Recycled tubes – Baby

Babies love to watch or join in playing with round objects and cardboard tubes.

Did you know?

Babies love posting objects down a tube.

For a baby who can sit, hold the tube ready for them to post the ball. This is a fun way to learn placement skills and understand cause and effect.

For babies who are learning to crawl, chasing the ball as it pops out the end of the tube is great motivation.

Add language

Repeat simple words that match your baby’s actions e.g. “put in”. Repetition helps baby learn words and focus their attention.

Other development

Watching the ball disappear down the tube then reappear helps baby to learn that the ball still exists even when they can’t see it (this is known as object permanence).

Variations

Having an older baby sit on your lap to move from sitting to standing to post the ball in can be a fun way to practice this skill.

Safety

Choose balls large enough to not be a choking hazard.

Across the ages

All the activities listed on our “Play Ideas” page can be applied across different age groups. See how playing with recycled tubes can be a great activity for toddlers, children and playgroups.

Activities listed under “baby” are suitable for children under 12 months. This age is largely about babies exploring their own bodies and the world around them from the safety of a close relationship with their caregiver.