Vestibular Processing

Vestibular Processing 🕺🏽 Motion is important for baby to develop her vestibular system, which helps her orient herself in space, balance, and coordinate her movements. 🤸🏽‍♀️ Below are some easy activities you can do with your little to develop confidence and trust of motion. 💫 If you like some of these easy suggestions, check out the Baby Play Hacks app in the App Store, or click the link in my bio to get to the app. 
0 mo + Hold baby out in front of you with her head in your palm, and your other hand holding her securely. Gently tip/lift baby toward you then away.

1 mo + Hold baby out in front of you, on her tummy or back with her head supported, and move her in a circular motion. Playing with an infant can be very straightforward but still teach so much!

3 mo + Turn on some fun music and have a dance party twirling and spinning with baby! 

6 mo + Gently flip baby upside down then back up, engaging his vestibular sense—add in some silly noises to get some giggles!

8 mo + Place a large, firm pillow or couch cushion on a hard floor, then place baby tummy-down on the cushion. With another person spotting baby to keep her from falling, spin the couch cushion in a circle, like a merry-go-round.

12 mo + Encourage baby to participate in different forms of movement. Show him how to spin around, then clap and sing as baby spins around. Songs like “Run Baby, Run” by Caspar Babypants (a favorite of my 17 month old) are great for encouraging motion. Add in other movement like wiggling, bouncing, and rolling on the floor.

 
Sources:

Mennillo, Michelle. “The Importance of the Vestibular Processing System!” OTFC, 3 Oct. 2017, occupationaltherapychildren.com.au/importance-vestibular-processing-system/.

Wiener-Vacher, Sylvette R, et al. “Vestibular Activity and Cognitive Development in Children: Perspectives.” Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, Frontiers Media S.A., 11 Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3858645/#idm139947508199760title.