Exercises for colic on the ball. When can I start classes on a fitball for a child: ten exercises for babies

Today's parents have far more opportunities for the physical and emotional development of their infants than did their own parents many years ago. One of such public and useful acquisitions is the fitball gymnastic ball. Classes on it are interesting and useful not only for children over one and a half years old, but also for newborn babies. In this article, we will talk about how to properly organize fitball exercises for babies, what exercises can be performed on the ball, depending on age.

Helpful or harmful?

The question of the benefits and harms of a fitball for the development of a baby does not have a clear answer. Most pediatricians are inclined to believe that harm is possible if parents do not follow the technique of doing gymnastics, if they start using the gymnastic ball too early to exercise with the little one. The optimal age at which you can start such classes is the age of one and a half months. Until this age, it is better to refrain from various manipulations and exercises so as not to injure the spine and umbilical wound of the baby.

However, the benefits of exercising on a gymnastic ball significantly outweigh the few disadvantages:

• helps relieve the symptoms of muscle hypertonicity, which are characteristic of almost every child from birth to 5-6 months;
• the skeletal and muscular systems are strengthened;
• the weak abdominal wall of the baby is strengthened, which helps to prevent or reduce the manifestations of infantile colic;
• the vestibular apparatus develops, the child coordinates movements better;
• the child develops the correct setting of the feet, the correct posture;
• improves the state of the nervous system.

In order for your baby to get the maximum benefit from exercise on the fitball, it is important to choose the ball itself correctly.

For children aged 2-3 months, only smooth balls are suitable. At 4-5 months, it is quite possible to offer textured fitballs with pimples and ribs for exercise or gymnastics - this will be an additional massage effect.

Ball size also matters.- if you buy it not only for the baby, but also for yourself, in order to quickly get into good physical shape after childbirth, take a bigger ball - 75 cm in diameter. If the ball is intended only for crumbs, 45 or 55 cm in diameter will be enough.

Avoid fitballs of dubious quality that have a pungent odor. Materials may be unsafe - the child may experience severe allergies, chemical burns. The surface of a good and high-quality fitball for babies is non-slip and even. Check for ABS markings- this means that the ball will not explode or burst at the time of use - the tests have been passed, which, in fact, this marking says.

Do you already have a safety ball? Then we turn to the study of the technique of classes for babies under the age of one year.

First of all, parents need to learn how to choose the right time to exercise with their child - at the time of gymnastics, the baby should be well-rested, rested, healthy and full. However, you do not need to start performing a set of exercises immediately after eating, wait an hour and a half after feeding and only then start exercising.

General strengthening exercises aimed at stimulating the work of muscles, toning up the child, invigorating, are best done in the morning, and a calming relaxation set of exercises is best performed in the evening, shortly before bathing and going to bed. If you do not take into account the direction of the exercise complexes, you can disrupt the child's daily routine, worsen his sleep, as a result of which classes will not benefit. The baby will not get enough sleep, he will feel tired.

You need to increase the time of classes gradually - from 3-5 minutes to 15-20 minutes. The load should also increase reasonably - start with one or two exercises, gradually introduce new tasks, increase the time for their implementation.

Hold your child securely during class so they don't fall off the gym ball and get hurt. If the child desperately resists, shows signs of fatigue, is capricious, the lesson should also be stopped - through tears and whims, gymnastics cannot be achieved, no matter how hard you try.

Always accompany the lesson with funny and relaxed comments, read poems, sing a song, this is important for the child to understand that he is not subjected to a strange ritual (which, by the way, can be dangerous!), They play with him. Only then will the baby begin to perceive classes adequately and positively.

If you are working with a naked baby, be sure to cover the surface of the fitball with a diaper - this will be more pleasant for the baby. Do not forget about safety for a minute - do not leave the baby without support, support and attention - falling from a fitball can be very painful and traumatic.

