Kicking Ball — Infant Gross Motor

Name: Kicking Ball — Infant Gross Motor
Brand: Nienhuis Montessori
SKU: NIE-049700
Price: 16.83 EUR
Availability: InStock

Price

€16.83

Final price — seller not VAT-registered

Shipping & Delivery

In Stock · 2-3 days

Quantity

Age Range0-3 Years

MaterialPolka dot fabric

DimensionsApprox. 15 × 20 × 15 cm

CertificationAMI Approved

About

Children discover, this engaging fabric kicking ball features a flower-shaped design with red polka dot fabric petals and an attached metal bell that creates gentle sounds with movement. Designed for infants in the pre-mobile stage, it encourages leg strengthening and cause-and-effect understanding as babies discover they can create sound through their kicks.

“Education is a natural process spontaneously carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words but by experiences upon the environment.”

— Maria MontessoriEducation for a New World

AMI CertifiedOfficial Nienhuis

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2-Year WarrantyQuality guaranteed

Everything You Need

Fabric Kicking Ballwith attached bell and hanging loop

The Montessori Method

The Kicking Ball represents Montessori's understanding that movement drives cognitive development in infancy. This fabric flower with its red polka dot petals and metal bell transforms random leg movements into purposeful action when positioned at the perfect kicking distance. Each successful kick rewards the infant with the bell's gentle chime, creating a clear connection between physical effort and sensory feedback. The Kicking Ball addresses the pre-mobile infant's need to strengthen leg muscles while simultaneously developing spatial awareness. Unlike passive mobiles, this hanging flower invites active participation through its reachable position and immediate auditory response. The red polka dot pattern provides visual interest that maintains focus, while the bell's consistent sound helps infants understand their power to affect their environment. Maria Montessori observed that purposeful movement precedes all other learning, and the Kicking Ball honors this by making leg exercises intrinsically rewarding through its musical response.

✹Develops gross motor control through targeted leg movements✹Builds cause-and-effect understanding through sound production✹Strengthens core and leg muscles needed for crawling✹Enhances eye-foot coordination and spatial awareness✹Establishes foundation for intentional movement patterns

Kicking Ball — Infant Gross Motor — Child learning

AMI Certified

Activity Guide

Step by Step to Mastery

4 steps to mastery

A firm surface provides better leverage for kicking than a soft mattress

Make eye contact and smile when the bell rings to show delight

Touch guidance should be minimal - discovery happens through repetition

Count successful kicks mentally to track progress over days

Browse steps

A firm surface provides better leverage for kicking than a soft mattress

Make eye contact and smile when the bell rings to show delight

Touch guidance should be minimal - discovery happens through repetition

Count successful kicks mentally to track progress over days

Developmental Benefits

Why Educators Choose This

Gross Motor Development

Strengthens leg muscles and encourages purposeful kicking movements essential for pre-crawling development.

Cause and Effect Understanding

Bell sound provides immediate feedback, helping infants connect their movements with environmental responses.

Visual Tracking

High-contrast polka dot pattern and movement support developing visual focus and tracking abilities.

Auditory Processing

Gentle bell sounds introduce auditory discrimination and help babies locate sound sources in space.

Rotate between 2-3 infants per ball, sanitizing fabric petals between uses

Watch for preference of one leg over another - encourage bilateral movement

Remove ball when infant shows frustration after 10-15 minutes of engagement

Pro Tip

“Document kicking frequency weekly - increased intentional kicks indicate developing motor planning”

The Gold Standard in Montessori

Every Child Is a Little Creator

Heritage

Since 1929

Trusted by

Schools Worldwide

Handcrafted

in Europe

AMI

Endorsed

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this material.

Contact Our Experts

At what age can my baby start using this kicking ball?

This kicking ball is ideal for babies from approximately 2-3 months old when they begin discovering their legs and feet. It's designed for pre-mobile infants who are lying on their backs and starting to explore purposeful leg movements.

How does this toy support my baby's development?

The kicking ball promotes gross motor development by encouraging leg strengthening and coordination. It also teaches cause-and-effect relationships as babies learn that their kicks produce sound, supporting cognitive development and body awareness.

Is the bell sound too loud for young babies?

No, the metal bell produces gentle, soft sounds that are appropriate for infant ears. The sound is designed to be engaging without being overwhelming, providing just enough auditory feedback to maintain interest.

How should I position this toy for my baby?

Hang the kicking ball approximately 8-10 inches from your baby's feet when they're lying on their back. It should be close enough for them to reach with extended legs but not so close that it's constantly touching them.

Can this be washed if it gets dirty?

The fabric components can typically be spot cleaned with a damp cloth. Due to the metal bell attachment, it's not recommended for machine washing. Always ensure the toy is completely dry before giving it back to your baby.

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