Fitball exercises for babies 3 months. The best fitball exercises for babies

24.11.202027.05.2017

Ekaterina Morozova

Reading time: 5 minutes

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

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

Video: Fitball for newborns - video of fitball exercises

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

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

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

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

Video: Classes with newborns on a fitball - basic rules

The most effective and popular exercises for babies

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

Video: Fitball exercise rules for babies

Fitball exercises for older kids

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

Video: Massage for newborns on a fitball - moms experience

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

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

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

How to prepare?

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

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

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

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

Precautions for gymnastics with a baby on a fitball

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

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

Fitball for newborns. Exercise from 2 weeks to 6 months

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

Gymnastics with a child up to six months is no different great variety, since all the systems of the baby are just beginning to grow stronger. You need to treat each exercise carefully, following the technique of performing and the well-being of the baby.

1. Swing on your stomach

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

2. Swing on your back

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

3. Spring

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

4. "Watch"

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

5. Pushing the ball with the legs

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

6. Jumping

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

7. "Wheelbarrow"

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

Fitball for babies. Basic exercises in pictures

Fitball exercises for a child aged six months

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

1. Abs

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

2. "Get a toy"

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

3. "We are standing!"

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

4. Drag

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

5. "Airplane"

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

How can I use a massage fitball with spikes for babies

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

The following exercise will relieve the disease:

An adult sits on a chair and squeezes the ball between his legs. The child needs to be put on the ball with his legs and jump or just stomp on the relief surface. At the same time, the spikes will gently massage the child's feet, relaxing the muscles and relieving tone. This exercise will give results in 2-3 weeks. You can use a massage ball for a healthy child, as foot massage has a great effect on 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- this is not only a pleasant pastime and physical development, it contributes to the mental development of the crumbs and strengthens the immune system. As a rule, kids with whom they regularly work out gymnastic exercises, get sick less, start talking early, have a good memory, are ahead of their peers in skills and abilities. The main thing is to choose high-quality sports equipment and do not forget about the safety of the child.

Earlier on post-Soviet space there was an opinion that the baby should lie tightly swaddled - supposedly so the arms and legs of the baby will be even. But today, all doctors recommend giving the baby freedom and not wrapping it up too tight. Gymnastics from the first years of life and daily light massage are also considered mandatory. All this is necessary for the full and proper development internal organs, muscles and circulatory system of the child. Fitball exercises for babies are one of the most useful and fun.

What is the use of them:

The muscles of the abdominal cavity, back and arms with legs are strengthened;
Muscle hypertonicity passes very quickly after these exercises;
The baby's circulatory system, the development and functioning of all internal organs are stimulated;
Prevents the appearance of painful colic;
Improves digestion;
Forms the correct posture;
Develops metabolism;
Increases the child's stamina;
Develops the vestibular apparatus of the baby;
Promotes the development of coordination in the child;
Strengthens immunity;
Suitable for working out any muscle group.

Fitball is a large ball made of dense rubber. Due to its design, it does not explode under any circumstances and is a safe tool for practicing with a newborn.

There are only three reasons why you should abandon these exercises:

The umbilical wound did not heal;
The kid is sick;
There is no desire to engage with mom or baby.

In all other cases, the fitball is ideal for gymnastics with a baby, and the benefits that it brings cannot be compared with any projectile or tool.

How to practice on fitball?

First of all, you need to consult with a pediatrician who oversees the baby (since classes can only begin when the baby is two to three weeks old).

After its inspection and permission, you can immediately begin classes. There are several recommendations to follow:

For the first two or three months of classes (until the child is 3 months old), it is necessary to lay a diaper on the ball so that the rubber does not irritate the baby's delicate skin.
You can do it only an hour after feeding.
The time of classes should be gradually increased: starting with 5-10 minutes, then each lesson can be increased by 2-3 minutes.
It is better to undress the baby completely before class, you can leave him only a diaper.
During classes, use classical instrumental music - it will create a pleasant atmosphere and relax the baby.
It is important to talk to the child during the exercises so that he feels the presence of the mother and her attention.
Laying the baby on the ball stands with its legs towards the parent, and bright toys or books can be placed in front of the ball, so the baby’s attention will be occupied and gymnastics will be quick and fun.
If some exercise is done with difficulty, the muscles “stick”; it is worth repeating this exercise several times, trying to work out the muscle.
If the baby is tired ahead of time or is naughty, it is better to interrupt the lesson. It should not only develop the child's body, but also bring joy to him and his mother.