Lesson implementation methods

With a baby from 1.5 to 3 months

This is the youngest age group involved in fitball. For such children, it is important to perform gymnastics in the most delicate gentle mode. Therefore, experts recommend groups of exercises aimed at relaxing muscles, reducing tone and preventing intestinal colic. The rest of the exercises are not needed for the baby.

Relaxing exercises on a gymnastic ball for kids are very simple to perform.

• Belly riding. Put the baby on the fitball with his stomach down, the head should also be turned one cheek. Hold the child with one hand behind the back, the other for the legs. Start gently rocking the ball to the right and left alternately. Gradually complicate the exercise by adding rocking back and forth, and then in a circle. Watch the speed and amplitude - the child should not be scared or rocked by anything. Such an exercise facilitates the withdrawal of intestinal gas, reduces the intensity and frequency of colic, and strengthens the abdominal muscles.

• Back riding. After riding on your stomach, move on to riding on your back. Lay the child on the ball with his back, but so that the head of the crumbs does not fall back. With one hand, hold the baby by the tummy, with the other - fix the legs. To begin with, it will be easy enough to shake the baby from side to side, then the exercise is complicated in the same way as the first. Reception contributes to the formation of posture, the development of back muscles.

• Football for kids. The baby should be placed on the floor, on a special rug in a position on the back. The fitball is leaned against the legs and the wall of the ball is lightly pressed on the feet of the crumbs. Reflexively, the baby will push the ball away, thereby developing and strengthening the muscles of the legs. Increased tone due to intense, but soft extensor movements will decrease.

Avoid jumping exercises, rolling the ball up and down. Do not sit the child on the fitball, it is still too early for him - the spine is not ready for vertical load.

With a child 4-6 months

At this age, you need to combine relaxing exercises with exercises for the development of the muscular corset. The baby's favorite toys will help with this, he has already managed to acquire them. The complex of exercises becomes more meaningful and requires active participation from the baby.

• "Get the toy." This is a more complicated version of riding on the tummy, which was described in the complex for kids. Having rolled the baby, making circular movements on the stomach, put your favorite toy on the floor in front of the football. The kid will reach for her, hold him tighter by the legs, fixing the back with the other hand. Stretching is important for the development of the lateral oblique muscles, as well as for stimulating the abs and muscles and the shoulder girdle. To make the baby’s efforts successful, push the fitball a little away from you so that the baby can get the toy and grab it securely with his hands.

"Jumps". Mom sits on the floor, clamps the fitball between her legs, fixing it. Supporting the child under her armpits, she raises and lowers him with her feet on the ball, it is important that the baby pushes off the ball with her feet. It is better to start such an exercise from the age of 5 months, while making sure that the load of the whole body of the baby does not fall on the legs.

• "Mobile cart". This is a variant of the “Wheelbarrow” exercise, beloved by many children, in which the mother holds only the baby’s legs with her hands, and he “walks” along the floor with his hands. The difference will be that the baby will touch the ball with his hands, moving it forward. Exercise well develops the arms, chest, neck and upper back.

For children over 6 months

For babies of this age category, classes are even more complicated, and in addition to the two complexes listed above, they add exercises for the development of motor skills and dexterity.

• "Goalkeeper". If the child sits alone, sit him opposite you and push the ball towards him. The task of the child is to catch him with two handles, and ideally, push him back to his mother. Exercise develops coordination of movements and logical abilities.
• "Jumps". Put the child, who has already begun to sit, on the ball and hold it by the sides closer to the armpits. First, lightly move the ball with the child's booty to the right and left, back and forth. This will warm up and prepare the muscles of the buttocks and back. Then make gentle jumping movements on the fitball - the exercise contributes to the development of the back muscles.
• "Snowball". This exercise is for babies who have begun to stand on their own. It will help in mastering the first steps. Put the child at the ball, help grab the handles of the "ears" of the ball. On the other hand, secure the ball with your foot so that it does not roll forward at high speed. When the baby is holding tight, start to gradually move the ball forward, loosening the fixation with your foot. The child will gradually learn to step over the legs after the ball.

