Help your child to a better start in life
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THE HAPPY DEVELOPMENT
of inspiration for motor play
Happy childhood – better world! bObles is about presence, the joy of movement and motor skill development through play. We promote the joy of movement, play and motor skill development using multifunctional tumbling furniture in simple and qualityconscious design. We believe in the smiling presence between you and your child. Giving attention or during a game - right now, right here. Presence is a feeling, which stays in the body, and stimulates children’s motor skill development. The joy of movement and curiosity flourish, when children experiences being touched, looked at, listened to and played with on their own terms.
Giving children a better start in life When children, through motor skill development and play, gain body awareness, they strengthen the ability to learn, they enhance their self-esteem and find it easier to interact with other. To put it briefly: children become better equipped at meeting the world, as the humans they are.
The happy development bObles has developed five Tumbling Icons, each representing entirely natural and fundamental elements in the development of motor skills. The action of laying on the stomach, rolling, crawling, standing, walking, jumping and balancing are at all times, for all ages the core of bodily expression. Using the bObles Tumbling Icons, our ambition is to create a universe of movement, which can continue to inspire to bodily play and awareness of everything the body is able to do and needs to examine – but most of all the feeling of joy of movement – this is what we call the “The happy development”. This is linked in a strong combination of presence, curiosity and sensory stimulus.
Louise Hærvig
- children’s physiotherapist
Lie on the stomach
presence
Curiosity
Sensory stimulus
Roll, creep, crawl
Walk and stand
=
Jumping
+
Balance
li e
ch
the stoma n o
Lie on the stomach A strong back serves as a fundamental basis of a child’s development of patterns of movement – both when the child, as a baby need to lie on its stomach, but also for children of the growing age. The best thing you can do, is to create conditions which helps the child down the right path, not least maintaining a strong back.
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Roll, creep, crawl With a strong back, the child will experience that it is easier to roll. When the child rolls, it is experiencing movement and in combination with the child’s curiosity, a breeding grounds for further development is created, where the child can start to creep and crawl. The small child can benefit from being helped on their way, but besides that, it is all about creating a universe of different shapes and sizes while motivationally using objects with lights and sounds, so the frame for movement is right. For older children, it’s important to continue to roll, creep and crawl, because it highly beneficial for the child’s body awareness.
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Walk and stand Get up, stand up! The very small child often stands up for the first time on the parent’s lap. But it has to be practiced many times before the security is there and the first independent steps can be taken. It takes muscle strength in the legs and a well-developed balance to walk. Therefore, when the child stands up, keeps standing, bending and stretching the legs or walks sideways supported by furniture, it is pure muscle-balance-training. The older child only needs an environment to practice over and over and over again. That’s the only thing that works in order to obtain walling skills.
jump
Jumping It’s wonderful to jump – since it is the closest, we get to flying. It’s a great challenge for all ages. A perfect jump consists of a take-off and a landing and can differ endlessly. The more we jump, the more we learn about our body and the more fun it becomes.
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balance
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fall r
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Balance Our balance is with us in everything the body carries out. Inside mother’s womb the balance has already been stimulated for the unborn baby. The balance is stimulated by every single movement and every single difference in level for the newborn and the small baby. When the child is older – and able to move around by itself – the balance is not only stimulated but also challenged on its own terms. The safer the child feels in its balance and fall reactions, forward, sideways and backwards, the more the child will challenge it. And that is exactly what it needed – children and adults – through all stages of life: take a change and move your balance.
Presence The presence is between you and your child. A contact, where you can offer yourself in a setting, in attention or through play - right now, right here. Presence is an adventure, which manifests itself in the body, therefore emerging to be more than just a physical presence. Sincere and immediate presence is a feeling, which is so stimulating for your child’s ability to become attentive, committed and creative, it also nourishes the capability to learn new things and develop social skills. Presence is your child’s experiences of being touched, looked at, listened to and played with on their own terms. This involves smiling and reflecting in each other, and for a moment, forgetting time and place. Create presence together and enjoy it.
