Stretch the balloon in all directions, being careful not to tear the latex. Just make sure not to stretch the balloon too much, or you risk it popping when you inflate it. A few stretches here and there will get the job done.
If you are blowing a foil balloon, get a straw and stick it into the opening. Then you will gently blow air through the straw.
Try to keep your lips puckered and tight as you blow into the balloon. Your cheeks will fill with some air, but they shouldn’t be getting really big — the balloon should! Think of how a trumpeter blows into his or her horn: Maintain good embouchure, or facial muscle tension, especially if your lungs are weak or you’re having trouble getting the balloon to fill with air. Keep a tight seal between the lip of the balloon and your lips to maintain pressure.
If you’re still having trouble blowing up the balloon after the first attempt, try tugging on the spout of the balloon gently as you blow into it for the second time. If you are struggling, stretch the neck of the balloon, then seal the neck of the balloon with your thumb and index finger when breathing.
Pinch the balloon at the base of its neck between your index and middle fingers. Stretch the neck and wrap it around that index finger and your thumb. Feed the mouth of the balloon through the loop you’ve just created, and pull the knot tight as you pull your fingers free.
Be prepared, because a full helium tank can fill a balloon very quickly. Don’t be surprised if you pop a few while you’re getting the hang of it!
Turn off the valve on top of the tank (by turning clockwise). Push down on the adaptor to release any helium left in the inflator. Pop off the adaptor and unscrew the inflator.
