Exercises on a fitball for infants 6 months and older can undoubtedly help with excellent stimulation of the vestibular apparatus, development of coordination and preparation for walking, because all parents of small children want their babies to be strong, healthy, strong, smart and happy.

An integral part is that for many children this gives a lot of positive emotions, laughter and a great mood.

A fitball is a large gymnastic ball that can be used both for gymnastics during pregnancy and for exercising with the baby after childbirth.

Fitball exercises are much more useful and effective than regular gymnastics, because such exercises work twice as many muscles.

What are the benefits of exercises on a fitball for children and infants, even from 6 months?

Firstly, exercising on a ball helps relieve muscle hypotonicity or hypertonicity, which is typical for newborns.
Secondly, such actions contribute to the development and strengthening of all muscle groups of the child.
Thirdly, it acts as a massage and helps the internal organs work better.
From previous paragraph It also follows that the baby’s digestion will improve, which means that there will be much less colic and their number will be reduced to zero.
Exercises will prepare infants for the first steps, and will also improve coordination of movements.

A set of exercises for the development of all muscle groups of the child

From six months, you can hold your baby while doing exercises on a fitball in two ways: supporting it with your armpits or placing your palm on the back and the other hand under the baby’s knee.

1) Roll out your palms.
We place the child with his back up on the ball. First take one handle and gently tap the ball with it, then repeat the same with the other hand. Over time, the little one will open his palms and happily drum on the fitball.

2) We take the baby’s standing position. We first take one leg and tap it on the surface of the ball, then repeat the exercise with the other leg.

4) We put the baby on the ball. We jump on the fitball while sitting no more than 10 times. 4) Repeat the spring while lying on your back.

5) Now we stand on the gymnastic ball with our feet and continue to spring, perform jumps up to 10 times.

6) Place your baby on the ball with his tummy and swing back and forth, left and right, as well as clockwise and counterclockwise. To kid this exercise You will definitely like it, especially if it is accompanied by jokes, songs or simple gentle words.

7) Swing on a ball. We stand on our feet and dive headfirst. We repeat this exercise 5-6 times. For children 6 months and older, you can put a toy or another small ball so that the child has time to pick up the thing when moving forward.

8) Place the baby on his tummy. Support the back with one hand and grab the shin with the other. Move your leg forward until it bends at the knees. If the child resists, then there is no need to press, the movements should be shaking. Repeat the same on the other side. This exercise will help your baby learn to crawl.

9) Place the baby on his stomach. Place both palms in your hand and your feet in the other. Roll your baby back and forth by his arms and legs. This will help develop back flexibility

10) Place the baby with his back on the ball. The arms hang at the sides. Let the child's muscles rest.

Thus, by doing exercises with your baby several times a week, you help your baby develop and improve his physical health. Video

Gymnastics is a mandatory attribute of care infant. The most effective and safe way To develop the baby physically is to exercise with a fitball. What are the best fitball exercises for infants? How to prepare for classes? What precautions should you take?

How to prepare?

Gymnastics on a fitball for infants is a type of physical development of a child, so it is necessary to choose the right equipment. You can read about how to choose a good fitball for exercising with a baby and the benefits of this type of gymnastics.

In addition to quality equipment, you need to consider and take care of a few more things:

• You can work with your 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 correspond to the child’s age. 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 swimming, shortly before bed. Exercises and water procedures will tire the baby, and he will sleep soundly and peacefully for at least 6-8 hours. This will ensure healthy sleep for the whole family.
• Exercises on the ball for infants can only be started if the baby is not sick and is not crying. If the baby is capricious, it is necessary to calm him down, set him in a positive mood, gymnastics should bring joy to the child.
• Before charging, you must wait at least an hour and a half after feeding.
• It is better to completely undress the baby first. Clothes can interfere with activities, as they often bunch up and bunch up in folds that chafe delicate skin.
• If the ball is chosen incorrectly and its surface is slippery or corrugated, then the clothes should be left, but choose one that fits tightly and does not bunch up, 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 fitball exercises is consulting a pediatrician. Perhaps the health characteristics of the baby will not allow you to choose this type of gymnastics

