“Play is the work of a child” Maria Montessori
The most important role that play can have is to help children be active, make choices, and practice skills to mastery. With children learning through play, toys are their tools. This list of toys are fantastic for helping your child strengthen their vestibular system.
What is the Vestibular System?
The Vestibular system refers to structures within the inner ear that detect movement. This sensory system allows us to maintain our sense of balance –to move smoothly and confidently. A healthy Vestibular system is central to integration of the other sensory systems. In addition to helping us relate to our bodies in space (spatial awareness) it also helps us process sounds and use our eyes effectively.
Vestibular Tools and Toys:
The best place to work on your child’s vestibular system is at the playground! Here are some of our other favorite ways to get moving and PLAY!
Spooner Boards Freestyle – Black
Spooner Board
This fun balance board improves core strength & stability, balance, coordination, and gross-motor skills. Kids can stand, sit rock, spin, slide, tilt, flip, and wobble! It even works in the snow!!
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Trampoline
Jumping is a fantastic way to get a fun vestibular workout! There are so many different things that you can do with a trampoline! My kids have a blast turning our trampoline into an outdoor ball pit by adding in some plastic balls.
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Swing-N-Slide Monster Web Swing
Platform Swing
This is a fantastic “social” swing that can fit multiple children at once. The spider webbing provides some awesome sensory input and allows easy access for kids to sit, stand, or lie down while swinging. We love ours!
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Omitree Child Swing Hanging Nest Seat Chair, Outdoor Indoor kids Pod Hammock – Blue
Hanging Nest Swing
Bring the swinging fun inside with a nest swing. These swings are great for a calm down corner or book nook, but can also encourage heavy work and movement.
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Yes4All Balance Pods Hedgehog Balancing Pods – Set 6
Balance Pods
These are probably one of my favorite indoor vestibular toys that we have. Pods such as these can be used to increase focus with active seating. When used for active sitting children can either sit on the bumpy side or the smooth side. This helps promote good posture, focus, and strengthen core muscles. Pods such as these can also be used as stepping stones for balance games with a fun tactile input!
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Big Time Toys Moon Shoes (Styles may vary)
Moon Shoes
These are described as mini trampolines for your feet! Jumping is a wonderful activity for helping kids with spatial awareness.
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Radio Flyer Sit-n-Spin
I absolutely love how kids are in complete control of how fast they spin with this toy. This allows kids to get great movement input at their own pace and is fantastic for strengthening upper body!
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Pull Buoy 6680D Connecting Scooter Boards, Economy, 16
Scooter Boards
Scooters are extremely versatile and can allow for so many types of vestibular input – moving forwards, sideways or backwards along with spinning! These scooters can be used indoors or outdoors and the handles provide additional balance and stability.
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Bilibo
A rocking chair, a spinning top, a cradle, or a tunnel – children can create countless uses for the Bilibo, both indoors and out.
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Wobble Deck
The Wobble Deck is an AMAZING toy! With three multi-level balance games this electronic balance board is perfect for challenging your kids vestibular and cognitive skills!
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Foam Pogo Stick
Our entire family has a lot of fun with this simple pogo stick that can be used indoors our outdoors. We use our pogo stick to work on everything from math skills to spelling words!
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Swivel Cars
Swivel cars are fantastic for getting kids to use natural force (inertia, gravity, friction) to explore spatial awareness.
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CanDo Sensi-Saddle Roll, Yellow
Saddle Roll Balls
Saddle balls such as these can be used for basic balance games all the way up to vigorous workouts. One of things that I love about peanut shaped balls such as these is that two people can use them at the same time which can be useful for helping a child build their confidence. The funky texture is also awesome for tactile input.
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Crash Pad
Sturdy enough for jumping and soft enough for relaxing a crash pad is a fantastic tool for improving vestibular senses. Learn how to make a DIY Crash Pad with this easy tutorial from And Next Comes L.
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Rody the Horse Child’s Bounce and Ride, Lime Green
Rody
Horsing around just got a lot more fun! Hopping on a Rody promotes balance and coordination in children while providing a fun workout.
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