Week 34: Why it’s great to let your baby struggle with the Ball Drop Box

At first, your baby will probably not be able to get the ball into the Ball Drop Box. It takes a lot of practice and coordination. Watch as baby Eric takes the challenge!

Here are some ways to get started:

• Show your baby the ball, name it, then drop the ball into the Ball Drop Box in your baby’s view so that the ball quickly disappears, then reappears.
• Help them try; if the ball misses the hole, see if they reach to try and get it.
• Resist getting the ball for your baby right away—reaching across their body while sitting helps them develop balance and gross motor skills.
• Your baby is practicing grasping and releasing on purpose as they try to drop the ball in the box (a skill they will continue to develop throughout their first year).
• Have them experiment with the wood and felt balls. The wood ball reliably comes out of the box and makes a loud noise, while the felt ball doesn’t make a sound and sometimes stays hidden in the box.

The Inspector Play Kit

Created to help your baby get immersed in the finer details of their expanding world.

Learn more