The Vestibular System

What is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system is part of the inner ear and brain that helps us understand how

our body moves. It helps us stay balanced, hold good posture, move smoothly, and

keep our eyes steady while we're in motion. When we move, tiny hairs and fluid inside

the inner ear shift, sending messages to the brain about where our head, body, and

eyes are. When everything works together, we can move confidently without feeling

dizzy or off-balance.

Why is the Vestibular System Important?

A healthy vestibular system helps kids do everyday things like sit up straight, standing

on one leg to put on socks and shoes, ride a bike, and play with friends. It supports

balance, coordination, and body control. If it’s not working well, these activities can

become challenging. That’s why it’s important to support this system early on so

children can build strong movement skills like walking, running, twirling and can be

helpful for activities such as playing sports.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Vestibular Play

 Scared to go upside down

 Experiences motion sickness

 Nervous about steps or curbs

 Dislikes swinging or spinning

 Struggles to stay balanced

 Avoids jumping down or climbing on playground equipment

Fun Ways to Add Vestibular Play

 Log rolling on the floor or down a hill

 Rocking in a rocking chair

 Pretend to be an airplane and spin

 Go upside down on a therapy ball

 Swing at the park or spin on a merry-go-round

 Spin in a desk chair

 Relax or swing in a hammock

 Jump on a trampoline

Why Early Vestibular Support Matters

The earlier we support the vestibular system, the better kids can learn how to move

their bodies with confidence. Early intervention helps children build strong foundations

for balance, coordination, and safe movement. This can lead to better performance in

school, sports, and everyday activities—and most importantly, it helps them enjoy being

active and having fun.

Sources

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