The best time for gymnastics is the morning hours from 7 to 11 am.

What does a special exercise ball look like - Fitball

It is at this time that gymnastics will have the most beneficial effect on the child's body, which is most active during these hours and is in a good mood. But if this cannot be done in the morning, you can do gymnastics on the ball at any other time.

If the mother doubts her abilities and is afraid of harming the child, you can invite an instructor to the first few classes who will show and tell you all the necessary exercises and the technique for their implementation.

Basic fitball exercises for babies

You can have fun on a fitball just sitting on it with a child and swaying. Many mothers feed babies on the ball, but it is best to perform basic exercises that will develop the baby physically. There are actually not very many of them, but each has a positive effect on a particular muscle group.

Rocking on the tummy

It is necessary to carefully place the child on the ball with his tummy down. Do not forget to put a diaper on if the baby is less than 2 months old. Then you need to put one hand on the back of the baby, and the other on the legs, and, holding the child in this way, begin to gently rock him back and forth, then to the right and left and in a circle. This exercise helps to avoid painful colic and relax the baby's abdominal muscles. It also contributes to the proper development of the vestibular apparatus.

Swinging on the back

The second exercise in technique is the same as the first, but the child must be turned on its back. The ball must also be rocked in different directions, but you need to hold the baby by the head and chest, making sure that he does not slip off the ball and does not tilt his head strongly. This exercise strengthens the child's spine and is the prevention of its displacement or curvature. It also forces you to work out the abdominal muscles.

"Spring"

This exercise consists in the fact that the ball under the child springs. The baby should be put back on his back and his legs should be fixed as follows: the index and middle fingers grab one leg, and the big one wraps around the second, so that the baby's ankles are firmly fixed by the parent's hand. The second hand must be placed on the back of the child and spring with him.

"Football"

For this exercise, you need to shift the child to another surface (table, bed). Take the ball in your hands and bring it closer to the baby's feet so that he starts to instinctively push it away. Thus, the muscles of the legs and the spine of the child are trained.

"Jump"

For this exercise, mommy needs to sit on the floor and firmly hold the ball with her feet so that it is stable and does not roll. Then take the baby under the arms and put him on the ball, holding the back. The kid will jump and walk on the ball with his legs, which will positively affect the entire skeleton of the child and his mood.

"Get it"

The meaning of the exercise is that the child must get a toy that lies directly in front of the ball. To do this, you need to put the baby on the ball on the tummy and, holding the legs, tilt forward with the ball.

Downloading the press

To work out the abdominal muscles, you need to put the child on the back on the ball and, holding the shoulders, lift the child and lay it back on the ball so that the lower body does not come off the surface of the fitball.

These are the basic fitball exercises for babies, which will help to work out all their muscles, increase stamina and immunity.

How to choose a fitball?

Many mothers are afraid to injure a child with such exercises, but if you correctly follow and follow safety precautions, as well as purchase a high-quality ball, then nothing bad will happen.

You can buy a fitball at any store that specializes in goods for children or sports equipment.

It is best to purchase a universal ball for children and adults, which is about 75 cm in diameter. For exercises with newborns, a ball with an absolutely smooth surface with an anti-tear function should be purchased. This can be reported by the corresponding brand of the ball: BS or BRQ.

Preference should be given to firms specializing in such products. General characteristics balls are:

Without smell;
Homogeneous;
Dense;
No seams;
Must withstand up to 150 kg of weight;
A nipple can be soldered into the ball;

Choosing a ball according to these characteristics, parents are guaranteed to purchase a quality product for their baby.

Today, most parents and pediatricians are moving away from the principle of tight swaddling of a newborn baby under the age of six months. Increasing importance is being given to early physical development, on which mental capacity. You can help your baby become healthy and strong by including fitball exercises in your daily routine. Our recommendations will make classes with a child of the first year of life enjoyable and useful.

