Raising children is one of the world's most difficult yet rewarding jobs. It comes with its own challenges that can be difficult to predict at times as so much is happening around you and the world. However, many things can be spotted and helped with little observation. 

We’re talking about vestibular sensory development. When you see your little one climbing those monkey bars or some other child avoiding the slide, you might think that there’s nothing special about this regular play. Think again. There’s more than what meets the eye. Your child’s excessive preference for heavy play and some children’s aversion to slides or some rides may be a sign of sensory overload or underprocessing. 

In this blog, let’s delve into what is vestibular sensory development, the challenges faced by children, and activities that can help manage sensory processing. Let’s get moving!

Understanding Vestibular Sensory Activities for Kids

The vestibular system, a critical network within the inner ear, plays a vital role in maintaining balance, posture, and spatial orientation by detecting changes in head position and movement. Composed of the utricle, saccule, and semicircular canals, this system can be strengthened and maintained through vestibular sensory activities such as spinning, swinging, and balancing exercises. 

These activities are essential not only for children’s motor skill development and cognitive growth but also for adults in maintaining balance, enhancing coordination, and promoting overall well-being.

Role of vestibular input in sensory development

Vestibular input also helps with motor planning, which is the ability to think about, plan, and do new motor tasks. Children who do vestibular activities often get better at figuring out the steps for various tasks, whether it's buttoning a shirt or playing sports. This also leads to better bilateral skills, where both sides of the body work together in a coordinated way. Research studies explain the importance of the vestibular system in the overall development of children which can help them function more efficiently. 

Connection with other sensory systems

The vestibular system doesn’t work alone. It closely interacts with other sensory systems like proprioceptive and interoceptive systems. Proprioception helps us understand where our body parts are in space, while interoception deals with internal body signals like hunger or the need to go to the bathroom. When these systems work well together, children can better handle self-care skills like dressing, grooming, and toileting.

This is not it. Vestibular input also affects emotional regulation. Engaging in vestibular activities can either calm or stimulate a child's nervous system based on what they need. Some children might seek intense vestibular input like fast spinning to feel stable and focused, while others might need gentler activities to avoid sensory overload.

What kind of activity is appropriate for which child can be identified by spotting some early signs. Let’s take a look at some of these common indicators. 

Signs of Vestibular Processing Needs

Recognizing these behaviors early can guide interventions and support that foster better sensory integration.

• Behaviors Indicating Seeking Vestibular Input

Some children naturally crave vestibular input, often engaging in frequent spinning, climbing to high points, or energetically swinging. These actions satisfy their need for movement, providing a sense of grounding and comfort through fast, intense motions.

• Behaviors Indicating Avoiding Vestibular Input

Conversely, some children avoid vestibular input, resisting activities involving fast movements or heights, such as swinging or sliding. This avoidance is often due to gravitational insecurity or fear, making even everyday tasks like climbing stairs or riding a bus overwhelming.

• Red Flags of Vestibular Processing Issues

Signs of vestibular processing issues include poor balance, frequent falls, and clumsiness. Children might struggle with sequencing tasks, have difficulty sitting still, or experience frequent motion sickness, indicating a possible vestibular imbalance.

By providing a balanced array of movement experiences, you can help children with vestibular processing challenges make sense of their position in the world. To achieve that, let’s look at some activities to provide the appropriate vestibular input to children. Let’s begin with soothing activities. 

Calm and Soothing Vestibular Activities

Engaging children in calming vestibular activities can be incredibly beneficial, especially for those who are energetic or easily overstimulated. Here are some simple yet effective activities you can try at home to help your child feel more relaxed and centered.

• Sitting in a Rocking Chair

One of the simplest ways to provide a calming sensory input is through a rocking chair. The gentle, repetitive motion can be incredibly soothing for children. It's particularly useful for those who have difficulty with self-regulation. The rocking motion helps them feel grounded and secure, making it easier for them to transition into a relaxed state.

• Rocking on a Yoga Ball

A yoga ball isn't just for exercise; it's a versatile tool for relaxation, too. Have your child sit on a yoga ball and gently rock side to side. This motion can help them feel more focused and calm. The gentle pressure from the ball provides an additional sense of deep pressure, which is calming for many children.

