The vestibular system
is responsible for registering several different stimuli and helps us to find our way around in space. Movement and gravity stimulate receptors in a kind of “vestibule” of the inner ear. The vestibular system receives information about our position from the neck, eyes and the rest of the body; it then sends this information to the nervous system for processing.
The vestibular system tells us where our head and body are in relation to the ground. It lets us know whether we are standing straight or perhaps upside down or bent over, whether we are moving or standing, and whether other objects remain stationary in relation to our body. It also tells us where we are going and at what speed, and whether or not it is safe around us.
Newborns and infants naturally give themselves a dose of vestibular system stimulation by experimenting with movement and by demanding to be rocked in their parents’ arms. Actions such as turning the head, any attempt to lift it above ground or any other movement experience provide a great opportunity for vestibular stimulation, and exploration and learning how to do this in order to function efficiently under gravity.
Rocking and swaying the baby is excellent stimulation of the vestibular system, familiar and natural for the little one. This type of stimulation was systematically experienced by the baby in his or her mother’s womb.
Gentle, monotonous swaying has a very beneficial calming effect, facilitates the learning of self-regulatory processes, provides a sense of security and activates key postural mechanisms. The vestibular system provides us with information necessary for many types of daily activities: gravitational confidence, movement and balance, muscle tone, bilateral coordination, praxis (motor planning), vision and hearing.
In conclusion… swaying is worthwhile. The best time to introduce a swing is when the child starts sitting without support. Contrary to appearances, swinging is quite a challenge where the little one not only has to keep his or her body upright against the force of gravity, but additionally is doing this while the swing is moving.
It is important to be aware that every child needs stimulation of the vestibular sense in order to develop properly. This sense is one of the most primordial and powerful ones, hence it is worth supporting its proper development in the early stages of life. From the point of view of sensory integration, this can ensure the child’s harmonious development in the future.
