Further to my post on Month 17, where I mentioned about exercising Maximum Effort, babies tend to have a big urge for this as new walkers. Trying most aspects of Maximum Effort helps them develop and perfect their motor skills. We saw in the previous post, one such way was to lift heavy object when walking. Another one is perfecting their walking skills and gross motor movements.
My Munchkin does not sit still for even 5 seconds (I am sure most of you know how this feels). She always wants to climb on things, walk, beginning to run and just be on the move all the time. This was the perfect time for the Balancing Beam to be done from my Montessori list of things to do. I looked up various designs and found it to be quite simple to get made.
.png)
Luckily I had spare wood at home from the making of our wardrobe. My husband organized for a carpenter to make the Balancing Beam for us. The length of this is 4 feet and on the base (to hold up the ground), we used three strips of 1 foot each. (You can probably do it without the center support but that would depend on how sturdy your wood is). Very simply cut the pieced and nailed them together (someone with the tools can make it themselves).
My Munchkin was thrilled to see something new for her to use. We of course have helped her walk on it initially and now she walks holding the wall or one of our hands. So initially they will hold on to something with both hands and slowly move to using one hand (holding the wall or your hand like my Munchkin). I am yet to see if she does it without holding on to anything.
In the beginning they may also walk with one foot on the beam and one on the ground. Its best to let them explore all the ways they find possible on their own.
Age: Around 14 to 16 months (once they are walking independently and steadily)
Purpose: Gross motor development and maximum effort.
I hope you are able to make this DIY for your Munchkin. Do let me know if they enjoy using it.