When your little one starts to sit up, crawl, or show more interest in the world around them, you’ll want to provide them with fun activities and opportunities for learning. Ball pits can be a great way to keep them entertained, but you may have a few questions about how to get the most out of a ball pit.
Do Babies Like Ball Pits?
The simple answer is usually yes, they do like ball pits. However, every baby is different. Some babies may want to spend more than half an hour in the pit, while others may want to leave the ball pit after five minutes. If you aren’t sure if your little one will be interested, consider an inflatable pit that can be easily deflated and stored.
Benefits Of A Baby Ball Pit
As well as being fun, a baby ball pit can give your little one a few other benefits as well.
- It can keep your child busy and amused.
- It helps to strengthen muscles and develop them for more complex tasks.
- It helps support fine motor development.
- It provides sensory function.
- It can even help your little one start to develop social skills if they have others joining them in the ball pit.
How Old Should A Baby Be To Use A Ball Pit?
Generally speaking, a baby who is six months or older, and can sit up unaided is old enough to use a ball pit. However, different manufacturer’s recommendations may advise a different age range. Make sure that you use a ball pit designed for the appropriate age range for your little one. Always supervise your baby when they’re using the ball pit.
How Many Balls Are Needed For A Ball Pit?
There’s no easy answer to this question. It depends on the size of the pit, how many children will be using it, and how full you want it to be. Balls often come in packs of 100 or 200. They’re not expensive, and they are usually brightly coloured and fun.
How Often Should Ball Pits Be Cleaned?
If your little one is using the ball pit often, then you should aim to clean the balls every two to three uses. The pit itself should be cleaned and disinfected every three to six months. Make sure that the cleaner you use is safe for babies.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Using A Ball Pit?
If the ball pit is appropriately cleaned, and your little one is always being supervised, then there shouldn’t be any negative side effects to using a ball pit. Keep all safety tips in mind, and for young babies make sure that the ball pit and the number of balls won’t cover them completely if they lay down. Too many balls, or a pit that is too deep could pose a suffocation risk.
Can You Buy A Second-Hand Ball Pit?
If the ball pit is in perfect condition, then there really isn’t a reason why you couldn’t buy it second-hand. If you do buy a pre-loved pit, you need to be sure that you clean it thoroughly and sanitise it properly. If the pit isn’t in good condition, then you’d be better off buying a new one. You should always buy the balls new.
