Toys for Developing Gross Motor Skills

Posted on 2nd October 2023

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Toys for developing gross motor skills

Whilst some toys are superb for sheer entertainment or mental stimulation, there are others on the market that are designed to increase your treasured one’s gross motor skills.

These toys are vital during your child’s younger years and will stand them in good stead as they blossom into independent individuals.

So, what are gross motor skills and what toys help to aid them in toddlers? The specialists at children’s toy retailer Kiddymoon are on hand to explain more.

What are gross motor skills and why are they important?

If you’ve read through parenting books or online forums, you’ve likely encountered the term gross motor skills many times. Gross motor skills refer to full-body movement and your child’s control of the large muscles in their arms, legs, and torso.

These movements are incredibly important to your little one’s physical development and are involved in completing everyday movements such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.

Additionally, they’re also utilised in more advanced actions like jumping, running, and throwing as your treasured one grows into an older child.

What toys are best for boosting gross motor skills?

There’s a wonderful and varied collection of toys that are designed to enhance your child’s gross motor abilities, so you won’t struggle to select one for their playroom. They include:

Ball pits

Not only are they barrels of fun, but ball pits are fantastic for boosting your toddler’s gross motor capabilities in a safe and comfortable space.

To access the ball pit, children use their legs, arms, and core to climb into it. Then, when amongst the colourful array of plastic balls, your child can roll, throw, and catch each ball to develop more key body movements, which they’ll depend on in later life when moving and exercising.

Foam obstacle courses

Perfect for toddlers and young children alike, foam obstacle courses are an excellent way to get those young muscles working. After your little one has mastered crawling, they’ll be eager to clamber around and let their curiosity lead the way.

A soft foam obstacle course is a super safe way to aid the growth of their gross motor skills, as children must crawl through tunnels, climb over foam blocks, and pull themselves up cushioned ramps in order to conquer each element – something that is also great for their self-esteem.

Slides

A thrill and a workout in one, toy slides enhance muscle growth and development, as well as balance capabilities.

In order to reach the top of the slide, your little one must climb up the steps and pull themselves onto the platform at the pinnacle of the slide. This requires core strength, as well as arm and leg power to push themselves from step to step.

Balance boards

Balance boards, usually crafted from smooth rounded wood provide a full-body workout, aiding muscle expansion throughout the body.

Rocking sideways and keeping balance on the board involves the use of core muscles, which boosts mobility, core stability, and strength over time.

Additionally, balance boards also help to increase spatial awareness and coordination skills.

Climbing frames

Indoor climbing frames are a safe and interactive way to boost your little one’s gross motor skills whilst keeping them thoroughly entertained.

As your child climbs, grips and hangs from the wooden beams, they’re actually giving their body a full workout that enhances their physicality.

The stronger your child becomes, the easier it will be for them to get into sports from a young age, which will keep them healthy, goal-driven, and increase their ability to socialise confidently.

Always buy from a trusted retailer

Now you have an idea of the toys that can boost your tot’s gross motor development, it’s essential to select and purchase them from a reputable supplier – this ensures you acquire a durable, safe, and reliable product for your child.

To assess whether a retailer offers enduring developmental toys, it’s advisable to check customer reviews. These reviews can typically be found on the company’s website, their Google My Business page, or on review platforms like Trustpilot.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to examine their safety standards to verify that their materials meet safety requirements and have undergone testing. This information is usually available on the toy product page.

Now open your child’s world to an array of fun and developmental toys that will keep them entertained for hours to come!