8 Motor activities for Children with TUMLE
Supporting your child's motor development doesn't require expensive equipment or much space. With simple toys and a bit of creativity, you can help your child develop – right from the living room. At TUMLE, we focus on creating safe and fun ways for children to explore movement because strong motor skills form the foundation for confidence, balance, and coordination.
Here are eight easy, expert-recommended activities that support your child's motor development in a playful and natural way.
1. Exploration with Balance Stones
Good for toddlers who are beginning to crawl and stand up
Introduce soft, low balance stones as part of your baby's play area. Let them crawl over, touch, and gradually pull themselves up on the stones. It strengthens balance, trunk and spatial awareness. Use different textures and colors to stimulate the senses and make play extra exciting.
Tip: TUMLE's Balancesten is made with soft, non-slip material – perfect for the first movements.
2. Reach & Roll Play
Perfect for babies between 4-9 months
Place a soft ball just out of reach while the baby lies on their back or stomach. Encourage them to stretch, roll, or push forward. It strengthens shoulders, back and neck muscles, while promoting mobility.
Parent tip: Make it a game with colorful toys that make soft sounds.
3. Mirror Movements
Great for body awareness and coordination
Babies love faces – especially their own! Place a baby-safe mirror in the play area. Help your baby move toward their reflection, crawl, or reach out. It develops visual attention, coordination and body awareness.
Bonus: It brings lots of smiles and laughter!
4. Rhythmic Lap Bouncing
Strengthens legs and creates closeness
Place your baby on your lap so you have eye contact, and gently bounce in time with a short rhyme or song. Include small movements like rocking side to side or back and forth. These rhythmic movements help your baby understand balance and movement timing – important elements in motor development.
Sing simple Danish songs to make the experience cozy and familiar.
5. Pillow tunnel adventure
Perfect for crawling and core strength
Make a small tunnel of pillows and encourage your baby to crawl through. It promotes spatial awareness, strength and problem solving, as they figure out how to move forward.
For older babies, you can place Tumle Balancesten at the entrance or exit for extra fun.
6. Reach for Toys in Different Directions
Promotes agility and control
Place soft toys around your baby while they sit. Help them reach for one at a time. It strengthens body control, arm coordination and fine motor skills, when they move in different directions.
Change the toys weekly to keep playtime fresh and challenging!
7. Balance Cushion & Sitting Play
Good for the first sitting movements
Let your baby sit supported on a balance cushion or a lightly inflated pillow. The gentle instability activates core muscles and helps train balance.
Always remember to watch and support your child during play.
8. Rocking Knee Movements – Crawling Preparation
Ideal for babies who are not yet crawling
Place your baby on hands and knees and gently rock them back and forth. It simulates crawling movement and strengthens coordination, core and a sense of rhythm.
Place a favorite toy in front to motivate and create joy.
Why these activities are important
Motor development is closely linked to brain development, emotional security, and confidence in movement. By offering varied and safe play, you give your child the best start in life. These activities are both fun and support important physical milestones.
At Tumle, we believe that play builds strong bodies and even stronger confidence. Ready to support your child's development?
[Explore Tumle Balancing Stones] and get started with motor play at home!