Why do it?

• Baby will be interested in moving after something that rolls away from them.
• Learning to move helps baby get to things and places, and explore them — this helps their movement skills and encourages their curiosity.
• Babies get frustrated when they want to explore but can’t. Learning to move increases their competence and reduces their feelings of frustration.

How to do it

• Gather up a ball and some other ‘rolling’ toys — for example:
• Cut a piece off the end of a paper towel roll. You can decorate or permanent markers.
• Fill a small clear plastic drink bottle with water. Add a drop of food colouring, oil, and even a sprinkle of glitter. Glue and tape the lid tightly shut.
• Put ‘noise making’ items in a plastic jar and glue and tape the lid tightly shut.
• Place a rolling toy just out of baby’s reach.
• When baby tries to reach the toy, put your hand or foot behind their feet so they can push off and reach the toy.
• Celebrate their success with a cheer or clap, and let them explore the toy.
• When they’re ready, try the technique with a different rolling toy.
• Remember baby will be mouthing. Lids need to be safely secured and checked regularly to stop objects getting out and becoming a choking hazard.
• The tape should also be the type that stays fixed and not easily loosened by a ‘dribbly’ mouth.

Using more te reo Māori