Precautions for gymnastics with a baby on a fitball

Gymnastics on a ball for infants should be carried out correctly, using 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 the child falling. It is difficult to keep a squirming baby on the ball.
• If the child cries, you need to stop the gymnastics and give him time to calm down. The baby must get used to it and get used to it. There is no need to rush things. Very soon the gymnastic ball will evoke only positive emotions in the baby.
• The first exercises on the ball should last no more than 5 minutes. Over time, the duration can be increased to 20 minutes. No need to be too zealous. Gymnastics should bring joy, not overwork.
• During each exercise, you must hold the baby by the back, tummy or legs.
• Hands must be left free; under no circumstances should you pull your hands: this can lead to injury.
• You should never leave a child on a fitball without support and proper supervision!
• So that the baby has fun and is not afraid of new exercises, you can accompany the gymnastics with songs or children's poems.
• Before loading, it is necessary to ensure hygiene conditions: the ball must be clean. If in doubt, it is better to cover it with a diaper.
• It is better to start training 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. Exercises from 2 weeks to 6 months

Gymnastics with a fitball is often carried out in special exercise therapy rooms. Pediatricians prescribe visits to such offices for children with hypertension, problems with musculoskeletal system and other ailments. If it is not possible to undergo 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 under six months old is not very diverse, since all the baby’s systems are just beginning to get stronger. You need to approach each exercise carefully, monitoring the technique and the baby’s well-being.

1. Rocking on your stomach

The baby is placed on the ball, belly down, and rocked different sides with small amplitude. In this case, you need to hold the baby by the back and grab the ankles with the other hand. This exercise can be performed not only in a gymnastics complex, but also in moments of exacerbation of colic and bloating.

2. Rocking on your back

This exercise is very similar to the previous one, but is performed when the baby lies not on his stomach, but on his back. It has a beneficial effect on the spinal column and the formation of the muscle 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 lightly pressed on the area just below the tummy so that the baby seems to spring back 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 butt.

4. "Watch"

The baby should be placed on his back and the fitball should be gently rotated clockwise, holding the baby by the stomach and legs. After several rotations, you can change the direction and make circles counterclockwise.

5. Pushing the ball with your feet

The baby needs to be laid on a flat surface - a sofa or changing table. Bring the fitball to your legs so that they rest against the ball. Instinctively, the baby will begin to push the ball away with his feet. It is necessary to create light resistance. This exercise develops the abdominal and leg muscles well.

6. Jumping

An adult should sit down and hold the fitball between their legs. Infant you need to put your feet on the ball and imitate jumping, holding the baby by the back. This exercise can be practiced with a baby who already holds his head well. Jumps should have a small amplitude and be performed very carefully. With age, the amplitude can be increased. In most cases, this movement becomes a favorite among children.

7. "Car"

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

Fitball for babies. Basic exercises in pictures

Fitball exercises for a child aged six months and older

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

1. Abdominal muscles

The child should be placed with his back on the ball and, holding his hands, should be helped to rise to a sitting position. Then carefully return to its original position. This exercise is practiced closer to six months, when the child begins to try to sit down.

2. “Get a toy”

The child is placed on his stomach on a fitball. Holding him by his legs, you need to roll him forward so far that his hands reach the floor. At the same time, fairly large toys should be laid out on the floor within reach, which the child will try to grab. When the baby takes the toy, we roll the ball back. If a child does not take toys, then there is no need to hold him head down for a long time!

3. “We are standing!”

If the child is already trying to stand up against a support (about 7-9 months), then you can start doing this exercise. The child needs to be placed near the fitball and given the opportunity to stand while holding the ball. At the same time, be sure to insure the baby against falling. This type of gymnastics is great for improving 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 with his stomach on the ball. Then the adults lightly pull the child towards themselves, rolling him back and forth on the ball. This exercise perfectly strengthens the muscles and spine.

5. "Airplane"

The child is placed on his side, holding his forearm and shin. Then they roll back and forth. After several rolls, you can repeat the movement on the other side.

