Essential for a birthday party, balloons are great for any party. Inflating them may not be that fun though, since they require good lungs or a pump. If you've never pumped one up, here's a guide to help you learn quickly.
Note: If you need to inflate more than a few balloons, the use of a pump is recommended, as explained in the second method.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Inflate a Balloon with the Mouth
Step 1. Get a balloon
Cheap and colorful ones are easier to find, but oblong balloons or balloons with other fancy shapes might be a good idea too; it depends on what you are going to use them for.
You can find a bag of latex balloons in the most common supermarket chains or in some store that sells party items
Step 2. Loosen the balloon by stretching it in each direction
If you pull it with your hands before inflating it, you will notice that it is easier to inflate it with your mouth.
Just make sure you don't pull too hard, or you risk causing it to pop as you blow into it
Step 3. Grab the end of the balloon
Grab the balloon 1/2 cm below the opening, between the thumb and forefinger. Forefinger should be on top, thumb down.
Step 4. Take a deep breath and press your lips around the end of the balloon
Step 5. Blow the air from your lungs into the balloon
- Try to keep your lips closed and tight as you blow into the balloon. The cheeks will fill up with some air, but they shouldn't swell much, the balloon will!
- Think of how a trumpet player blows his trumpet: Maintain good embouchure, or tension in the facial muscles, especially if you have weak lungs or have difficulty filling the balloon with air.
- Try to keep your lips sealed on the balloon and apply constant pressure.
Step 6. Observe how the balloon initially resists and then gradually expands
At this point you may be afraid to pop it, but don't worry. Keep blowing and you will soon find no resistance anymore. It takes some getting used to, so keep trying until it happens. Experience will guide you in the next balloons.
- If you are still having trouble after a first try, try gently tugging on the mouth of the balloon as you blow into it for the second time.
- If you are still having trouble, pull the neck of the balloon, then hold it firmly with your index finger and thumb as you breathe.
Step 7. If you need to catch your breath, pinch the neck of the balloon between your thumb and forefinger
Then slowly release your grip as you resume blowing.
Step 8. Stop before the balloon is in danger of bursting
As soon as you feel that the balloon begins to resist again despite the push of your breath, it means that you have inflated it to the maximum. If the neck of the balloon also inflates excessively, it means that there is too much air and it is necessary to let some of it out so that it returns to normal.
Step 9. Tie a small knot
Once the balloon begins to resist further expansion, it's time to tie it up. Now you can start inflating the other 49 balloons!
Step 10. Finished
Method 2 of 2: Inflate a Balloon with a Pump
Step 1. Get a special pump to inflate the balloons
A simple balloon hand pump is cheap and easy to carry. Look for one that has a container where you can put a few extra balloons.
Step 2. Attach the balloon opening to the pump nozzle
The nozzle should be prominent to allow the balloon to adhere better to the mouthpiece.
Step 3. Pull the pump lever and start inflating
It is not necessary to stretch the latex of the balloon previously. Just pump until the balloon is full enough. Are you done!
Advice
- Very large or very small balloons may offer a lot of resistance to an initial expansion, and it may take a couple of blows to get through the first stage. The long, thin balloons used to create figures are particularly difficult to inflate.
- Sometimes, lightly biting the mouth of the balloon will help hold it in place as you inflate it.
- Consider investing in a small pump if you regularly blow up balloons.
- Note: These steps are for inflating balloons with normal air only, and they will not fly. Use helium if you want balloons to fly!
Warnings
- Do not blow too hard (a symptom would be the so-called "squirrel cheeks"), as you could build up too much pressure on your sinuses.
- Some individuals may feel dizzy from inflating too many balloons. If you feel dizzy, pause for a few minutes to sit down and catch your breath.
