The 10 Best Activity Balls
Special Honors
Lakeshore Learning Easy Catch Ball Lakeshore Learning makes educational toys for children of all ages. Made of neoprene rubber, the Easy Catch Ball has large gaps, which makes it easy to grab and throw. You can also put small toys inside to add to the fun and help tots build fine motor skills as they try to remove objects from the core. The ball measures nearly eight inches in diameter and is designed for kids between three and six years old. lakeshorelearning.com
Editor's Notes
March 15, 2020:
According to the American Association of Pediatrics, hands-on toys help feed the imagination and assist in healthy development. Activity balls not only keep kids engaged for hours, but also provide a safe way for them to experiment with concepts that will help to develop their creativity, natural talents, emotional capacity, and intellectual aptitude.
Remember to consult with your child's pediatrician when selecting toys for your child. That said, look for activity balls that match your kid's developmental stage, provide opportunities for growth, and support interaction between the parent and child. It doesn't matter if a child plays while laying on the back, during tummy time, crawling, or walking, holding, squeezing the activity balls provide a fun way for kids to improve a host of skills.
Since newborns haven't formed a grip, they need someone to hold objects for them. Balls that make sounds like the Battat B Make It Chime help increase spatial awareness and improve hand-eye coordination, which helps them navigate their environment when they learn to crawl.
Generally, infants begin to notice shapes before they recognize color, and as they gain the ability to grab things, the Sassy Development Bumpy ball and the Sophie La Giraffe So Pure Senso lets them explore different textures. When they reach the six-month mark, colorful activity balls like the Salamandra Kids Interactive and the Galt provide ample visual stimuli.
Activity balls that talk and play music pave the way for children to learn language. That's why children of all ages enjoy the VTech Wiggle and Crawl. If you're looking for a toy that will last through the toddler stage, the Edushape Rainbow Soft Ball and The Galt promise to provide years of fun.
The activity balls selected for this list not only have a soft edge, but they are also too big for kids to swallow, but small for them to manipulate with their hands.