How to use a massage fitball with spikes for a baby

In addition to the classic fitball, you can purchase a gymnastic ball with spikes. It will be of great help 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 a ball between his legs. The child needs to be placed on the ball with his feet and jump or simply 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 healthy child, since 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 infants is not only a pleasant pastime and physical development, it contributes mental development crumbs and strengthening the immune system. As a rule, children with whom they regularly engage in gymnastic exercises get sick less, begin to speak early, have a good memory, and are ahead of their peers in skills and abilities. The main thing is to choose quality Sports Equipment and do not forget about the safety of the child.

Today, pediatricians recommend starting the baby’s physical development from the first months. Regular exercises and gymnastics, freedom of movement are the key to successful growth of a child. IN last years Fitball gymnastics for infants is gaining popularity. Fitball is a large ball for various physical exercise, which comes in several types and diameters. Exercises on the ball have a beneficial effect on health and will be interesting entertainment for children.

You can start exercising on the ball within 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 not leave your baby alone for a minute! In this article we will look at how to choose the right ball and fitball exercises for infants.

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 muscles;
• Stabilizes functioning internal organs;
• Develops the vestibular apparatus and coordination of movements;
• Normalizes blood pressure;
• Performs massage functions. How to massage a baby, see the section;
• Improves digestion, reduces gas formation and colic;
• Rocking on the ball calms and relaxes the baby.

Which fitball to choose for a baby

The diameters of the fitball vary between 45-75 centimeters. The 75 centimeter ball 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 to choose smaller sizes for the child.

For children, choose comfortable fitballs with special handles or horns for holding the ball. For newborns, take only smooth products! Gymnastic equipment with a textured surface are suitable for babies older than 3-4 months. Don’t forget to purchase a pump along with the fitball. But, as a rule, it comes already included.

It is important to choose a high-quality and safe item, so buy equipment in a specialized sports store. The material of the product must be dense, elastic and non-slippery. When purchasing, try to pinch the surface; high-quality material will immediately return to its original condition. But the appearance of small folds indicates a low-quality product.

The ball should not have visible or palpable seams, and the material should not have a synthetic or rubbery smell. Check that the product bears the ABS marking. This is the safest equipment, which also has an anti-explosion function.

How to exercise on a fitball correctly

• In the first half of the day, do more active exercises on a fitball for infants, and in the evening do calm activities so that the baby relaxes and sleeps well;
• Before starting 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 capricious and resists, do not force him to do it! Crying may indicate that the baby is hungry or not feeling well. In addition, not every child will immediately happily accept such activities on the ball. The baby needs to get comfortable and get used to it;
• The first training sessions are short. They are about five minutes. Gradually the time can be increased;
• During the lesson, hold your baby gently by the forearms, back, tummy or ankles;

• You should not pull the baby by the feet or hands when he is doing exercises!;
• Do not leave your baby unattended on the ball!;
• Accompany your lessons with songs and rhymes. Then the exercises will be fun and joyful;
• It is advisable for the baby to exercise without clothes, as they will become tangled and cause discomfort;
• If your child works out naked, cover the fitball with film. It does not create unpleasant sensations when in contact with the surface of the projectile and ensures hygiene;
• Choose the right exercises. Types of 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 your pediatrician. Find out if the newborn has any contraindications. In addition, a 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 your stomach is the easiest exercise that is suitable for both newborns and older babies. The child is placed on his stomach face down, held behind his back and rocked back and forth. Such activities are especially useful for children under 3-4 months, when they are in great pain. Such gymnastics normalizes intestinal function and calms the baby.
• Rocking on the back is carried out similarly to the previous exercise, only now the baby is placed on his back face up. When rocking, support the baby by the tummy and make sure that the head does not fall back. This type of gymnastics strengthens the spine and back muscles and promotes posture.

