The vestibular system provides the leading contribution to the sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance. It is located in the inner ear. It sends signals to the neural structures that keep us upright. The brain uses this information to understand the body’s dynamics and kinematics from movement to movement.

Seated Drop (non-head holding babies)
Parent on knees with baby sat spine to chest and baby held in Tiger in the Tree pose. Parent/carer lifts themselves forward and up on their knees, holding baby in front of their chest so that the head is securely supported. Parent holds for a couple of seconds at the top, counting “1,2,3…” before coming back down all together as parent/carer sits back on their legs again saying “weeeee” as they come down. This can startle baby at first, but if baby is happy continue to do three more. Can be done in a circle with babies facing eachother.

Standing Drop (head holders only)
From the same position as seated drop, parent/carer lifts themselves forward and up on to their knees, lifting their baby in the air holding them around the chest. Hold the position for a couple of seconds at the top before all together bringing them back down as parent/carer sits back on their legs again. At first, this should be done with baby facing parent/carer as it is likely to startle baby. Repeat 3 times, if baby is happy then the last one can be done facing outwards so babies can see each other.
Benefits: Helps vestibular system, great for body awareness and
confidence, works the startle reflex.
Cautions: If baby is upset continue this with baby facing towards parent until they become used to it. Always maintain safety first; good safe grip around baby when lifting.

Swings

Stand with your feet in Warrior pose position whilst holding the baby. Keep your back straight and your shoulders back and down maintaining good posture. The heel of the one foot should be in line with the instep of the other foot in a wide stance. Hold the baby under the arm across the chest with your forearm and with the other hand hold under their bottom. Tilt baby slightly forwards and bend the knees. Gently swing baby backwards and forwards.
Benefits: Strengthens and tones the arms and abdomen. Good for the heart and lungs. For the baby it is good for the vestibular system.
Caution: Can be strenuous on the knees and the back. Not to be done too vigorously.

Rocking Chair
Parent sat up, baby is laid against the thighs of parent with their bottom into the parent’s pelvis. Parent rocks from sitting to lay down in a rocking chair motion. Ensure baby is supported around torso/chest area. For non-head holders ensure motion is slow so no sudden jerks. Head holders can be stood in between parents’ legs facing the parent and supported around the chest so that the thighs grip baby firm but gently. From sitting position the parent then leans back so that they rock back onto their back, baby travelling with them. Bring baby into you so that you can make eye contact then come up to sitting again. Explain that by using baby’s weight its helps to distribute it to get back up. The slower it is done, the harder it is to get back up! Should be done smoothly.
Benefits: Vestibular system and body awareness, great for parents’ core muscles .
Caution: Advise against if pregnant, c-sec or back problems. Can be strenuous on core, advise to go at own pace.

Flying Baby
Parent/carer laid on back, whilst lifting baby on tummy to their shins. Baby’s shoulders are set back from your knees so their head is supported in the ‘V’ of the knees. Using your hands, place them around the tops of the shoulders/arms or around under the armpit/chest area. This needs to be a firm grip to ensure baby is securely on. Bring your knees to your chest then release away in a rocking motion. Can be adapted so knees stay into your chest and raise heels up and down to your bottom in a bouncing motion or circle the feet for ‘around the world.’
Benefits: Parent working core and leg muscles. Great eye contact with baby giving lovely bonding. Vestibular benefits.
Cautions: Not for reflux babies, can cause sickness. Slower motion for young babies and ensure baby’s shoulders sit behind parent’s knees.

Flying High
Lie on the floor, drawing your belly button into your spine to protect your back. Hold baby around the chest under the arms and gently tilt them into a prone position. On an inhale lift baby to fly above your face.
Benefits: Body alignment, arm strengthening for parent and vestibular benefits for baby.
Caution: Do not lift baby higher than eye line.

Mirror Stretches
Head holders only. Parent/carers working in pairs, sitting with their backs to each other and babies on knees facing in. Lift babies, supporting around the chest and under arms, at the same time so they can see each other. Call out “up”, “in” or
“out” so babies are lifted the same way.

Caution: For head holders only. Remind parents to be careful when lifting and to make sure babies don’t get too close and bump heads.

Knee Bouncing
With parent/carer sitting back on their knees, sit baby on their lap and hold them around the torso. Bounce baby from knee to knee, lifting and lowering them.
Benefit: Stimulates the vestibular system.
Caution: For young babies, keep the movement small with their spines to parent/carer’s tummy.

Dips
Holding baby upright with their back against your body, support their chest with one hand by putting your arm across and use the other hand to support them underneath. This is Tiger in the Tree hold. In this position, parent/carer bends their knees to drop baby slightly.
Cautions: Ensure non head holders remain tight to chest to support the head; slow dips.

Lycra Swing

Working in pairs, lie baby on the Lycra over the top of two cushions with their parent/carer at their feet so baby can see them. Bending at the knees, gather up the corners of the Lycra to give a strong grip, gently lift the head first and the bottom slightly after to a height of not more than 30cm. Swing from side to side, forwards and backwards and gently bounce up and down.

Benefits: Relaxing, works vestibular system, body awareness.
Caution: Do not hold blanket too high up, just to hand height of the parents/carers and make sure that you both hold at the same height. Stop if baby is not enjoying it.

Yoga Ball
Placing the baby on their tummy onto the ball, gently roll the ball backwards and forwards and side to side then in a circle.

For babies over 5/6 months with good head and neck control as well as the exercise above you can also sit the baby on the ball in butterfly pose and hold them around the torso, whilst parent/carer holds their hands. This is a good balancing exercise
and creates body awareness.

For babies over 5/6 months with good head and neck control you can also sit the baby on the ball and hold the back of the head very securely. Then gently roll the ball forwards so that the baby is leaning back into a backbend. Stop if the baby shows signs of any discomfort.
Benefits: Good for body awareness, good for colic and tummy time, very soothing, good for balance and vestibular system and increases flexibility in the spine.
Cautions: Make sure you are holding the baby securely and if the baby is a non-head holder that their head is turned to one side. Stop when the baby has had enough.