Sports can help improve a toddler's overall physical health. It can also help develop cognitive and social skills. There are various sports out there to choose from. In this article, we will explore the 8 best sports for toddlers and tips that can help them as beginners.
What are the 8 best sports for toddlers?
These sports are chosen to be the best sports for toddlers for a reason. Aside from their benefits, they are suited for a toddler's age. We will further discuss below why these sports can be fit for your toddler.
Sports can help toddlers improve their physical health. Aside from its physical benefits, it also helps develop toddlers' cognitive and social skills.
Some benefits of sports to toddlers include:
Listed below are eight of the best sports for toddlers which were chosen after answering key questions such as:
Also included in the list are some tips and advice that may help parents, guardians, or carers familiarize their toddlers with the sports we will mention.
Toddlers are natural runners. Running is one of the basic movements and is a fundamental part of other sports. In itself, running is easy to learn, which makes it perfect for most toddlers.
Tips to get toddlers into running:
Running for toddlers doesn't have to be very competitive or too professional like in track and field. While toddlers can dash naturally, they still need to be interested in the activity to maintain their focus.
Start by letting your toddler run free in your house, backyard, parks, and open areas. Running for toddlers should be a recreational activity, therefore it is important to note that it should be:
It’s also vital to allow the toddlers to set their own pace when running.
Cycling is one of the most popular sports or activities for toddlers. Most toddlers love getting their bikes when they reach a certain age. This is because riding a bike is fun and it encourages them to feel a sense of freedom and independence.
It is also very helpful in developing the toddler's motor skills by improving their balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
Tips for biking with toddlers:
A balance bike is a bicycle without pedals. It's perfect for them since it teaches them how to balance and steer the bicycle.
"It’s best to stand behind the bike and child, and wedge the rear wheel between your feet and calves. Support them with your hands under the armpits, so they’ve got complete control of the bike – it’s easier on your back too," said BikeRadar.
Like running, gymnastics is also perfect for toddlers since most of them have flexible bodies at their age. It is therefore easier for them to do stretches and routines that are required for this specific sport.
In terms of the benefits, gymnastics help toddlers become more flexible, balanced, agile, and stronger.
Starting with basics:
Before enrolling your toddler at a local gym, you can teach them some basic movements at home.
You can start by teaching toddlers a series of stretching and light exercises. Make it fun by playing some music while enabling them to practice their jumps and jogs.
After warming up, they can slowly attempt some of the rolls, cartwheels, and balances.
Swimming is a good sport for toddlers. Learning it at an early age helps them tackle their fear of heights and water.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), one of the leading causes of death among toddlers is drowning. Most incidents occur among toddlers under 4 years old in home swimming pools.
Enrolling your toddlers in swimming classes may help reduce the risk of them drowning.
Beginner and safety tips:
Skating, whether it’s roller skating or on ice, is becoming a popular sport nowadays - even among toddlers. For sports like these, balance is crucial - and it is best learned at a young age.
Some useful tips:
Ice skating is one of the most-watched winter sports in Olympics or sporting events. Watch some videos or clips of ice skating routines with your toddler. Doing this might make them more interested in choosing the sport.
While it may look and sound intimidating, martial arts is really beneficial for toddlers. This sport teaches them about focus, concentration, respect, and self-discipline at an early age.
It is also a great choice if you and your toddler are seeking a sport that really focuses on physical fitness and self-defense.
There are three martial arts usually offer classes for toddlers including:
How to choose the right martial art for toddlers:
Soccer is one of the most common sports for toddlers. It is fun and safe for young ages.
Apart from being a great physical activity, soccer helps toddlers to improve their focus and concentration. It likewise teaches them to follow rules, instructions, and directions, Since it's a team sport, it also encourages cooperation.
Steps to help toddlers learn to play soccer:
Arguably the most popular choice of sport for toddlers. Why? Because toddlers can play it alone, at home, with just a ball and a hoop.
Toddlers also love throwing things at a certain age. Parents can make use of this phase by giving them a ball and allowing them to throw it.
Tips to make toddlers familiar with basketball:
What should parents keep in mind when choosing a sport for their toddlers? When it comes to guiding your toddler with sports, it is important to be very patient. If your child is not interested or motivated to do sports, hear them out. Ask them the reason why. Don’t pressure them to do sports if they are not comfortable nor enjoying it. Most importantly, always remember to prioritize your toddlers’ health and safety.
Learn about the steps to choose a sport:
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