Every parent wants his child to grow strong and healthy, and in order for this to be so, you should immediately accustom the baby to sports immediately after birth. Yes, yes, it’s for sports, but fitball for babies will help you with this, classes on which will allow you to raise a strong and healthy child.

Fitball is a large gymnastic ball, which, due to its elasticity, introduces an element of soft massage into the exercises.

What is fitball?

Fitball is a children's gymnastic ball with which you can perform various exercises, strengthening the muscles of the newborn and helping him develop in the "right way", as well as instill in him the habit of playing sports at an older age.

Fitball is generally a unique thing that should be in every family with a small child. With this ball, you can not only play sports, but also rock the baby, and just play. It will become an indispensable assistant for you for the first three to four months, since it is during this period that newborns suffer from colic and gas formation, which prevent them from enjoying life.

In addition, fitball for kids is also a great way to get closer to your child. Joint exercise and regular games bring adults and children together, so why not spend your free time in a fun and useful way?

But in order to start doing exercises on the ball, you must first choose and buy it correctly.

Fitballs come in different colors, sizes and textures, but for a baby it is better to choose a smooth ball with a diameter of 65-70 centimeters

How to choose a fitball?

It does not matter at all what color and size the exercise ball will be. Gymnastics can take place both with the help of a small ball, and with the help of a large one. However, we recommend that you buy a fitball for babies with a diameter of at least 60–75 cm, since such dimensions will allow you to conduct classes even when your baby is already older and can move independently.

In addition, young mothers can also use such a ball for babies to correct their figure and posture after childbirth. The main thing is that it should be dense and elastic (folds and wrinkles should not form on it) and be able to withstand heavy loads (at least 300 kg).

In addition, you need to pay attention to the seams. They should be smooth and barely noticeable. And the surface should be perfectly even and smooth.

Fitballs with pimples are on sale, they are best suited for practicing with a baby, as they create an additional massage effect that helps to cope with colic and has a positive effect on the formation of the nervous system.

You should also pay attention to the nipple. It must be hidden inside, otherwise it will greatly interfere with you and your baby during gymnastics.

Exercises with a baby on a fitball can be started already in the first month of life, but if you missed this moment, nothing will stop you from doing useful gymnastics later

How many months can I play fitball?

Gymnastics on a fitball is very useful for babies, so you should start doing exercises on it when the navel area is completely healed. As a rule, this happens as early as the 3rd week of a newborn's life.

Such gymnastics for babies allows you to get rid of colic and improve digestion, helps strengthen muscles and form the nervous system. Classes should be held in the morning, when the baby is awake and in a good mood.

You can’t do exercises immediately after feeding, you need to wait at least an hour, and then proceed to their implementation. Such exercises should be carried out every day.

There is a certain set of exercises for babies, but it is quite possible that you and your baby will eventually find your own options that bring a lot of positive things to the baby.

Fitball exercises for newborns

You probably can't wait to find out what exercises you can do on a gym ball. The first months of life is a slight swaying back, forward, left and right. At the same time, they should be done both in the supine position and in the prone position.

At 3 months old, the child can be placed on the fitball with his legs, having previously secured the ball between his legs. It is necessary to lift the baby slightly so that it seems to jump off him.

And from 6 months, gymnastics is more complex exercises, for which you will need additional help.

• For example, an exercise for a child of 6 months called "Wheelbarrow". Lay your child on the ball with his stomach down and begin to lift him by the legs, while rocking him back and forth, as if you were driving a wheelbarrow. Another adult must be present to ensure that the child does not accidentally roll off the ball and hit the floor.
• Another exercise for newborns 6 months - "Airplane". Lay the baby on a fitball on his tummy, one adult holds his hands, spreading them to the sides, like the wings of an airplane, and the second adult takes his legs and bends them at the knees. The child should push off the ball with his knees, simulating flight.
• Also with a baby at 6 months, you can perform another exercise called "Grab-ka". For this exercise, you will need to scatter toys around the room (preferably soft ones so that the child is not injured) and lay the baby on the fitball with his stomach down. Start swinging him back and forth, asking him to take this or that toy.