Fitball classes are an excellent option for physical activity for babies, contributing to harmonious physical development

The benefits of fitball exercises for newborns

The benefits of gymnastics for the body of a newborn are invaluable, but let's still list the important benefits of fitball exercises:

Removing muscle hypertonicity is the main advantage of fitball exercises (we recommend reading:). This benefit is very significant, because increased tone is a common occurrence among newborns.
Massage of the tummy with simultaneous relaxation of the muscles helps to improve the functioning of the intestines and solve the problem of colic.
Training of the musculoskeletal system, the formation of posture, the improvement of the work of the heart and blood vessels, as well as the strengthening of the respiratory system.
Strengthening the vestibular apparatus due to smooth swaying movements on the fitball.
Massage and activation of the internal organs.
Strengthening the immune system, increasing endurance and a positive effect on the entire body.

We can say that this particular type of training combines several aspects of physical activity at once, and also has preventive qualities for the health of the baby. Such activities for babies are exciting and interesting.

Choosing a ball for gymnastics with a baby

There is a wide range of balls for activities with a newborn on the market.

The size

The most popular size for moms is the 75 cm ball, which can be used by any member of the family. Such a suitable size is convenient for independent training of mothers and for the baby. Parents can sit on the chair while charging, which is very convenient. Smaller balls (45 cm) are suitable for couch or table use.

Pay special attention when buying maximum weight that can withstand fitball. For convenient joint activities with a child, give preference to balls with a load of up to 150 kg.

Material quality

When buying, consider the fitball for bumps, rough seams, or massage protrusions. Balls with such imperfections will cause discomfort to the baby and can damage the delicate baby skin. The ball should be moderately elastic, but not hard, so we recommend buying an additional pump in order to be able to quickly pump up the fitball.

Having precisely determined which fitball is right for you for gymnastics with a child, you can easily navigate the wide range of balls available in stores. We recommend choosing a quality ball, so do not save money and buy products from trusted manufacturers. From the choice of inventory, let's go directly to the exercises.

You can stop at a universal smooth ball with a diameter of 75 cm - it is suitable for all family members

Organization of physical exercises on fitball

The first classes with a child can begin as early as 3-4 weeks after birth, when the navel is completely healed. It is worth starting classes with a minimum time: 5 minutes will be enough for the first time. During classes, monitor the condition of the baby so that he gradually enters the rhythm and does not overwork. Over time, increase the duration to 20 minutes, using new types of exercises based on the development of the child.

Never exercise immediately after a meal. Physical exercise on a fitball it is worth starting no earlier than an hour or even an hour and a half after eating.

With the growth of the child, exercises on the fitball in combination with massage and bathing will have a beneficial effect on the body. You can plan a gymnastics like this:

massage - 10-15 minutes (see also:);
classes on the ball - 15-20 minutes;
then bathing or showering.

All together it will take no more than 45 minutes, but it will make a huge contribution to the development of the baby and strengthen his body. It is better to deal with the baby during periods of his good mood. A capricious baby should not be forced to do exercises - it makes sense to choose another time for gymnastics.

The effectiveness of learning a new type of activity will be successful if nothing distracts the baby during classes - then he will feel comfortable. Be aware of your surroundings and thoroughly ventilate the area before charging.

For the first months of gymnastics, cover the fitball with a diaper, and dress the baby in a comfortable bodysuit or T-shirt. You can do without these attributes later.

The fitball can be used as a game simulator for gaining walking skills

Gymnastics on a fitball for children from 1 to 3 months

Gymnastics for children aged 1 to 3 months should consist of only a few exercises (we recommend reading:). The following complex is ideal for babies in the first trimester of life:

“Swinging”: lay the baby on a ball covered with a diaper, and, fixing the legs or body, smoothly roll the ball back and forth, then to the sides. The baby will really like these exercises, because they imitate the swaying in the mother's tummy, where the baby spent a lot of time.
"Spring": put the baby on your stomach and with rhythmic, but smooth movements, begin to spring the baby on the ball. A similar exercise can be done in the supine position. In this case, you need to press in the area of \u200b\u200bthe shoulders or hips.
"Football": put the baby with your back on the mat and bring the ball to the legs. The child's task is to push the ball away. This will happen on an instinctive level, while the muscles of the legs will be strengthened.