• Pushing off the ball is done when the baby is lying on the bed, sofa or table. Move the exercise ball towards your feet and apply light pressure. The baby will instinctively begin to push the ball away with his feet. This task strengthens the leg muscles and develops coordination.
• The “Clock” exercise assumes that the baby is lying on his back. The child is held by the stomach or chest, and the ball is gently rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. When the baby turns six months old, new exercises can be added to ball gymnastics.
• 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 other using a special grip. Then they make soft springy movements 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 babies over 6 months

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

• Jumping on a ball is a workout in which an adult sits on the floor and firmly fixes the fitball between his legs. Then he places the baby on the surface of the ball with his feet. Holding the baby under the armpits or by the body, lift and lower the baby, jump and spring.
• Ball rolling is done by two adults. One holds the baby on his forearms when he lies on his tummy, and the second holds the baby by the shins. They begin to pull the baby back and forth, and he rolls on the ball. These activities are great for strengthening the muscles of the back and spine.
• Rocking with emphasis on your arms helps strengthen your arm muscles. The child is placed on his stomach, his legs are held as if he were rolling a wheelbarrow, and he rests his hands on the ball. Then the ball begins to roll slightly back and forth, bending and unbending the legs.

A gymnastic ball or fitball is an excellent exercise machine for both baby and mother. With its help, the mother will be able to, and the baby will receive good gymnastics for all muscle groups. Working on such a ball stimulates the early physical development of children. First, choose the right ball. It should be made of high-quality latex, smooth without horns, pimples, etc., the size of the ball is 75 cm in diameter. Children especially like colorful and bright colors balls.

You can start exercising on a fitball from two weeks of age., that is, when the umbilical wound has healed, and the baby can already be placed on the tummy. Ball exercises for infants should be carried out no earlier than 45 minutes after feeding. The first lesson can be very short, just put the baby on the ball and rock it, master all the exercises gradually, if the baby doesn’t like any of them, don’t force him, but just finish the gymnastics for today. For practice, it is better to undress the baby, so he will stay on the ball more steadily. During exercises, do not pull the child by the hands or feet, his joints are not yet ready for such loads. You need to do all the exercises 3-4 times, the entire exercise should take you no more than 15 minutes so that the baby doesn’t get tired and start being capricious.

Gymnastics on a fitball relaxes and relieves the child’s muscle tone, gives a good massage for the back and tummy, the child relaxes, his gas goes away, and colic is relieved. Rolling out on a ball for an umbilical hernia is very useful.

Here is a set of exercises on a ball for infants

1. Place your baby on the ball on his tummy and rock him back and forth, left and right, in a circle. You can make small amplitude vibrating movements. Increase your range of motion every day. This will develop the child's vestibular apparatus.

2. Place your baby on his back and let him relax on the ball.. Perform rolls back and forth, left and right, in a circle. This exercise strengthens your back muscles.

3. The baby lies on his tummy on the ball, press the baby’s butt and back with one hand and make springy movements up and down, as if jumping. The second hand holds the baby by the ankles with a “fork” grip, which is used in dynamic. Legs should be straight. When the baby grows up, do this exercise on his back; a six-month-old baby will strain his abdominal muscles and rise, which trains his muscles well.

4. The baby lies on his back, holding his chest with both hands, make movements on the ball in a circle clockwise and counterclockwise.

5. This exercise is suitable for the lateral abdominal muscles.: the child lies on his stomach, turn the ball to the right, then to the left, the baby will try to bend his torso.

6. The baby lies on the ball with his stomach, with one hand press his knees to the ball, with the other support the baby under the chest. Roll the fitball forward so that the back bends and the chest rises. This exercise perfectly stretches the spine and strengthens the neck muscles.

7.Exercise for the hip joints. The child lies on the ball with his stomach, legs bent at the knees and spread apart (frog pose), roll the ball back and forth and left and right.

8. The child lies on his tummy, you let him grab your thumbs with his hands, holding the baby by the hands, tilt the ball so that the baby touches the floor with his feet, return to the starting position.

9. Exercise for children over 6 months. Place the child on the fitball with his stomach, he rests his hands on the ball, we lift him by the legs like a wheelbarrow and try to maintain balance.

10. Place the baby on the ball with his stomach and roll it forward until the baby touches the floor with his hands, we return to the starting position.

11. From a lying position, we lift the baby by the arms to a sitting position, and balance in such a way as to keep the sitting baby balanced on the ball.

