You'll need
- Large flat cardboard
- Stairs
- Pillows for landing
Steps
- 1Flatten a large cardboard box into one long, smooth sheet, taping two together if you need more length
- 2Lay the cardboard down a set of carpeted stairs and press it flat against each step
- 3Pile pillows, couch cushions, or a folded duvet at the bottom for a soft landing
- 4Do a slow test run yourself or send a toy down first so you can check the speed before your child goes
- 5Have your child sit at the top and hold the sides, then let them scoot off for a gentle slide down
- 6Once it works, let them climb and slide on repeat, racing a stuffed animal down beside them
Why this works
Sliding gives kids the big whoosh of fast movement they crave, but the carpet and cushions keep the stakes low. The climb back up and the balancing on the way down build gross motor strength, coordination, and body awareness, and the gentle speed and bumps feed the vestibular system, the sense that helps a child feel steady and grounded. It is a safer, indoor way to satisfy the urge to climb and launch off things.
Try also
- –Send toys or balls down the slide first to test the speed
- –Try different sliding positions, on their tummy or feet-first
- –Race two toys down side by side and cheer for the winner
- –Lay the cardboard on a low couch instead of stairs for younger toddlers
- –Add a cardboard tunnel at the bottom to slide through
Supervise closely the whole time. Only use carpeted stairs, keep the cushions in place at the bottom, and let one child slide at a time.
