Games to build core strength ready for using a swing

Using a swing takes a lot of practice, and the ability to coordinate your legs, arms and core muscles to make the swing move. It’s not always possible to spend lots of time near a park or swing set, though, so here are some games you can play at home to get those important muscles strong and ready for the times a swing is nearby. 

What to try 

• Pretend to go swimming at home! Set up a swimming pool area, perhaps with animals or toys which might want to swim too, and encourage your toddler to lie with you on their tummy then move their arms and legs pretending to swim. You can point out all the interesting things you ‘see’ as you swim along, perhaps a fish or even a turtle! 
• Sing rhymes and dance to songs which allow you to sit on the floor and rock back and forth. Songs that work for this include ‘Row-Row-Row Your Boat’, ‘Rockabye Baby’ and even more modern classics like ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ by The Gap Band and ‘Rock the Boat' by The Hues Corporation. 
• Whenever they are comfortable to do so, encourage your toddler to lie on their front to play, using their arms and core strength to support their weight. 
• When it’s safe, let your toddler play in ways that challenge their body by climbing, reaching and stretching.