Curiosity Curiosity towards each other and our common surroundings is a strong sensation, creating the desire to examine the outside world and become familiar with the unfamiliar. Curiosity is the urge and astonishment, which leads your child to examine and experience its surroundings with an exceptional openness. Go on, get started, so that your child’s curiosity can flourish. Because, it is in curiosity, we grow wiser about ourselves and others around us. Curiosity should lead to thoughts and valuable talks, to play and learning, to physical expression and enjoyable experiments, where the body is in the center all along the way. If it’s fun and meaningful, it gives the urge to explore. A positive spiral is created. Therefore, give space to curiosity and enjoy it.
Sensory stimulus As such, senses are invisible to the naked eye. Nevertheless, they are the crucial part in how your child thrives and develop. Especially the sense of feeling (the tactile sense), the sense of orientation of how the body works in an environment, including muscle-joint sense (the proprioception sense) and the sense of balance (the vestibular sense), comes together in a cooperation which sends input and output back and forth between the brain, body and soul.
Elephant Lie on the stomach bObles Elephant is full of imaginative play, which stimulates and challenges the child’s motor skills. The child can go on an adventure with the elephant and rock from side to side and back and forth through the savanna, or surf on its feet through the wild waves of the ocean. The Elephant is also great for big and small to lie on top of, on the stomach and the back. Both coordination and balance are stimulated on The Elephant, whether it is used in active or quiet play. Elephant h 31, l 55, w 24 cm Medium Elephant h 21, l 37, w 16 cm
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Chicken Lie on the stomach bObles Chicken has endless play functions. Baby can lie on the tummy and hug it, while neck and back is strengthened, and the small child can spread its wings and fly from side to side. The rocking Chicken is also fun for the older child or the adult to balance on with one or both legs. Chicken loves to be tumbled on, and it stimulates the balance, whether you are young or old.
baby
Chicken h 11, l 26, w 24 cm
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Dino Lie on the stomach Use your imagination and put the pedal to the motor skill metal! On bObles Dino the child is able to crawl, walk or slide, becoming strong and cool in the process. Dino comes with a smooth slide surface in firm acrylic, detachable for when the child needs to slide all the way from the sky to the ground or when it’s time to climb back up the steep slope. The child can also take a walk up the furrow back or take up the challenge and climb the slippery Dino-mountain. It’s all about feeling one’s way and going on an adventure Dino h 34, l 70, w 24 cm
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Crocodile Lie on the stomach bObles Crocodile is full of fun and movement. The child can take a walk up the staircase, climb the mountain when Crocodile is turned upside down, or slide down on the tummy of the Crocodile’s sloping surface. Both balance and coordination skills are strengthened, when the child is crawling, walking or standing and rocking on the Crocodile. If you have two, they can lie end to end, side by side, on top of each other or be used as fun circus stilts. Crocodile h 18, l 60, w 24 cm
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Fish Lie on the stomach bObles Fish comes in two sizes which can be used in a sea of motor-skill-play possibilities. The child can play “catch a fish” by rolling the Fish and chasing it, sit on the rolling part while being in movement, or swim down the roaring river by rolling on the tummy across the curvature, strengthening the back and neck. Fish can also function as heighten to the dining table chair. If you have more than one, you can also build a huge tower. Large Fish Ø30, h 20 cm Small Fish Ø30, h 12 cm
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Turtle Lie on the stomach bObles Turtle has a large flat surface and a curved base, which creates the opportunity for endless motor-skillplay. The child can jump from island to island in the big ocean, play “the floor is made of lavaâ€?, or balance on the top of the hill. The turtle can also be used as a balance board and rocking chair for the older child or adult. The balance is challenged and developed on the rocking shell, which can tilt in any direction and spin around whether the child is sitting, standing or lying across it. Turtle Ă˜37, h 12 cm
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Duckling Lie on the stomach bObles Duckling comes in two sizes that each inspires movement and new ways to play. The child can rock through the big waves of the ocean, balance on the back of the Duckling and surf, or lie on the tummy and rock. Both balance and coordination ability are stimulated. Duckling loves to be tumbled with, and if you have more than one, they can be stacked to different seating heights!