As you can see, gymnastics for newborns of 6 months includes many interesting exercises, the implementation of which not only allows the baby to grow healthy and strong, but also contributes to the development of his imagination and motor skills. Therefore, it is simply necessary to start conducting classes on a fitball almost from the very birth of a child.

It used to be the norm when the baby lay motionless in the playpen, wrapped in diapers from head to toe. Now pediatricians and advanced mothers recommend complete freedom of movement from birth. Fitball for babies will provide harmonious physical development, pleasure and joy for both mother and baby.

Doesn't your family have a gymnastic ball yet? It's a pity! Get it now and enjoy a new kind of communication with your children!

Fitball was invented in Switzerland back in the 50s of the last century by physiologist Susan Klein-Vogelbach. She used it for her patients with injuries and diseases of the spine. As it turned out, the miracle ball coped well with problems in the work of the central nervous system.

Nowadays, this inflatable ball has become an excellent simulator that gently affects the human muscular and skeletal system. It is used very widely both for medicinal purposes and for sports.

Are you preparing to become a mother or have you recently given birth to a wonderful baby? Be sure to purchase a gymnastic ball along with the playpen, stroller and children's things. You can engage with a child with his help almost from birth. What are the benefits and what are the advantages of this gymnastics?

Classes on a fitball with a baby will allow:

• relax the muscles and relieve their tone. Babies after birth have increased muscle tension, this is due to the position of the embryo in the womb. Surely you noticed clenched fists and bent legs, a trembling chin when crying? By three months, the tone practically disappears, the nervous system adapts to conditions outside the mother's tummy. But we are able to help the baby adapt much faster;
• strengthen and develop muscles. Legs and arms, back and abs should start working as early as possible. The spine will become flexible, the baby will confidently hold the head. The musculoskeletal system will get stronger, and the baby will be able to sit, crawl, walk ahead of time. Strong back muscles will ensure good posture;
• improve digestive processes. Pressure on the tummy has a relaxing effect on the stomach and intestines, your child will not be tormented by gases, colic and constipation. Classes on the ball massage the internal organs. Blood circulation increases, which means that everything will work like a clock;
• develop coordination of movements. Training the vestibular apparatus will allow you to navigate in space and not lose balance. The child in the future will not be rocked in transport.

Early fitball exercises will strengthen the nervous system and will be an excellent prevention of various diseases. And in combination with massage, hardening, swimming, a healthy and active baby will grow up.

At what age can you do gymnastics on a fitball?

You can start playing with the baby on the ball gradually, starting from birth. Just a few minutes will bring tangible benefits to the child's nervous system. Full-fledged classes will be possible after the complete healing of the umbilical wound. This usually happens three weeks after birth.

The first exercises begin with swaying on the ball. This will help the newborn to adapt to our world, soothe and give a good mood, because smooth movements resemble a mother's belly, in which it was warm and cozy.

Ball Selection Rules

Have you decided to buy a baby ball? Don't know which one to choose? There is nothing complicated here. Be guided by the fact that the child is developing rapidly and with age "outgrows" a small ball. In order not to buy a new one, choose immediately with a large diameter of 75 centimeters, and you can use the fitball with the whole family.

The ball can have handles or horns - this is the best option for practicing with a child. Firstly, they create a kind of emphasis, and the baby will not slip off the ball to the floor. Secondly, he will grab these handles at one fine moment, and the grasping reflex is very important for full development.

The ball can be smooth or have a corrugated surface. Pimples massage more effectively, but should not protrude too much. When buying, make sure that there are no deformations and rough seams that can rub the skin. The pump nipple must not protrude.

