06/11/2025
Let's talk Balloons!
Balloons are versatile and can be used in many different ways. Here are a few simple activities you can do with you baby. My little one is almost 4 months old and loved the balloon activities!
1. Fill balloons with different items, inflate, make a knot and draw patterns on. Our one balloon had some rice, the other one some pasta and the last one oats (use whatever you have at home). By using different items, each balloon will make a different sound when you shake/hit it.
Now it's time for the fun. You can shake it in front of your child, allowing them to hear the different sounds the balloons make. Move the balloon in different directions so that your child follow it with their eyes. Hang the balloons so that they are close enough so that your child can reach them when they lie on their back. Now your child can hit/kick them providing loads of fun. You can also hang the balloons eye-level and let your child sit while supported, also allowing them to hit the balloons. This activity address many skills!
Remember to draw the patterns all over the balloon as your child will look from different angles at the balloons depending on whether they sit or lie on the back.
TALK about what your child is doing/seeing. E.g 'you are hitting/kicking the balloon', 'it is a red balloon', 'the balloon has dots on', etc.
2. Make a balloon with a marble inside which allows the balloon to stay upright even if you push it. I drew a face on ours, so you can name the parts of the face and also point to it on your child. Your child can again be in a sitting position or lie on their back. If they lie on their back it will facilitate them looking to the left/right side depending on where you place the balloon.
This was not my creative idea, here is the link to make the balloon: https://youtube.com/shorts/Skc0Awj6yFU?si=xSV2H1X2catoLmHB
There are endless possibilities with balloons!! HAVE FUN!!
NB!! Always supervise play with the balloons as the items you put into the balloons are small and if the balloon pop your child can ingest/choke on them.