12. Place your baby sideways on the ball in a curl-up position, roll it back and forth and left and right, then change sides. This exercise strengthens the neck muscles well.

The ball is an excellent exercise machine for a child, because it strengthens the vestibular apparatus, relaxes muscles, reducing their tone, helps strengthen the back and abdominals, exercises with vibration stimulate the work of internal organs, exercises on it develop and amuse the child. Don’t forget to take advantage of the benefits of fitball. While the baby is sleeping, the mother can do a complex for the muscles of the abdomen, legs, back, which will allow her to as soon as possible gain good shape after childbirth.

Ekaterina Morozova

Reading time: 5 minutes

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

The main thing is to comply basic rules of fitball gymnastics for newborns , and be extremely careful during exercise.

Video: Fitball for newborns - video of exercises on a fitball

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

• When to start? Hiding the ball until the baby gets on its feet is completely optional: you can start fun and useful training immediately after your beloved child, brought from the maternity hospital, enters the natural mode of sleeping and feeding. That is, he will get used to his home environment. The second condition is a healed umbilical wound. On average, classes begin at 2-3 weeks of age.
• The ideal time for exercise is an hour after the baby has been fed. Not earlier. It is strictly not recommended to start exercising immediately after a meal - in this case, the fitball will bring more harm than good.
• During the first lesson you should not get carried away. The first lesson is short. Mom should feel the ball and gain confidence in her movements. Usually, parents who place their baby on 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, first you should sit on a chair in front of the ball, cover it with a clean diaper, carefully place your child on the center of the ball with his tummy and rock him a little. The amplitude of movements (swinging/rotating, etc.) increases 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 or 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.
• The lesson with the baby will be more interesting and with greater benefit, If During exercise, play calm classical music. For older kids, you can play more rhythmic music (for example, from cartoons).
• If the baby bad feeling or he is not in the mood for fun and activities, forcing him is categorically not recommended.
• 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 have passed - 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 her previous shape after childbirth.

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

The main advantage of a fitball is its simplicity. No special preparation is required for classes. Although experts advise inviting a fitball instructor to the first or second lesson. This is necessary to understand how to hold the baby correctly and what exercises are most useful.

Video: Fitball exercises with newborns - basic rules

The most effective and popular exercises for infants

1. Rocking on our tummy
   Place the baby with his belly in the middle of the fitball and, confidently holding it by the back with your hands, rock it back and forth, then left and right, and then in a circle.
2. Swinging on your back
   Place the child on the ball with his back (we fix the fitball with our feet) and repeat the exercises from the previous point.
3. Spring
   We place the child on the ball with his belly down. We grab his legs using the “fork” principle (with the thumb - a ring around the legs, the ankle - between the index and middle fingers). With your free hand, lightly press on the toddler’s butt or back with springy “up and down” movements—short and soft pushes.
4. Watch
   We place the baby with his back on the fitball. We hold the chest with both hands, rock the baby, making circular movements to the right and left.

Video: Rules for exercising on a fitball for infants

Fitball exercises for older kids

1. Wheelbarrow
   We place the baby with his belly on the ball so that he rests his hands on the fitball. We lift it by the legs in the same position as if we were transporting a wheelbarrow. Gently rock back and forth, maintaining balance. Or simply lift and lower it by the legs.
2. Let's fly!
   Difficult exercise - skill will not hurt. We put the baby on his side (exercises alternate), hold him 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”.
3. Soldier
   We put the baby on the floor. Palms on the fitball. With mom's support and safety net, the baby should be able to lean on the ball on his own within a few seconds. The exercise is recommended from 8-9 months.
4. Hvatayka
   We place the baby with his belly on the ball, hold him by the legs and roll him back and forth. We scatter toys on the floor. The baby should reach the toy (taking one hand off the fitball) at the moment when he gets as close to the floor as possible.
5. Little Frog
   We place the baby with her belly on the ball, hold her by the legs (separately for each), roll the fitball towards you, bending the legs at the knees, then away from you, straightening the legs.

Video: Massage for newborns on a fitball - mothers’ experience

Video: Massage on a ball, child 1-3 months

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