I'm sure you've seen your little one go down the slide in every possible way: backwards, face down, or even standing up. And you’ve probably wondered if, beyond being safe or not, it offers anything more than just fun. The answer is yes! These activities help stimulate their vestibular system.
What is the vestibular system and why is it so important?
The vestibular system is key for little ones to orient themselves in space, maintain balance, and coordinate their movements. From the moment they are born, any change in position – like rocking them, flipping them, or moving them gently – stimulates this system and strengthens their coordination and balance for when they start moving on their own.
How movement helps their development
Every time we encourage them to play in different positions and move in various ways (like jumping on a trampoline, spinning on a swing, or sliding down the slide), we are supporting the development of their vestibular system. These activities, in addition to being fun, help organize their senses and process the environment better.
💡 Fun fact: These activities not only strengthen balance, they also improve vision and hearing! The vestibular system, being connected with other senses, helps them understand language, maintain attention, and coordinate their movements.
How do songs help in this process?
Children’s songs are also great for stimulating the vestibular system, as, in addition to creating a special connection moment, they include movements such as rocking, spinning, and clapping that help strengthen their sense of balance while enjoying the music. Our Play and Move box (available in Spanish, English i Catalan) is perfect for working on this type of movement.
I admit that until recently, I didn’t know what "vestibular system" meant, but now I’m aware of how much it influences the development of little ones!