Such exercises will become a favorite for 2- and 3-month-old babies. As the little athlete grows, add new exercises. For example, bring the ball to your hands in the same way as the “football” exercise - pushing the fitball, the baby will develop the muscles of the hands.

To strengthen the abdominal muscles, put the little one on the ball with his back, then lift him up to a sitting position. Another exercise will be bending the baby's legs at the knees and straightening them with repulsion of the fitball.

Exercises for babies from 3 to 8 months on a fitball

By six months, the baby's muscles will be strengthened, and he will be more confident on the fitball, which means it's time to show how you can jump and bounce on the ball. Explore the following types of exercises with your baby.

We complicate the "spring": hold the fitball between your legs, while placing the baby on the ball, holding it by the body. Help him to spring a little for the first time, and he will quickly realize how pleasant and fun it is. A smooth transition from a standing to a sitting position can be made by gently rolling the ball.
An inquisitive kid will love the exercise "rolls": lay out several toys on the floor in front of the fitball, while the little one lies on the ball with his stomach. When fixing the baby's hips, make a smooth roll forward so that the child can get his favorite toy. Over time, the child will begin to be able to free one hand, then both. Such fun gymnastics will bring great pleasure (we recommend reading :).
After mastering this exercise, you can try out a new one - "wheelbarrow". We put the baby on the stomach and raise the legs so that he is held by one handle. Rocking back and forth will help the baby balance on his hands and will strengthen the vestibular apparatus.
Charging can be done by the family by adding an exercise "pull". Parents sit on both sides of the ball, and the baby lies on the fitball with his stomach. One parent takes the baby by the hips or shins, and the other by the forearms. A smooth tug of war is what this exercise is like. It is important not to pull the baby by the palms and feet, as these parts are not yet sufficiently developed and can be injured.

For 8- and 9-month-old babies, you can use a fitball to learn how to walk. To begin, place the child on the floor in front of the ball, supporting him, and let him stand on his own for a while, relying on the ball.

Useful toy and sports equipment

The miracle ball can also be used as a toy, throwing and rolling it to each other. Such sports equipment will give health, strengthen muscles and have a general strengthening effect on the child's body.

We talked only about the main types of exercises on the ball for babies. To expand your workouts, study the video lessons on the fitball, where experienced specialists will prompt detailed instructions for each type of exercise.

Gone are the days when it was believed that the baby during most of the day should lie still, wrapped in a diaper.

Modern experts believe that in order for the baby to develop properly, he needs not only freedom of movement, but also physical activity.

In addition to the usual program, exercises on a fitball, a special ball that can be seen in every fitness room, can be very useful.

What are the benefits of such exercises, and how to perform them?

What is useful fitball?

If a baby has appeared in the house, then the fitball will be useful both for health and for entertainment. Older children love to jump on it, but with newborns, you can successfully perform gymnastics. Moreover, such exercises are useful not only for those children who have neurological problems. Such exercises are useful for completely healthy children. It provides benefits in various ways:

Removes muscle hypertonicity, which is typical for newborns.
Helps to strengthen and develop the muscles of the back, abdomen, arms and legs.
Gives a massage effect and stimulates the functioning of internal organs.
Helps improve digestion and prevent colic.
Helps to teach the baby to coordinate movements and helps in the development of the vestibular apparatus.

Reference! Swinging on the ball has a calming and relaxing effect on the baby, which helps to normalize sleep.

Indications and contraindications

Exercises aimed at stimulating activity and development will be very useful, but only if they are carried out and chosen correctly. Classes on fitball for kids in the absence of contraindications are useful to everyone. Their importance is especially great in the presence of such indications:

hyper- and hypotonicity of muscles;
increased excitability of the owner;
insufficient activity of the baby, muscle weakness;
colic;
restlessness of the baby, susceptibility to stress and viruses.

In general, classes are useful to everyone, but you need to take into account the existing contraindications:

you can not do exercises for children with congenital injuries;
diseases of the heart and genitourinary system, as well as lungs;
at high temperature;
underweight;
increased intracranial pressure.

How to choose a ball?

