be useful, they will help bring the figure into 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 knowledge of the topic.

The diameter of such balls varies from 45 to 85 cm. Such a ball is universal and well suited for exercises with kids. Plus, adults can use it too. For gymnastics with babies, 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 large diameter product, so that later you can use it for physical education with a grown child.

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

2. Children's fitball with a handle or horns

Such jumping balls are distinguished by 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 user weight up to 50-60 kg. For babies, you can choose this kind 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 corrugated shape - this will ensure the safety of the child when playing.

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

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

This type of gymnastic balls is distinguished 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, due to which it significantly expands the possibilities. Oval fitballs vary in shape, size and texture. They are in the form of a "peanut" or an elliptical shape. The surface may be smooth or "bumpy". The size of the ball also varies.

The newest variety of gymnastic ball that is gaining more and more popularity

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

What is the best baby ball?

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 shape of the fitball can be both round and oval. You can buy a ball with handles: it will suit both older children and babies.
The size of a fitball for babies is from 60 cm and more (orthopedists advise buying a ball with a diameter of at least 75 cm). Such a diameter of the ball will allow it to be used by all family members. The easiest way to choose the right size is to sit on the ball. The angle between the thigh and lower leg should be approximately 90°.
Be sure 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 indicated by the BRQ marking.
When inflated, the ball should be elastic, that is, when pressing on the surface, there should not be dents, and under the palm there should be an elastic springy resistance.
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 practice without clothes and additional devices in the form of a diaper.
The greater the permissible maximum load on the product, the better. The highest quality models can withstand weight up to 300 kg or more. Such a load makes it possible to safely deal with all family members.
On a good fitball for a baby, rough seams should not be felt. The surface is better to choose a smooth one without "pimples".
While 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 exercising.
It is necessary to ask if the material from which the ball is made has an antistatic effect. This is necessary so that debris, dust, pet hair does not stick 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 discharge of static current.
A high-quality fitball does not have any foreign chemical odors. Ideally, it doesn't smell at all.
The nipple for inflating the fitball should be recessed inside the product so as not to accidentally injure the baby.
The color of the ball can be any. 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 buying.
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 bought without fear, they have hygienic certificates and are suitable for pregnant women and activities with babies.

Acquire Sports Equipment better in trusted stores, where they can provide comprehensive information about the product and offer to get acquainted with quality certificates that confirm the safety of the ball and the ability to use it for training with babies.

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

Fitball is a round gymnastic apparatus, a large elastic ball. It is attended by adults and children. Fitball classes for newborns at home are easy to organize, even for inexperienced parents. When to start, how to train and what are the benefits of ball gymnastics for young children, we'll talk in our article.

From this article you will learn

The benefits of fitball

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

Eliminated increased tone muscles.
Formed press, posture.
Muscles are being trained.
Bones are strengthened.
The vestibular apparatus, coordination develops.
Work is normalizing internal organs, intestines (with the help of fitball exercises, mothers will get rid of sleepless nights due to infant gas, colic).
The pressure stabilizes.
The kid relaxes, gets a lot of positive emotions.
The body gets a massage.

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

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

Which ball is better to choose

When buying a fitball for training 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 by the age of one, an apparatus with a circumference of 75 cm is suitable for adults.
Elasticity. The surface must be springy and rigid. Check this parameter in the store by pinching the projectile. If the rubber quickly returned to initial position, then the product is of high quality, suitable for classes with babies.
Material. Fitballs are made of rubber, rubber, latex. For babies, choose an odorless ball, the material does not really matter.
Surface. For babies, a smooth version is suitable. Children after a year - with spikes, horns, pimples. Also pay attention to the seams, valve. Protruding elements can injure a newborn, so the inflation valve should be hidden inside, and the seams should be barely visible.
Anti-explosion system. If the projectile has an ABS marking, then it will withstand a weight of up to 300 kg, it will not explode from the load, but it can be blown away if it is exceeded.
Color. For babies, choose pastel-colored trainers. Toxic greens, flashy oranges and reds are most often cheap imitations.
Manufacturer. Choose Italian, German, American balls. They will last over 10 years.
Equipment. A solid set necessarily includes a pump for pumping.

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

How to recognize a fake

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

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

What age to start

Classes with a child on a fitball can be started from any age. The earliest is considered to be 3 weeks after birth. By this time, the umbilical wound heals, the mother recognizes the temperament of the baby, can confidently hold him. Parents will feel the benefits of swinging on a large ball almost immediately. The baby will calm down, have fun.