• Swaying to Music

Music can add another layer of calmness to vestibular activities. Slow, gentle sways to calming music or nature sounds can help children feel more relaxed. You can do this activity indoors or outdoors, depending on what your child prefers. The combination of soothing sounds and movement can be magical in helping a child unwind.

• Rocking in a Hammock

If you have the space, a hammock can be an excellent investment. Rocking in a hammock offers a gentle, soothing motion that can help children feel calm. The hammock also provides a sense of security and containment, which is particularly beneficial for children who struggle with anxiety or sensory overload. This activity is perfect for winding down after a busy day or right before bedtime.

• Gentle Yoga Poses

Incorporating gentle yoga poses, particularly inversion poses, can also be calming. Poses like the downward-facing dog or handstands stimulate the vestibular system in a balancing, comfortable way. These activities not only help children feel more relaxed but also improve their body awareness and coordination. Yoga adds the benefit of teaching kids how to focus on their breath, aiding further in relaxation.

These activities can help you when it comes to calming your child. However, the same thing doesn’t work for every child as some children need intense vestibular input to feel more grounded. Let’s look at some activities for the same. 

Intense Vestibular Activities

Intense vestibular activities are designed to provide kids with strong sensory input, helping them regulate their sensory needs while engaging in high-energy play. Let's explore some effective options that you can easily incorporate into their routine.

• Swinging on Various Swings 

Swinging is a classic activity that offers profound vestibular input. Tire swings are especially popular because they allow for various motions—front to back, side to side, and circular. If tire swings aren't an option, consider blanket swings or cuddle swings. These can be hung from a swing stand, door frame pull-up bar, or even a sturdy tree. The key is to find swings that support the child's body well, turning this fun activity into a safe, sensory-rich experience.

• Spinning on a Swivel Chair or Tire Swing 

Spinning is one of the most intense forms of vestibular input. Use a swivel chair or a tire swing to allow the child to spin—just be mindful of their reactions, as it can be overstimulating, particularly for children with heart conditions or seizure disorders. Ensure you start with gentle, slower spins before progressively increasing the speed to match the child's comfort and enjoyment level.

• Jumping Rope or Hopping on Trampolines 

Jumping activities, whether it's hopping on a trampoline or skipping rope, are excellent for providing intense vestibular input. Trampolines can cater to various age groups and skill levels, from basic bouncing for young kids to more complex tricks for older ones. Jumping rope offers another layer of challenge and can be a solo or group activity, catering to both independent play and structured exercise routines.

•  Roughhousing and Active Play 

Roughhousing, sometimes seen as chaotic, is actually a great way to give kids heavy doses of vestibular input while encouraging vigorous physical activity. Obstacle courses, constructed from everyday household items or outdoor equipment, can add a structured form of rough play. Activities may include climbing, rolling, and jumping from one station to the next, promoting not only vestibular input but also improving coordination and muscle strength.

• Running, Somersaults, and Cartwheels 

For those who prefer ground-level activities, running around in open spaces or performing somersaults and cartwheels provide fantastic vestibular input. These movements make kids more aware of their bodies in space and improve their balance and agility. Let kids feel the freedom of movement; whether it’s in a grassy yard or a spacious living room, the key is the action itself.

Besides these, you can also indulge your little ones in household vestibular activities. Let’s explore them. 

Household Vestibular Activities

Let's dive into some household vestibular activities that are both fun and easy to set up. These activities use everyday items, making them accessible and convenient for everyone.

• Creating Obstacle Courses Using Household Items

Transform your living room into a fun and challenging obstacle course using everyday household items like couch cushions, chairs, and blankets. Stack cushions to create mini mountains, drape blankets between chairs for tunnels and add textured surfaces like bubble wrap for sensory-rich pathways. These setups engage your child’s vestibular system by encouraging crawling, climbing, and balancing, making it an exciting and beneficial activity.

• Crawling on Cushions

Crawling across various surfaces, like a zigzag path of couch cushions, challenges your child’s balance and coordination. Create tunnels with blankets or pillows to add excitement and engage different muscle groups. For added difficulty, mix in larger objects like exercise balls or stacked pillows to keep the activity stimulating and fun.

• Using Indoor Balance Beams Made of Tape

Turn your floor into a balancing playground by laying down a strip of tape as a balance beam. Create straight, zigzag, or curved lines to challenge your child’s coordination. Add small obstacles like toys or cones along the tape, and incorporate music to make the activity even more engaging and enjoyable.