Fitball can have a diameter of 45 to 75 cm.

But if the product will be used only for the baby, then it is better to choose the dimensions slightly smaller.

Suitable for children are fitballs that have special handles or horns that allow you to hold the product.

It is very important that the projectile is smooth. Products with a relief surface are suitable for children who are at least 3-4 months old. Together with the fitball, you also need to buy a pump, but usually it is included in the kit.

Fitball for a child must be of high quality and safe, which is why it is recommended to buy it only in specialized sports stores. When buying, you should try to pinch the product. If the material is of high quality, then it will immediately return to its original state. If small folds appear, this indicates that the quality of the product leaves much to be desired.

It is important that there are no visible seams on the ball that can be felt. The material should not smell like rubber and synthetics. It is worth buying a ball that has an ABS disguise on it. This is the safest equipment, which additionally has an anti-explosive function.

Basic rules for classes

For the exercises to be effective and safe, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

It is best to do the exercises in the morning, while the child has good mood and maximum activity.
Before starting the lesson, you need to make sure that the baby is calm, and there is nothing that could provoke his discomfort.
There should be a break of at least 1.5 hours between feeding and exercise.
If the baby is naughty and does not want to do it, do not insist, it is better to wait a bit.
Not all kids immediately enjoy doing the exercises, so they need to be given time to get used to and get comfortable.
The first workouts should be done short, 4-5 minutes, increasing this figure over time.
When exercising, you need to carefully hold the baby by the shoulders, back, tummy or ankles.
When performing exercises, you can not pull the baby by the hands or feet.
It is important not to leave the child alone on the fitball.
To make the lesson more fun and interesting, you can accompany it with poems and songs.
It is better for the child to practice without clothes - so nothing will cause him discomfort. In this case, it is better to cover the ball with a film, which will help ensure hygiene and prevent discomfort and touching the delicate skin of the baby with the surface of the product.
Exercises should be selected taking into account the age of the baby. There are programs that are designed for children a couple of weeks old or about a year old - in these cases, the exercises will be different.

Important! Before starting classes, it is important to consult a pediatrician and make sure that the baby has no contraindications. Also, the specialist will help you choose the set of exercises that is most suitable for a particular baby.

Exercises

As already mentioned, the training program will depend on the age of the baby. Therefore, it is worth considering examples of exercises taking into account this criterion.

For newborns at 1-2 months

The main task of gymnastics at this age is to improve the baby's digestion and prevent colic. For this, the following exercises can be used:

You need to place the baby with a tummy on a fitball. An adult should support his head and shoulders with one hand, and legs and hips with the other. Do 5-6 swings forward and backward.

The baby is turned over and held in the same way, but lies on his back. Do 5-6 swings. Closer to two months, you can perform circular movements and rocking to the sides.

The baby should be put on a sofa or bed so that the legs hang down from the knee. Mom carefully holds him and rolls the ball, and the child will push him away on an instinctive level. You need to do the exercise 5-6 times.

For children 2-3 months

Kids at this age usually know how to hold their heads, so you can make the complex more difficult by adding exercises that are aimed at strengthening the muscle corset.

You have to put the baby on your stomach. With one hand you need to hold the buttocks, the fingers of the second hold the ankles. The kid should grab the product with his hands. When performing, you need to swing it back and forth. Do 10 reps.

The baby is placed on the ball with his back. With one hand, you need to fix the shoulders and chest, with the other - the legs and hips. Swinging movements are made with light pressure on the ball. Necessary do 10-12 reps gradually picking up the pace.

The baby is placed on its side. With one hand they support him by the shoulders, with the second - by the legs. Gentle springy movements are made 10 repetitions. Next, the exercise is repeated on the second side, on the back and on the stomach.

The baby is placed on the stomach, it is necessary to hold him by the back. The child should grab the ball with his limbs. The fitball must be carefully rotated back and forth to the maximum possible length. It is recommended to do this exercise at the end of the lesson.

At 3-4 and 5-6 months

A child older than three months is already quite good, controls the handles and orients himself in the surrounding space. Fitball for him is a big toy that he will try to push, taste. During this period, you can use these exercises.

