Blanket Tunnel Crawl

What you need

• Two chairs
• A blanket

How to do it

1. Drape a blanket over two chairs to make a short tunnel.
2. Sit at the far end and call your toddler through.
3. Take turns crawling through together.

Why it matters

Crawling through a low, dim space strengthens the same core and shoulder muscles toddlers rely on for climbing and running.

What they're learning

Cross-body coordination

Crawling forces opposite arm and leg to move together, the wiring behind walking, running, and eventually pedaling a trike.

Confidence in tight spaces

Moving through a dim, enclosed tunnel builds comfort with small spaces, which pays off in car seats, coat sleeves, and playground tubes.

Following a call

Crawling toward your voice at the far end links listening to action, an early piece of following simple instructions.

What to look for

Watch for them looking toward your voice before they start moving, showing they're tracking sound to a goal.

A tip

Prop the blanket loosely so it sags a little — a taut tunnel collapses on tiny heads and ends the game fast.

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