Besides these household activities, you can also play with the exercise balls to offer entertainment and the required vestibular activities to your little ones. 

Rolling and Rocking on Exercise Balls

Exercise balls are incredibly versatile tools for vestibular activities. They offer countless ways to stimulate your child's balance system:

• Basic Moves

Start simple by having your child sit, lie, or crawl on the ball while you gently roll it back and forth. This motion stimulates their vestibular system and provides calming effects.

• Try Different Positions

Experiment with various positions on the ball. For instance, have your child lie on their stomach, which can be more stabilizing, or on their back for a different sensory experience.

• Size Matters

Use different sizes of exercise balls to vary the level of difficulty. A larger ball will be less stable and hence more challenging, whereas a smaller one might be easier to control.

• Rock and Roll

In addition to rolling the ball, you can introduce rocking motions. This can be particularly comforting and can offer organizing sensory input, helping to center your child's balance and coordination.

Incorporating these activities into your daily routine doesn't just help your child develop better balance and coordination but also makes for engaging and fun-filled playtime. Now, let’s step outside and add another layer of fun to these activities. 

Outdoor Vestibular Sensory Activities for Kids

When it comes to engaging kids in activities that stimulate their vestibular system, the great outdoors offers a treasure trove of possibilities. Below are some outdoor vestibular activities that are not only fun but also crucial for developing balance, coordination, and motor planning skills.

• Running and Skipping in Open Spaces

Running and skipping in open spaces, like parks, provide excellent vestibular stimulation. Activities like tag, relay races, or hide and seek involve rapid movements, sudden stops, and quick directional changes, fully engaging the vestibular system while allowing kids to explore their agility in a fun, freeing environment.

• Navigating Playground Structures

Playground equipment like swings, slides, and climbing frames offer more than just entertainment as they provide rich vestibular input. Swinging offers rhythmic motion that can calm or stimulate, depending on the pace. Sliding introduces controlled experiences with gravity while climbing challenges balance and coordination, thoroughly testing the vestibular system.

• Log Rolling Down Hills

Log rolling, whether on flat ground or down gentle hills, delivers exhilarating vestibular stimulation through rotational movement. This simple activity helps children understand body movement through space, enhancing their balance and spatial awareness.

• Playing Games Like Tag and Hide and Seek

Classic games like tag and hide and seek promote vestibular stimulation by involving constant movement and quick directional changes. These games require alertness and agility, honing motor skills and engaging both the mind and body, making them perfect for vestibular development.

Before we wrap up, here are some safety tips so you remember to take the necessary precautions. 

Precautions and Safety Tips

When engaging your child in vestibular sensory activities, safety should always come first. Here’s how to keep it enjoyable and secure:

• Monitor for overstimulation: Watch for signs of dizziness, nausea, or anxiety. Pause and give your child a break if needed.

• Start slow for hesitant kids: Begin with low-intensity movements like yoga poses or simple balance exercises to ease them into vestibular sensations.

• Avoid intense movements for sensitive children: Skip intense activities like spinning for over responsive kids; opt for gentler alternatives.

• Introduce new activities gradually: Break activities into smaller steps, like letting your child push a swing before sitting on it.

• Provide emotional support: Ensure your child feels safe and encourage open communication about their comfort level.

• Supervise closely: Keep an eye on your child, especially with new or challenging activities, and be ready to assist.

• Adapt to physical limitations: Modify activities if your child has health concerns like neck or back issues, avoiding twists or bends.

• Create a safe environment: Ensure the activity area is hazard-free with soft surfaces or padding to prevent injuries.

• Respect boundaries and consent: Stop if your child feels uncomfortable and consult professionals for tailored advice if needed.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this deep dive into vestibular sensory activities, remember that play is not just about fun—it's a vital part of your child's development. Whether it’s a gentle rock in a chair or an energetic run in the park, these activities are laying the groundwork for better balance, coordination, and emotional regulation. 

The key is to keep it enjoyable, safe, and tailored to your child’s unique needs. So, next time you see your little one spinning, climbing, or even avoiding certain movements, you’ll know it’s all part of their sensory journey. Keep exploring, keep playing, and watch as your child grows more confident in navigating their world.