The child lies on the floor on his back. The parent rolls the ball to his feet and asks him to push it. 15-20 repetitions are done.

The baby is placed on the fitball on the stomach. An adult needs to hold it by the armpits and move it back and forth. Having reached the end of the amplitude, you need to linger for 5-6 seconds. This exercise helps to bend and stretch the muscles around the spine. The number of repetitions is five.
The fitball should be placed close to the wall or sofa. The child is placed on it on the stomach so that it touches the surface with its feet. Holding the child, it must be rolled to a hard surface so that the legs are bent at the knees, and then allowed to push off with the feet. This exercise engages the muscles of the legs and back, and prepares the body for walking. You need to repeat 5-6 times.
The baby is placed on the ball on the stomach. A bright toy is placed next to it. The baby must be supported by the legs, then the adult tilts the ball towards the toy until he grabs it. At the same time, this position cannot be maintained for a long time. Repeat exercise costs 3-4 times.

The exercise is done as in the past, but the toy should be located slightly away from the ball. To son-in-law her, the baby will have to turn his head to the side and stretch out his arms. This helps to develop orientation in space and provides training for the vestibular apparatus.

From 7 months and older

Children at this age try, and after and. At this time, muscles and bones need active training, which helps to ensure their quality strengthening. Fitball will help accelerate physical development and provide coordination training.

An adult needs to sit on the floor, hold the ball between his legs. The baby is planted or placed on the ball, and springy jumps or sit-downs are made. Kids love these exercises, because it can be done for five minutes with breaks of 10-15 seconds. Regular performance of such gymnastics remarkably strengthens the vestibular apparatus.

Exercise will be useful for the baby if he knows how to sit confidently and hold his back. They put him on the ball. An adult should support him by the waist with one hand, and by the outstretched arms with the other. The child needs to keep his balance. An exercise is being done within 25-30 seconds. After some time, you can make it more difficult by holding the baby only by the handles.
The kid is placed on the fitball with his stomach, his hands hold the ball. An adult needs to raise his legs at the level of the body and swing the product back and forth. Enough 10-15 movements.
The child lies on the back, the legs can be slightly supported by the hands. The adult pulls him by the hands from a lying position to a sitting position. This exercise is useful for children who are not yet able to sit up on their own. You need to do 5-6 approaches.
The baby stands on his feet, the parent holds him by the tummy. The fitball acts as a support that rolls sideways when pressed. In view of this, the baby takes steps. The exercise is performed for 4-5 minutes. It is only suitable if the baby can stand at the support.. But even if the child can already walk, you still need to insure him by holding him by the waist.

For children 1 year old

At this age, children are already more independent, and exercises can be complicated.

You can start by jumping on the ball. To do this, the fitball is fixed between the legs of an adult or between the legs with a support. The baby can be located both with his back and facing an adult. They hold him by the torso, show how the ball bounces, and slightly raise everyone, performing jumps. First, it is enough to do 10-20 easy jumps up and down, then in the process of movements you need to turn the baby alternately to the sides.

The child is put on the buttocks, the ball is fixed motionless. It must be rhythmically springy, holding the baby by the hips. At the same time, it only needs to be held slightly, and on the ball it must hold itself. This is a great exercise for building back and abdominal muscles, as well as balance. After jumping, the ball needs to be rocked to the sides, and then up and down. Then circular movements are made in different clockwise directions.
The child sits on the ball, the adult fixes it motionless. With the straight legs of the baby you need to drum on the ball. At first, the movements are made for the child, then he does it himself.
The kid is obsessed with his stomach and sticks to the body on the sides. at first 10-20 springy movements are made, after - swaying the baby to the sides and back and forth (3-4 repetitions each). It is necessary to increase the amplitude gradually. Next is done 2-3 circular motions baby on the product clockwise and counterclockwise.
The baby needs to be put on the ball, holding it by the hips. With an open palm, he should pat the ball 10-20 times. After that, you can slightly raise it in front of the fitball in your arms. From this position, he should reach out to him and again pat on his surface.

There are many other exercises as well. In any case, it is better to choose a complex together with a doctor. It should be borne in mind that classes should be a pleasure for the baby, so you can accompany them with funny songs or nursery rhymes.