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

Important Rules

When scheduling classes with a baby, choosing a set of exercises, parents should take into account some generally accepted rules:

Start the first introductory lessons with the baby no earlier than 2-3 weeks after birth.
The introductory lesson lasts no more than 5 minutes. The kid needs to get used to the ball, new tactile sensations.
Increase the duration of the exercises gradually, focus on the well-being of the baby, his interest, mood. By 2-3 months, physical education on the ball lasts 8-10 minutes.
Wash the ball thoroughly, your hands before class.
It is not necessary to pump up the projectile to the maximum. It should bounce a little.
Lay a flannel sheet over the gym ball. This is necessary so that the baby does not slip off.
Turn on some quiet music.
Take the child, hold him on the ball confidently, firmly. For newborn babies, fix the cervical region well.
Regardless of the age of the baby, the ankles and wrists are not suitable for holding them on the ball. The joints are not strong enough - dislocation, injuries are very easy to get. It is better for adults to hold the child by the torso: forearm, chest, tummy, back.
It is absolutely impossible to leave a baby unattended. A child will be able to do it on his own, swing and jump on a fitball only after 1-2 years.
Conduct active classes in the morning, calm ones in the evening, so that the little child does not get overexcited, falls asleep well.
You can not 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 with the entire surface, the receptors, muscles will receive a good load.
Plan lessons only on days when the baby is healthy, cheerful, and makes good contact. If the baby is not in the mood, he cries on the ball, take a break.
Choose a set of exercises on the fitball, given the age of the crumbs.
During gymnastics, sing, talk to the child, read poetry, 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 babies. Parents should understand that these tasks are classified as general strengthening, intended for children without developmental pathologies.

To solve health problems with the 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 babies up to 3 months

Newborn babies love to swing on a fitball. On this principle, the main gymnastic exercises for crumbs of this age are built. The baby is placed on the tummy, the mother sits on the floor or stands next to her so that the hold is strong. Complete the following tasks, devoting 1-2 minutes to each.

Swing

The exercise is carried out on the stomach and back alternately. In the position on the stomach, hold the baby with your hand, putting it in the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulder blades, grab the legs with the other hand. Make swaying movements left-right, forward-backward. In the supine position, it is better to grab the ball with your legs so that the fixation is stronger.

spring

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

Rotations

Fitball circle clockwise. Hand movements should be done slowly, not forgetting to hold the baby tightly.

Leg kicks

Mom's pet or favorite lies on the couch, the fitball rolls up to his heels. The kid rests his feet on the ball, the surface springs.

Watch the video on how to perform these exercises:

Classes for children from 3 to 6 months

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

Wheelbarrow

The baby lies face down, rests against the projectile with handles. Mom swings the fitball forward, taking a couple of steps, then back. The child is forced to touch with his palms to hold the position.

Reach for the toy

The baby is placed on the belly, well held by the legs. Tilt the fitball forward so that the baby reaches the floor with his palms. Put some bright toys near the ball, the baby will try to get them.

jumper

The most favorite exercise for babies. Put the baby on the ball, hold it under the arms. Hold the fitball with your feet. Help the child to jump, make sure that he bends his knees, pushes himself.

frog

The child lies on his stomach. Mom shakes the ball back and forth, bending and unbending the baby's legs at the knees.

Airplane

Lay the baby on his stomach, shake a couple of times on the ball. Carefully fix the forearm, shin of the baby and turn on its side. Rock on one side, then reverse the 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

At 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, train vestibular apparatus.

Downloading the press

The chest is laid on the back. The ball is firmly fixed by the legs of an adult. Mom pulls the baby by the handles, holding the forearms, sits the baby down, then carefully lowers it to its original position.

Learning to stand

Fitball acts as a support for the baby. Mom puts the child near the ball, rests the children's hands on it. Hold the projectile so that it does not roll away. Slowly release the child, let him stand on his own. 2-3 seconds is enough.

drag and drop

Two adults are required to complete. One holds the child by the legs, the other by the hands. The baby lies face down. Parents pull the baby gently towards them in turn.

horse

The child must be able to sit. Mom puts the child on the simulator on horseback, helps to bounce on the pope. You can press the ball so that it springs along with a small load.

We keep the balance

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

Parents Help! Download pictures on the network describing fitball exercises for babies. Print out the instructions to keep handy during class. So you won't forget or mix up anything.

A set of exercises for dysplasia

Dysplasia in infants is common. This violation of the formation of joint tissues is detected in 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 workout.

The following Swiss ball exercises are useful for babies with dysplasia:

Lay the child on the back, fix the body with your hand on the tummy. Press the baby's pelvis against the ball. Hold the legs in the palms and make them circular motions clockwise. Repeat 5 times.
Do not change the position of the child on the fitball. Raise one leg and spin the bike 4-5 times, then do the same with the other leg.
Turn the baby over on his stomach. Let him grab the ball with his handles, hold the 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, the feet rise to the pope. Hold for 5 seconds, release. You need to repeat 6-8 times.

