Sleigh Ride in a Box

What you need

• a large cardboard box, big enough to sit in
• a cushion for the bottom of the box
• a soft toy passenger

How to do it

1. Put the cushion in the bottom of the large box and push it onto a clear stretch of carpet or rug, away from the tree. If you like, draw a big swoosh on the side with a crayon and lay a scarf over the front for reins.
2. Help your toddler climb in and sit down, with a soft toy passenger on their lap.
3. Hold the side of the box and push it slowly along, singing "Jingle Bells" as you go.
4. Stop at the end of the room, say "whoa, sleigh!", then turn round and ride back.

Why it matters

Sitting up while the box moves makes their tummy and back work to keep them steady, and the stop and go is a game they soon join in with.

What they're learning

Sitting steady

Keeping upright while the box moves works the tummy and back muscles.

Stop and go

Waiting for "whoa" and then "go" is an early listening game.

Pretend play

A box that becomes a sleigh is one of the first make-believe ideas they share with you.

What to look for

Watch for them leaning forward or bouncing to ask you to go again.

A tip

Push slowly on carpet or a rug, well away from stairs and doors, and keep one hand on the box the whole time.

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