baby
Large Duckling h 18, l 36, w 20 + 4 cm Small Duckling h 18, l 36, w 12 cm
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Anteater Lie on the stomach bObles Anteater is four tumbling animals in one. Two of them can rock, two of them can stand still - simply by sitting, walking or standing on the Anteater, the child’s body awareness is stimulated. The four parts can build endless play universes; a table and chair set for the tea party, a motor skill challenging obstacle course the child can crawl over and under, or as stair steps to the highest mountain. The Anteater is ideal where space is limited, as it can easily be stacked. Anteater h 41, l 52, w 24 cm
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Donut Lie on the stomach bObles Donut comes in three sizes and has a lot of movement within, both when the child is tumbling or want to relax. The child can lie comfortably on the tummy across the lively Donut or sit and feel the bouncy and moving base, while the balance is stimulated. A single bounce, and Donut is leaping ahead with full speed. Press the elastic Donut into the floor and you create a vacuum that makes it stick to the floor and stand still. If you have more than one, you can place them on top of each other. Small Donut Ø33-35, h 16 cm
baby
toddler
Donut Ø45-50, h 25 cm Large Donut Ø55-60, h 30 cm
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Donut swing Make a swing out of your small Donut and take a ride! Remove the foam bung from the small Donut by pushing it out and insert the swing part. Hang the Donut Swing from a tree or the ceiling and adjust the height of the rope. The child can swing back and forward all the way up into the sky or spin all the way round like a spinning top while challenging the balance. The whole body is stimulated on the Donut Swing, which is full of play, movement and the joy of motor skill. Donut Swing can also just hang around, while functioning as the first “ball”, catch it or kick it, or imagine a game of “swing ball”, but try not to get hit! Adjustable rope length 150-250 cm Swing part Ø20, h 14 cm
Foam Ball bObles Foam Ball is available in five sizes and are full of sensory-motor play. Throw the ball high in the air, catch it again with your hands, kick it forwards using your feet, or roll it from corner of the living room to another – catch up with the ball by creeping, crawling or running – and sense the speed. Both big and small can join the game. The ball fits well in small hands, and with its firm shape and soft surface allows a firm grip. Ball Ø7 cm Ball Ø11 cm Ball Ø15 cm
Tumbling floor - round Construct a cool winding path or create a cosy circle. bObles tumbling floor – round, creates space to lots of motor skill play and tumbling. Baby can lie on the stomach or back, on the isolated floor and play. The larger child can create a cool car track or step on it with motor skill expression on the soft underlayment. Release your imagination! The floor is great to tumble on, but just as wonderful when the child needs a break. Tumbling floor Ă˜110, h 1.5 cm
Tumbling floor - square bObles Tumbling floor creates the opportunity to play freely on a soft underlayment. The Tumbling floor consists of four pieces with changeable, reversible circles, along with four heightened step stones, which can be mixed and matched for creative play. Baby can lie on the isolated floor and sense the colour contradictions. The child can walk through the winding path or jump across the river, using the round step stones. The floor is also pleasurable to tumble on, when the body needs movement, or to lie on, when it’s time to relax. Tumbling floor h 1.4, l 100, w 100 cm
Roller bObles Roller is a movable and fast board on wheels. The child can sit and roll around in any direction like a wild racing car or lie on the stomach and swim smoothly up and down the stream like a small fish. The whole body is stimulated and strengthened, when the child is tumbling forward on the Roller. Combine Roller with another tumbling furniture piece and you have a moving vehicle with height and full of fun and speed. Max weight: 50 kg Roller h 6, l 55, w 25 cm
Step Stones Get ready for balancing play! bObles Step Stones are full of motor skill mischiefs. Jump from stone to stone without touching the lava, put one on your head and stand on one leg on another stone, or crawl across the small islands. It’s all about testing your courage and your balance. Turn the curved part up and massage your feet or turn it downwards and try to balance on the movable Step Stones. The Step Stones fit perfectly in small hands that can easily grab them and place them precisely where they need to be. 2 Large Ø15, h 7 cm 4 Small Ø11, h 5 cm