Pay special attention to the smell. The gymnastic ball should be made of high-quality rubber and should not smell. Do not forget that children under one year old will taste the world. This does not bypass the fitball, so it must be hypoallergenic, made of safe materials.

A good ball can withstand weight up to 300 kg, has a muted color, does not explode when damaged, but quietly deflates. Buy it only in specialized sports stores. Choosing a ball for a baby, you make a gift for the whole family.

There are many exercises and video instructions on the Internet for practicing on a gymnastic ball. Master them gradually. Choose the ones that you and your baby will like. Many of them will become loved ones and will bring a lot of joy and pleasure. After a while, you will be able to come up with exercises for training together. Dare, and everything will work out for you!

For children under 3 months

The first exercises on the ball for babies are light swaying back and forth, left and right. First, the child lies on his back, later, after the navel has healed, he can also be laid on his tummy. Make sure that the head does not tilt back when the baby is lying on the back. Do not hold the hands and feet - they are very fragile and can be damaged by awkward movement.

1. "Cradle" - many mothers use the fitball as a cradle, rocking the baby.
2. "Spring" - holding the legs, lightly press on the ass, causing the ball to spring up and down.
3. "Football" - the child lies on his back on a hard surface, for example, on. Bring the ball to the legs, the baby will push it away from you. Great leg workout for young soccer players.
4. "Around the world" - slowly turn the ball with the child clockwise and counterclockwise.
5. Jumping is one of the most favorite exercises for children who confidently hold their heads. Take the child under the armpit and put the legs on the ball. Immediately, the legs will go to the "dance", causing laughter and joy.

While exercising, gently talk to your baby or turn on soothing music.

For children 3-6 months

A set of exercises for children up to six months is becoming more complicated and more diverse. This is due to the fact that the child already confidently holds his head, leans on his forearms, and can hold on to the handle of the ball. He is meaningfully engaged and can even show what exercises he likes.

From this age, you can not hold the baby by the back or tummy, you can limit yourself to the shins and forearms.

1. "Wheelbarrow" - lay the baby on his stomach, firmly grasp the ankles and push the ball back and forth, like a wheelbarrow or a stroller.
2. "Fishing" - a child on his stomach, his mother holds him by the legs. We tilt it so that the baby can pick up the toy from the floor with the handles. You can "catch fish" a lot and have fun.
3. “Swinging the press” - the baby lies on the back. Holding the forearms, slowly raise the baby to a sitting state, just as carefully return to the starting position.
4. “Airplane” - from a position on the stomach, turn it over to the side, holding on to the forearm and lower leg. Massage the side with back and forth movements. We repeat with the other side.

For children over 6 months

You can add even more complex exercises to the complex of exercises.

1. "Rolls" - put the baby on the opposite side of the ball and pull him by the handles so that he rolls onto the ball. Now push it away from you to the starting position.
2. "Tug of War" - this exercise must be performed with the help of a second adult. Put the baby on the ball on the stomach. Roll it, holding it by the forearms and shins so that only the arms or legs are on the surface of the ball, and the back is hovering in the air. This perfectly strengthens the spinal muscles and makes the spine strong and flexible.
3. “Spring sitting” - seat the child on the fitball and show him how the baby can bounce with springy movements. This is a good exercise for the press.
4. "Balance" - put the baby on the ball and achieve a stable position, holding the body. After that, lower your hands to your knees. The child will balance to keep balance.

When the child learns to walk and stand, show how pleasant it is to slap the surface of the ball with your hands and push it with your handles.

Mom can also engage in fitball, and together with the baby. After all, a woman needs to restore her shape after childbirth, and sparing exercises on the ball will allow her to do this quickly, without exposing herself to increased physical exertion.

Sit on the ball with your baby in your arms and gently bounce up and down. This exercise well strains the buttocks and thighs, relaxes the spine. The baby falls asleep at this time - a great way to motion sickness, because in the usual position, the arms get very tired and the back tenses.

