... the vestibular system needs stimulation to develop …
development
Balance is an essential part of your child’ s development and it’ s rooted in an oftenoverlooked system: the vestibular system. Located deep within the inner ear, this system is responsible for balance, movement, posture and coordination. It helps babies hold up their heads, roll, sit, crawl – and eventually walk, run and climb. But like any system, it needs stimulation to grow and function well. Support your child’ s progress by encouraging playful movement every day.
Many parents don’ t realise that simple everyday activities play a vital role in developing their child’ s sense of balance. Supporting the vestibular system early on can contribute not only to confident movement, but also to better attention, coordination and emotional regulation.
... the vestibular system needs stimulation to develop …
Why the balance system is important
The vestibular system works with the eyes and muscles to keep us upright and aware of our surroundings. In babies and toddlers, it helps develop core stability, visual tracking, body awareness, and movement confidence. When vestibular development is delayed or understimulated, it may affect learning, sensory processing, and social engagement.
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When to seek help
Children develop at different rates, but you should consult a healthcare professional if you notice:
• Delayed motor milestones( e. g., late sitting or walking)
• Frequent falls or clumsiness
• Fear of movement( e. g., swings or stairs)
• Poor visual tracking or balance reactions; and
• Motion sensitivity( e. g., car sickness)
Early intervention from an audiologist, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist trained in vestibular development can make a big difference.
By encouraging balance-rich play, you help build your child’ s foundation for learning, attention, and movement – all through joyful, everyday moments. There’ s no better time than now to support their growth. �
REFERENCES Ayres, A. J.( 2005). Sensory integration and the child( 25th anniversary ed.). Western Psychological Services. Božanić Urbančič, N., Battelino, S., & Vozel, D.( 2024). Appropriate vestibular stimulation in children and adolescents – A prerequisite for normal cognitive, motor development and bodily homeostasis – a review. Children, 11( 1), 2. https:// doi. org / 10.3390 / children11010002 Wiener-Vacher, S. R., Hamilton, D. A., & Wiener, S. I.( 2013). Vestibular activity and cognitive development in children: Perspectives. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 7, 92. https:// doi. org / 10.3389 / fnint. 2013.00092
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