If you have a toddler, you’re treated to daily workouts — running after them, squatting to lift them up, bending back over to put them down, and using your back muscles to support them when they’re doing their own version of walking.
Balance is essential for young children to learn how to walk and develop other important physical skills. But it’s not a given — balance is a learned skill that requires both physical and mental effort.
With these effective balance tips for toddlers, you can encourage their overall physical development (and both have fun doing it!)
1. 3 Wheel Balance Bike
Having a bike like this to help develop your toddler's sense of balance can be a great help in improving their skills but also in building relationships. Our best seller, the 3 Wheel Balance Bike from Freddo Toys, one of the best brands on the market, not only has incredibly attractive and stimulating designs for toddlers, it is also suitable for outdoor use, which also will make it easier for them to interact and talk to other children. But let's get to the point: its three wheels challenge the child's movement and balance skills by driving on smooth roads, taking curves, going over small bumps, ... Their perfect first bike with which you will spend great moments together while discovering the world and developing your child's balance and physical skills.
2. Standing on One Foot
Although this exercise is simple for you, it could be a challenge for your child. If they’re having trouble standing on one foot, do this game next to a wall so they can hold on for a bit of support. Challenge your toddler to stand further from the wall each time you play, and let them put a piece of tape on the floor themselves so they can keep track. Eventually, your toddler won’t even need the wall. Challenge each other to see who can stand on one foot the longest — the winner gets a treat!
3. Surf’s Up!
Pick a flat and sturdy surface, like a wooden board, that’s wide enough to stand on with a spread stance. Place a cylinder underneath — like a tennis ball container or empty shampoo bottle — and instruct your child to stand with feet a little wider than hip-width. Balance back and forth trying to keep the board on the cylinder. Add some tropical music to make it even more fun. You can get creative once your little tyke has gotten the hang of it. Challenge them to freeze dance or to try moving feet closer together and further apart.
4. Indoor Hopscotch
This is one of the most beloved balance games for toddlers. Use tape to create nine squares for the hopscotch course on the floor surface and get a coin or stone handy. The first player will throw the coin into the first square without allowing it to touch the lines or bounce outside the box. If successful, they’ll hop one foot on the squares until they reach the top box. On the way back, the player must pick up the coin. The game continues until you’ve reached the final square.
5. Freeze!
Play your child’s favorite music and have a dance party. Then, stop the music and freeze! If your child wants to win the game, they’ll have to freeze when the music stops and wait until it plays again. This challenges their body’s ability to move freely and suddenly stop, helping your toddler develop balance.
We at DTI Direct hope we have helped you with this information on how to improve your child's balance development.
