Swinging and Sliding and Spinning Oh My: Vestibular Activities for Toddlers
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Do you have a little one who never seems to stop moving?! Katie and I both very active boys, it seems like since they started walking they have been running, climbing and jumping on everything in sight. This constant need to be on the move is completely normal for toddlers and is their way of stimulating their vestibular system.
What the heck is the vestibular system?! The vestibular system is the part of our brains that allows us to know where our body is in space, no matter the position we are in. As it develops it helps us to move our body in coordinated way (although right now my toddler looks very uncoordinated during most of these activities lol). The vestibular system incorporates balance, coordination, and motor planning and allows us to be aware of the world around us, even if we are not actively thinking about it.
Vestibular input can come from a variety of activities and people of all ages, from babies to adults seek these activities. Babies get exposure to their first vestibular input in the womb, being rocked by their mothers movement. It is the same reason that babies love being rocked to sleep or bounced to calm down. While sometimes vestibular activity can be alerting to our bodies, increasing heart rate and energy levels, most often vestibular activities are calming to the body. When I was working in the pediatric clinic I often found that start our session with a vestibular activity would help my patients calm down and focus through out the rest of our session.
With that being, said I try and offer my toddler as many opportunities for vestibular play as possible! E enjoys anything that goes fast and loves being on the move, and while he giggles and gets “hyped up” while he’s playing, I do tend to see a calming affect afterwards. Here are some of E and R’s favorite vestibular activities for you to try with your kiddo.
Swinging
My son loves swinging so much that we have an outdoor and indoor swing to help keep him entertained during the cold Michigan winters.
- Spider Web Swing - Outdoor - This swing is great because you can go forward-backward, side-side and in circular motions
Spinning
For my 30th birthday my husband got a piñata (still fun even as an adult) and I felt nauseous after spinning around 5 times before my turn. My son on the other hand can spin in circles for what seems like forever before losing his balance and laughing hysterically when he falls over. Do you remember this toy from our childhood?! It’s perfect for kiddos who love to go around in circles
Sliding
What kid doesn’t love a slide?! Whether it’s at the playground or at home, a slide is the perfect way to get out some energy and stimulate the vestibular system. Both of our boys love their Pikler Triangles for climbing and sliding indoors, but for a more budget friendly option that can hold up to the outdoors, we love the little tikes slide.
Rocking
Rocking is one of the most calming movements for a baby and while our kiddos grow out of the need to be rocked to sleep, they can still enjoy rocking while they play! This can be one of the most soothing activities when your child is really “wound up.” My son loves sitting in his mini rocking chair and gently rocking while he reads his books, but when he is in a more hyper mood he loves rocking back and forth quickly on his rocking horse.