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

Exercises for muscular dystonia

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

Do it together. Lay the baby on the ball. One adult holds straight legs, the second - handles. Roll the baby back and forth on the ball. Repeat 10 times.
Don't change position. Fix the back of the child with your palm, tilt the fitball forward until the baby reaches the floor with his palms. Then take the baby's arms and release the legs. Tilt the ball back until the child's feet are on the floor. Repeat tilts 5 times. Do this exercise with 9 month old - one year old children.
The baby lies on the back, the mother puts her hand on his tummy. The ball rolls into different sides at low speed. This exercise is good for relaxing the back muscles.

Possible contraindications

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

Whether the child has matured physically, whether the umbilical wound has healed. No need to rush. Do not put the baby on the fitball immediately after discharge from the hospital. Wait 3-4 weeks.
What set of exercises to choose. Focus on the age of the child, the level of his development. For babies who do not show signs of a desire to sit, walk, stand, a set of exercises for one-year-old, six-month-old crumbs is contraindicated. The body is not mature yet.
Why do you need fitball classes. If the purpose of the classes is general strengthening, then choose a set of exercises on your own, improvise, connect older children, preschoolers 5-6 years old to games. If classes are needed as a medical procedure, it is better to contact specialists (neurologists, pediatricians, orthopedists). For the treatment of defects in the development of the musculoskeletal system, neurological ailments, an individual course of gymnastics will be required.

The benefits of fitball for newborns are undeniable. Pediatricians claim that active classes on the ball I improve sleep, the baby's appetite, which means that mom will be positive.

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Children up to a year are very useful for massage, a variety of physical exercises, the development of the vestibular apparatus, and, of course, babies need their mother's touch - all this gives the baby up to a year fun and useful at the same time exercises on the fitball for babies. Fitball for babies- one of the important purchases for a young family, this item will replace your various sports equipment and will come in handy 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, 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 fitball in more detail.

The advantages of training on fitball for babies

First, let's discuss the benefits gymnastics on fitball for kids up to a year:

Promotes the development and strengthening of the muscles of the chest.
Reduces hypertension.
Serves as a prevention of intestinal colic and soothes the tummy when they occur.
Activates metabolism.
Develops the musculoskeletal system.
Trains the vestibular apparatus.
Develops baby's coordination.
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 practicing on a fitball, you need, of course, to purchase this same fitball. What should I pay attention to when choosing a ball for training with babies? To be honest, I wanted a fitball so much that when I got it in the store, I immediately bought it without choosing, since our city is small, and with the right things it’s not very good here, but I found my fitball in the regional center. But if in a right way, then there are the following criteria good fitball:

Diameter. Choose a fitball of the largest diameter - preferably at least 75 cm. Such a ball is more convenient for practicing with babies and will also come in handy for you in the struggle for harmony.
Fitball quality. Everything is clear here - as in the choice of any things for the child: odorless, acid colors and cutting seams. Preferably, some well-known company that produces either sports equipment or children's products. Here, for example, such fitballs of firms "Artist" And "Ecowellness":

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

Absence 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 a fitball without them. But a smooth ball is much better, otherwise it’s just not comfortable, especially for a baby with its delicate skin.

At what age can fitball for newborns be?

General rules for training with babies on the ball:

Do not work with a newborn whose umbilical wound has not healed.
You should not deal with a sick baby if he feels unwell or has a fever.
Do not force if your child does not like fitball classes (although I have not seen such children).
For a baby up to 3-4 months old, lay a diaper on a fitball.
Start exercising no earlier than an hour after eating.
It is better to do exercises on a fitball for a toddler naked.

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

To begin with, work out with your baby for only 5 minutes, but you can do it several times a day, then increase the time you spend with babies up to 15-20 minutes. Start with simple and enjoyable exercises so that both you and your child get used to the fitball.

Recently became a mother of a baby?

Here are the exercises we did up to 6 months:

We swing on the tummy. We do this: put the diaper on the ball, put the little one on it with the tummy down and slowly rock the baby with the fitball back and forth, left and right, diagonally and in a circle. Be sure to hold your baby with one hand by the legs, and place the other on the back, holding.
Let's roll on the back. It is done in the same way as the previous exercise, only we put the child on the back and hold it 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 the feet, the child will definitely push him away, feeling with his foot.
And in the end, be springs. To do this, put the baby on the fitball - first on the tummy, hold the legs with your hand, lightly press the back and ass with the other hand so that the baby springs up and down. Then do the same “springs”, only lying on your back.

