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The vestibular system is a fine set of feedback loops between the inner ear and the nervous system and monitors balance. The fluid in the inner ear passes over nerve receptors, which send messages to the brain (cerebellum) about the position of the body in space. These messages help babies to develop balance and have control over eye movements and they are vital for the coordination of all the sensory messages that the brain receives. Motion of the head in space is detected and generates vestibulo-ocular reflexes stabilising the visual axis (gaze) and maintaining head and body posture. The vestibular sensory organs are located in the petrous part of the temporal bone in close proximity to the cochlea, the auditory sensory organ. The vestibular system is phylogenetically the oldest part of the inner ear.

The vestibular system is comprised of two sets of sensors: one set senses linear acceleration (i.e., gravity and translational movements), and the other, made of three semi-circular canals, sense angular acceleration in three planes. They contain fluid that rotates when the head moves in the plane of each canal, bending the cupula, distorting hair cells and sending electrical signals through the vestibular nerve fibres to the neural ructures that control eye movements, posture and balance.

The vestibular system primes the entire nervous system to function effectively. Before birth, foetuses are gently rocked in the womb by their mothers’ movements. After birth babies need a continuation of these movements. As they gain head control they have an increased need for stimulation.

The vestibular system:

• Responds to the position of the head in relation to gravity with postural adjustments
• Relates to movement and balance
• Develops a sense of direction, depth and space
• Activates the protective reflexes
• The cerebellum integrates the vestibular system with vision and touch

How does this help us at Kalma Baby?

Stimulating the vestibular system through gentle movement promotes body confidence and awareness and improves balance.