Just wanted to share this for those of you teaching your little one how to catch and kick a ball. I used a balloon with my daughter, and the slowness of the balloon helped a lot with teaching her how to catch a ball.

Good idea! Just be mindful that she never grabs the balloon and puts it in her mouth. A popped balloon is an extremely dangerous choking hazard.

What a neat idea! Alex is a ways away from walking, much less throwing or kicking a ball, but I'm sure the time will fly and he'll be there before I know it!

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Tigriz
Mom to Alex - 1/21/06

Balloons have to be the best toy every invented. As long as you are careful about popping like Sister said, your baby or child will have so much fun! I used to blow up about 25 balloons at a time and we'd have a blast just going crazy with them in the small bedroom.

My daughter loves to play with balloons as well. However, maybe it's just me, but don't they seem a little harder, albeit, softer, to catch than a ball?

I have always thought of balloons as one of kids' best toys because of its being colorful and playful nature... I missed the idea that it might burst infront of the kids, hmmm.

Wish I had thought of this when my son was little. I will pass this along to new mom's that I know. It's a great idea and I trust that of course they will be aware of the hazards and keep a watchful eye.

The only real hazard is the baby swallowing - or choking on - a piece of a broken balloon. I'm sure that most mothers - and all good ones - would watch closely to make sure the baby didn't put those in his or her mouth.
The long skinny balloons are great for hitting things with too.

That one I wouldn't have thought of either. It's really nice to get these kind of parenting tips.