Vestibular activities can help improve balance, coordination, and regulation, providing a mix of gentle and stimulating input. Here are some easy, safe activities you can try at home:
Swinging and Spinning
Swings: Encourage gentle swinging to start, gradually increasing the movement if your child enjoys it. Disc swings or hammock swings work well, too. Swinging activities activate the vestibular system and help integrate other sensory systems!
Spinning in a swivel chair: Let your child control the spinning, with short intervals to avoid overstimulation.
Rolling or log-rolling: Have your child lie on the floor and roll back and forth like a log.
Jumping and Bouncing
- Trampoline: Supervised jumping on a mini-trampoline is a fun way to activate the vestibular system.
- Jumping on the bed (safely supervised) or on crash mats can give similar input.
- Pogo stick or hopscotch: These classic games can boost balance and movement awareness.
- Bounce on a hop-ball, or sit & bounce on a yoga ball
Head Position Changes
- Somersaults or cartwheels: These activities challenge balance and encourage controlled head movement.
- Upside-down play: Let them hang upside down on monkey bars or from the edge of a couch with their head down.
- Yoga poses: Try poses like downward dog, where the head goes below the heart, or any position that involves balancing.
Games, Sports, and Activities
- Obstacle courses: Set up a course with different movements—jumping, crawling, balancing, and rolling.
- Scooter board rides: Sitting or lying on a scooter board and moving around engages the vestibular system.
- Tumbling mats: Encourage gentle tumbling or rolling for younger children.
- Simon Says: Give challenges like “Stand on one foot!” or “Walk along a line,” which help them test and build their balance.
- Dancing to music: Have fun with spinning and twirling movements.
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