x4 x2
Mixed Step Stones Make a challenging hopscotch grid or a fun obstacle course and walk, crawl or zig-zag through. You can also try to build silly high towers – can you stack all the Step Stones without them falling over? Try balancing on two of the semicircles or throw the small and large flat circles as flying frisbees. The mixed Step Stones also gives you the opportunity to build your own small tumbling furniture. Simply put a semicircle under one of the large flat circles and balance on the small tumbling-UFO. 4 tilting Ø11, h 4 cm 4 flat Ø12, 12, 18, 24 cm/ h 4 cm
x4 x2 x1 x1
Large Step Stones Get ready for balanced play on the large Step Stones! Hop from island to island, turn them around and try balancing on the movable arches, or lie stomach first on the curvature to strengthen the neck. It’s all about being daring and testing your balance. Turn the curvature up, to form a steady stool, or turn it down and try balancing while you sit. The large Step Stones loves being used to tumble on! Step Stones (set): 1 Large Ă˜23, h 11 cm 1 Small Ă˜19, h 9 cm
x1 x1
Tube Lie on the stomach Take a tumble inside the pipe and roll from side to side or all the way around. The pipe is great for trundling each other, hide in or lie on top of and sizzle forward. You might also try and hide a small object inside the pipe, then reach for it or crawl through the moving tunnel. The child can also lie stomach down on top of the cylinder over the curvature and sizzle forwards, while back and neck is strengthened. Is the pipe standing upright it turns into a stool or a tall observation tower. The two parts can also be used together as a round coffee table or cylindrical table in beautiful colour combination. Insert the cylinder into the pipe and make it more stable or try pushing it through the pipe while pushing yourself forward.
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Seashell - with sound
Add sound to your movement! Surf on the wild waves or dive into the bottom of the lively sea and listen. bObles Seashell has soft bell sounds which are only activated through movement. Lie on the stomach and tilt on the smooth side or test your courage and flip it to the jagged side and rock back and forth, while the sound intensifies. Inside the Seashell you will find a small pearl – a sound box – that can be taken out and be replaced with a foam plug, to close the opening. Seashell h 20, l 52, w 16 cm
Lie on the stomach
baby
toddler
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
Hedgehog - with sound
Be tempted by the sounds and add sound to your movement! Roll the dashing Hedgehog back and forth or push it when its standing upright... and hear the sound. bObles Hedgehog is full of whistling sand sounds which are only activated through movement. Lie on the stomach and roll forward on the jagged surface – stimulating the sense of touch or turn around and get a back massage. Don’t worry – the prickles won’t hurt you! Inside the tummy of the Hedgehog, you will find a small sound box that can be taken out and replaced with a foam plug, to close the opening.
Lie on the stomach
baby
toddler
Hedgehog Ø19, h 32 cm
child
roll, creep, crawl
stand up and walk
jump
balance
“
Children learn with their whole body. Movement is so fundamental for children, that one might say; children think with their bodies. - Kjeld Fredens, brain scientist
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About bObles
tumbling time
When architect, Bolette Blædel, went on maternity leave with her first child, she found it difficult to find children’s furniture that encouraged play and movement, and at the same time lived up to her love for Danish design. Joining forces with her sister, designer Louise Blædel, the idea to create a series of multifunctional and motor skill stimulating furniture arose. Furniture which children wants to play with, and adults want to be displayed in the living room. The idea of bObles tumbling furniture was born.
bObles is about creative play, motor skill development and happy children in interaction with their parents. Tumble time is an event concept, where we play our way to a better understanding of how we can stimulate and challenge children’s motor skills. We roll, crawl, jump and balance our way to a happy body. With great body awareness, children have an easier time learning, they function better socially and develop a greater believe in themselves.
Since the first tumbling furniture saw the light of day, bObles has been internationally recognized and honoured with several design awards, but the mission has stayed the same: to create furniture that motivates children to move.
Read more about Tumbling Time at www.bobles.com
www.bObles.com
