Find a small fabric ball, preferably with a bell inside so it jingles when moved. Attach it with duct tape to a piece of elastic, and lay your baby on a blanket on the floor. Dangle the ball a few centimetres above their head.
Turn the ball slowly so your baby can explore its shape, colour and design. Talk to them about balls and other round things in their world. 'This is a ball.' 'It's round, just like...' Lower the ball slightly so they can touch it. 'Look! You're touching the ball.' 'Can you try to push it?'
Show your baby how to bat the ball with their hand to make it gently bounce on the elastic, and praise their efforts. Football - Lower the ball to your baby's toes and show them how to kick it. Encourage their efforts by talking to them about what they are doing. 'Can you kick the ball?' 'Look! You're kicking it!'
Playing with a ball strengthens your child's eye muscles as they follow its path and it builds co-ordination. Kicking a ball helps to strengthen your baby's leg muscles in preparation for walking, running, jumping, skipping, hopping, climbing and eventually kicking a real football!
A small fabric ball
A piece of elastic
Duct tape
