The Vestibular System Explained: Building Brains Through Movement

Have you ever wondered why kids seem drawn to spinning, swinging, and climbing? It’s not just for fun (though it definitely is!). These activities give their vestibular system a workout—and that’s great for their development! A well-functioning vestibular system is essential for balance, coordination, and even attention skills. Let’s dive into what the vestibular system is, why it matters, and how you can support it through purposeful play.

What Is the Vestibular System?

The vestibular system helps us maintain balance, move confidently, and understand where our body is in space. Located in the inner ear, this system uses specialized receptors called the Otolith Organs and Semicircular Canals to detect motion, gravitational pull, and acceleration or deceleration.

Here’s how it works:

• Otolith Organs detect linear movement (like moving forward on a bike).

• Semicircular Canals sense rotary motion (like spinning in circles).

• This information combines with visual input and feedback from muscles and joints, helping the brain make sense of the body’s position.

The vestibular system sends signals to multiple areas of the brain, including the spinal cord, cerebellum, and cortex, which control muscle tone, posture, eye movements, and even emotional regulation.

Why Does the Vestibular System Matter?

You might be surprised to learn just how much the vestibular system impacts daily life. It’s not just about balance—it influences everything from attention span to emotional stability.

For example:

• Posture & Coordination: When the vestibular system is working well, kids can sit upright, move gracefully, and avoid clumsiness.

• Focus & Attention: A stable vestibular system provides the brain with reliable spatial information, which frees up mental energy for tasks like reading, writing, and problem-solving.

• Emotional Regulation: Balanced vestibular input helps children feel grounded and secure. When out of sync, kids may seem anxious, overly cautious, or dysregulated.

💡 Fun fact: Kids with vestibular challenges often struggle to sit still in class. If their body doesn’t feel stable, their brain stays on high alert, making it harder to focus on learning.

Signs That Your Child’s Vestibular System May Need Support

If your child’s vestibular system isn’t functioning properly, you may notice some of these signs. If you’re concerned or notice many of these signs, it may be helpful to consult an occupational therapist for a thorough assessment and guidance.

1. Balance and Coordination Issues

• Frequent clumsiness or tripping

• Poor balance or frequent falls

• Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces (grass, gravel)

• Trouble with activities requiring bilateral coordination (e.g., skipping, jumping jacks)

2. Spatial Awareness and Motor Planning Difficulties

• Poor spatial awareness (bumping into objects or people)

• Difficulty judging distance or depth (e.g., misjudging stairs or curbs)

• Trouble navigating through crowded spaces

• Challenges with crossing the midline of the body

3. Visual and Motion-Related Symptoms

• Motion sickness (in cars, on swings, etc.)

• Visual processing issues (e.g., trouble tracking objects or maintaining eye contact)

• Sensitivity to visual stimuli (e.g., overwhelmed by busy environments)

4. Movement-Seeking or Avoidant Behaviors

• Excessive movement (constantly spinning, running, or crashing)

• Avoidance of movement (fear of slides, swings, or climbing)

• Reluctance to participate in playground activities

• Preference for sedentary play over active movement

5. Attention and Emotional Regulation Challenges

• Difficulty sitting still or fidgeting constantly

• Short attention span or frequent distractibility

• Trouble focusing during seated tasks

• Emotional outbursts related to movement-based activities (fear, frustration)

6. Posture and Body Awareness Concerns

• Poor posture or frequent slouching

• Difficulty sitting upright for long periods

• Weak core muscles or trouble maintaining stability

7. Unusual Sensory Behaviors

• Head banging or seeking intense movement (rocking, spinning)

• Craving deep pressure or heavy work activities

• Difficulty calming down after intense movement

Fun Vestibular Play Ideas

The good news? You’re probably already giving your child plenty of vestibular input through playful movement! Here are some easy, OT-approved activities you can do at home or at the park:

Gross Motor Play

• Bike riding – Great for linear movement and balance.

• Swinging – A calming or alerting activity, depending on the speed and motion.

• Monkey bars – Builds strength and spatial awareness.

• Slides – Combines speed and gravitational shifts.

• Balance beam – Strengthens core stability and coordination.

• Obstacle courses – Jumping, rolling, crawling, and balancing combine multiple types of vestibular input.

Indoor Movement Fun

• Somersaults – Stimulate rotary vestibular input.

• Jumping on a trampoline – Excellent for both linear and rotary movement.

• Bouncing on an exercise ball – Adds unpredictability for more sensory input.

• Yoga poses – Improve balance and spatial awareness.

• Scooters or ride-on toys – Engage core strength and balance.

Calming vs. Alerting Vestibular Input

One of the coolest things about vestibular input is that it can either calm or energize the nervous system, depending on the type of movement.

• Calming input: Slow, rhythmic movements like gentle swinging or rocking can help regulate emotions and improve focus.

• Alerting input: Fast, unpredictable movements like spinning or jumping can boost arousal levels, which is helpful for kids who seem sluggish or unfocused.

Precaution: When to Slow Down

Vestibular input is powerful—which is why it needs to be used carefully.

• Prolonged spinning can lead to sensory overload, dizziness, or even nausea.

• After vestibular play, follow up with proprioceptive input (like squeezing, pushing, or heavy work activities). This helps ground the nervous system and promotes regulation.

The Takeaway: Move More for Better Brain Power

At Building Little Brains, we know that play is the best way to support brain development. Every time your child spins, jumps, or balances, they’re building stronger vestibular connections that boost attention, coordination, and confidence.

So, next time your little one is spinning circles in the living room, smile—they’re giving their brain exactly what it needs.

Want more brain-boosting activity ideas?

Check out our monthly Little Brain Box, packed with fun, skill-building activities designed by a pediatric OT to support sensory, motor, and cognitive development.

👉 Subscribe Now and give your child the gift of purposeful play!

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Kelsi Knife, OTR

Pediatric Occupational Therapist & Co-Founder of Building Little Brains. With a passion for child brain development and a firm belief in the power of play, I help parents turn everyday moments into fun, brain-building opportunities.

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