When breastfeeding, you can put your feet on the ball and relax, healthy circulation in the legs and relaxation, what else do you need?

While the baby is sleeping, the mother can happily repeat the baby's exercises, swaying on her stomach or back. This is how imperceptibly and pleasantly the figure will return its former elasticity.

We do it right

It is advisable to start exercises on a fitball for babies after consulting a pediatrician. It is necessary to exclude possible contraindications.

Start the very first lessons gradually so that the child gets used to the ball. Before classes, you can undress the baby, so he will take air baths. Put a diaper on so that the cold surface does not frighten and it is pleasant to touch with bare skin.

It is best to conduct classes in the morning, always with a good mood of the baby, an hour after eating.

If the baby burst into tears or was frightened, do not insist on continuing the exercises - this can discourage you for a long time.

Increase your exercise time gradually. Movements should be smooth, without sudden jerks. Be sure to hold the body so that the baby does not slip off.

Study in front of a mirror, children really like to watch themselves and their mother.

The room during classes should be well ventilated.

Are there any contraindications to exercise?

Of course, there are not only indications for classes, but also contraindications.

1. Do not rush, everything should be on time. Do not start classes by laying the child on the tummy if the umbilical wound has not completely healed. Perform a set of exercises according to age. After all, the musculoskeletal system must get stronger.
2. If the child is ill, has a cold, or is simply not in the mood, you should not practice.
3. In case of neurological problems or diseases of the supporting system, classes should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, at least for the first time. A set of exercises performs therapeutic functions, so it must be compiled individually.

Conclusion

Joint classes help parents and children become even closer emotionally to each other. Gymnastics turns into a fun game that brings joy and pleasure to mom and baby. Be sure to connect dad to fun physical education.

After classes, the baby eats well and sleeps soundly, because he also worked. Combine useful with pleasant, and you will see how your baby will get stronger before our eyes. Fitball for babies is “cool”!

Every mother, of course, cares about the well-being of the baby, and wants him to grow up strong and healthy from the very beginning. Therefore, gymnastics on a fitball for babies is great for the smallest, improves well-being and increases muscle tone.

How many times a day do chest exercises?

As a rule, gymnastics on a ball for babies should be done daily. It is recommended to do 5 minutes if the child is not used to physical activity, and no more than 15 minutes. per day, if you regularly exercise on a fitball.

Usually, procedures on a fitball are carried out when the baby has already arrived from the hospital and has settled into the home environment. This happens about 2-3 weeks after birth. However, another important factor is the umbilical wound, if it has not completely healed, then it is better to refuse charging.

Pros of gymnastic exercises with a ball or fitball:

• development of physiological muscle tone;
• development of coordination of movements of the child;
• stimulation of sensory perception with the mother actively voicing her actions and communicating with the baby during gymnastics on the ball;
• development of the child's knowledge of his body;
• general mental state, promotes calmness and relaxation.

Reflexes are also developing: crawling and walking, their motivation. Calmness, relaxation.

Gymnastics on the ball for babies 2 months

A two-month-old baby unconsciously gesticulates with arms and legs, which at times frighten him. Therefore, gymnastics on a fitball for babies for 2 months helps to streamline spontaneous gestures and learn to control them.

Fitball gymnastics for babies 2 months old is very simple and does not require special skills.

1. To perform this exercise, you should put the child on the fitball with his back, then bend the legs at the knees and spread them apart. The baby will unbend the lower limbs and roll forward.

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 condition creates discomfort for the child, and is sometimes accompanied by painful sensations. Over time, hypertonicity will disappear on its own, but gymnastics and massage help 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 the muscle corset of the 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 the release of gases 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. The optimal time to start 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 a variety of types of 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 exercises 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.

It is better to purchase sports equipment 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 is the correct technique of gymnastics is described in detail