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

After 6 months, you can diversify your classes with new exercises when your baby is already used to the fitball. Then to basic exercises for babies, gradually add these funny Games on the ball:

We bend the legs. We put the baby on the tummy, roll the baby towards us and bend the legs, roll away from ourselves - and unbend the legs.
"Little car". Do this with the baby: put him on the ball with his stomach, hold the legs and roll forward so that the child rests his hands on the floor. Then the baby goes further on the handles until it completely rolls off the fitball, then you help to return back.
"Catch-grab." The principle is about the same: the baby is on the tummy, you hold him by the legs, and in advance put a bright rattle toy or your favorite bear a little further than the fitball. Now roll the baby forward and cheerfully offer to grab the toy with a pen - the sea of \u200b\u200bpleasure is guaranteed for the little one!
Kiryushka and I call the next exercise "Karapuz on the 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 handle and roll on one side, then on the other.

A word of advice: these exercises are more active, and it is more convenient to do them without a diaper, so after 6 months it is not necessary to lay it on.

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 babies. To instill in them a love of sports, it is not necessary to wait until they grow up and get stronger. This will help you classes on the fitball for babies, which you can start from the first days of the baby's life.

Why practice?

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

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

Toddlers are very happy to play on the fitball, smooth swaying imitates the swimming movements that he used to perform while in the womb. Therefore, during gymnastic exercises, the baby feels "like a fish in water", he is calm and comfortable.

Older children are also happy to start exercises 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 with them as possible - 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 the games that the child learns to trust his loved ones.

Fitball selection

The basic rules for buying a fitball for classes 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 (check the attached instructions for it, the maximum load must exceed 150 kg);
the nipple must be soldered inward (this is necessary so that it does not interfere during classes).

Don't skimp on gymnastic ball. You should stop your choice on balls, whose manufacturers have already gained popularity in our country. And you can buy a fitball for babies in any specialized sports store.

Fitball exercises for babies

Classes can begin immediately after the umbilical wound heals. 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 of the exercises, the main thing is that they do not pass immediately after feeding, you need to wait about one hour, then you can safely start gymnastics.

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

In the process of training, in no case should you pull the baby by the hands and feet. Their radiant and ankle joints very weak, so any awkward movement can lead to injury to the baby.

Exercise with children from 2 - 3 weeks to 6 months

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

As you know, babies early age there are very frequent colic in the abdomen, which greatly disturb children. If this problem has also affected your baby, you can solve it with the help of the following exercises:

Lay the child on the ball in the center with his stomach down and start smooth swaying, holding the baby with his hand behind the back, first up and down, then make circular movements;
Turn the baby on his back (he will resist and strain the abdominal muscles), hold him by the tummy and chest. Make weak swings in different directions. Such gymnastics for babies at 2 months will relax the back muscles and prevent micro-displacement of the intervertebral discs;
Turn the baby over onto the tummy again. Holding the child by the ankles with one hand, with the other, make jerky movements up and down, pressing on the back of the crumbs;
Put the baby on the bed and attach a ball to its legs, it will intensively begin to repel it, this helps to reduce muscle hypertonicity and proper development hip joints. This gymnastics is most suitable for babies 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 ball jumps. To do this, you need to attach the ball to 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.
Another interesting exercise, which will cause a storm of positive emotions in your child. Lay the baby on the ball with his stomach and start lifting his legs up. He will start to rest his handles on the ball and in the end you will get a kind of wheelbarrow.
For this exercise, you will need the help of an adult, such as dad. Lay the child on the ball with his stomach down, you take him by the handles, and dad by the legs (just in no case grab the baby by the feet, you can by the shins or hips, and you need to grab your hands in the forearm). Start lightly pulling the child - first in one direction, while only the child’s legs should touch the ball, then in the other, only the baby’s arms and chest should touch the fitball.
This exercise can be done when your baby learns to grab toys on his own. Take soft toys without sharp corners and scatter them around the room. Lay the baby on the ball with his stomach down and, holding him by the hips, roll the ball forward, inviting the child to grab one or another toy.
Fix the ball between the legs, lay the baby on it with its back, take the child by the forearms and begin to slowly lift it up to sitting position. Hold it in this position for a few seconds, then return it to the supine position again.

If your child at the age of 8 - 9 months stands on his toes, and not on his foot, a fitball with “spikes” will help you fix this. To do this, you need to fix the ball between the legs, put the baby on it, holding the back, make springy movements (jump). These "thorns" massage the baby's foot, relaxing all muscle groups and beneficially affecting the central nervous system. You'll see how in a few weeks regular classes, your baby will begin to fully step on the foot and will soon please you with the first steps.

Another exercise that is suitable for babies at the age of 8 months is to put 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 is confidently standing, let it go for a few seconds.

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