Discover simple and effective baby kicking activities to boost the baby’s motor development between 2–5 months. From simple play ideas to Montessori-inspired setups, these fun movements help strengthen muscles and prepare them for rolling and crawling.
This is the first of many baby-related posts coming your way—from baby gear to activities to starting solids. With my daughter, we’re reusing almost everything we had for our son—but this time, we’re using it more purposefully. I feel more confident sharing the toys, activities, and everyday tools that have truly worked for us, and I hope they help you too!
And what better way to kick things off than with… kicking! Our little girl is a mini soccer player—she loves kicking.
Between 2 to 5 months, babies typically begin to kick with purpose. Both my son and daughter would start moving their legs the moment we lay them down. My daughter is 5 months old now, and I clearly remember noticing her leg movements around 2 months old. By 3 months, she was kicking nonstop! Noticing her interest, I set up her play space and activities to support this stage—and that’s exactly what I’ll be sharing in today’s post.
Kicking (along with smiling!) was one of the first mini milestones we celebrated. It even felt like her way of responding to me when I’d sing or talk to her—those tiny leg flutters felt like our little conversations.
I’m not an expert, just a curious mom always learning and looking for ways to support my kids’ interests and fuel their natural curiosity. We love Montessori-inspired methods and follow many of those principles at home, so most of the activities I share will reflect that—simple, intentional, and baby-led.
How does kicking help babies? 🦶
- Builds coordination and motor skills – every kick helps them learn how their body moves.
- Strengthens neck, legs, and core – laying the groundwork for rolling, crawling, and eventually walking.
- Teaches cause and effect – when they kick and a toy moves or makes a sound, they start to realize they have the ability to intentionally make it move!
Baby Kicking Play Activities
Give your baby plenty of opportunity to kick his legs even reach for their toes and have fun with these activities-
1. Hang a rattle or bell from the play gym
This simple setup encourages babies to kick with purpose. As their feet bump the hanging toy, they hear a sound, helping them connect their movements to a reaction. It’s a fun and effective way to support motor skill development and introduce early cause-and-effect learning, all while keeping them happily engaged.
You can add teether rings or links that we get with the play gym for the rattle to reach their feet.
Alternatively, rattle socks work great too. With my daughter, they didn’t encourage much kicking, but she was so focused on grabbing the rattles on her socks, which meant reaching for her feet and moving side to side. These little movements are great for building body awareness and often lead to rolling over!
Product Links
Similar Montessori Baby Play Gym Frame here, you can use the Lovevery play mat stand or use a floor-standing mobile arm, or add a hook to the ceiling.
Lovevery Play Mat (I love the sensory sections in these, both my kids love it, but you can use any mat)
I used teethers as links for the rattle to reach the baby’s feet. You can use these links as well
2. Hang a soft ball or tie a balloon to the baby’s ankle
I repurposed our Montessori Munari mobile (will share more on the Montessori mobiles we used in the 0-3 months activities post) and hung it at her feet—she really enjoyed kicking at it. You can also try hanging a soft fabric ball with different textures like this or this, It turns into a great combo of movement and sensory play!
For a simple and affordable option, tie a balloon to your baby’s ankle and watch them kick and squeal with delight as it bounces around. It’s not just fun—they’re also learning that their movements can cause things to happen. If you’re trying this around 2 months, start with a black balloon with white stripes or polka dots for a high-contrast visual. As they grow, gradually switch to primary-colored balloons to support their developing vision.
Product Links
Similar Montessori Baby Play Gym Frame here, and here; you can use the Lovevery play mat stand or use a floor-standing mobile arm, or add a hook to the ceiling.
Lovevery Play Mat (I love the sensory sections in these, both my kids love it, but you can use any mat)
Or use cloth balls like this, or this, or a balloon.
3. Kick & Play Piano Gym
This affordable play gym is popular for a reason! When babies kick the piano keys, they’re rewarded with music and lights—turning simple leg movements into a fun, interactive experience. It encourages repeated kicking (great for leg and core strength) and teaches early cause and effect. While it’s not a Montessori-inspired toy due to its lights and sounds, it can still support development when used with intention and in moderation. I love that it’s small and can be moved around the house.
If you’re using it in the first 6–8 weeks, try turning off the lights/sound features or covering bright parts with a breathable cloth to reduce sensory overload.
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