Towel Sled Pull

What you need

• A large towel

How to do it

1. Sit your toddler on a large towel on a smooth floor.
2. Grip the towel's corners and pull them gently in a slow circle.
3. Stop and switch so they can pull a stuffed toy on the towel too.

Why it matters

Being pulled and pulling in turn builds core stability and gives toddlers a joyful sense of movement and control.

What they're learning

Trust & core stability

Staying balanced while being pulled builds the core control that keeps toddlers upright on a swing or in a shopping cart seat.

Cause & effect

Pulling the towel themselves and watching a toy slide across the floor shows them their action directly causes a result, an early science lesson.

Turn-taking

Switching from rider to puller teaches the back-and-forth of turn-taking that later shows up in games and conversation.

What to look for

Watch for them bracing their hands on the floor to stay upright as you pull, a sign their core is engaging.

A tip

Pull in a slow, wide circle rather than a straight line so an unexpected stop doesn't tip them forward.

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