If you have a child who craves sensory input, you might want to consider the benefits of hanging upside down. But what does that actually do? Essentially, it engages the vestibular system located in the inner ear. This crucial sensory system helps us maintain balance, understand where our bodies are in space, and coordinate movement effectively. For children who exhibit vestibular-seeking behaviors, planned activities that involve inverting the head can provide the stimulation they need while minimizing sensory overload and meltdowns throughout the day.
Identifying Vestibular-Seeking Behaviors
Common behaviors you may notice include:
- Difficulty remaining still
- Hyperactivity and a need for constant movement
- Impulsive actions
- Quick movements like running, jumping, and spinning
- Roughhousing or rambunctious play
- Unusual sitting positions—think upside down, sideways, or with feet against the wall
At my house, it’s not unusual for these behaviors to unfold within five minutes! I often find myself picking up couch cushions multiple times a day. Kids like mine, who seek out vestibular input, can find their daily functioning seriously impacted by their need for movement. The silver lining? There are targeted activities that can deliver a powerful sensory boost, offering calming effects that can last for hours. Incorporating these activities into your routine a few times a day can make a world of difference.
The Benefits of Hanging Upside Down
My kids frequently hang upside down off the couch, and it turns out there are significant sensory advantages to this position. In fact, taking a few moments to invert ourselves throughout the day can help regulate and organize our nervous system. This unique position stimulates the vestibular system, creating positive effects that can endure. Depending on the child’s current state, upside-down play can be either calming or invigorating, making it especially useful after a sensory meltdown.
Activities That Encourage Upside-Down Play
There are numerous ways to incorporate hanging upside down into playtime. Here are some creative ideas:
- Hanging from the couch
- Children’s yoga
- Swinging from monkey bars
- For younger kids, you can have them sit on your lap, facing you, and hold their hands while gently allowing them to drop back upside down over your knees, then lifting them back up
- Leaning backward over a large exercise ball
- Gymnastics
Other Fun Activities
While hanging upside down is a highly effective way to stimulate the vestibular system, other engaging activities can also provide beneficial movement. Some of our favorites include:
- Freeze dance—everyone dances until the music pauses, then they freeze in whatever silly position they find themselves
- Riding bikes
- Playing on swings and slides
- Swimming
- Rhythmic bouncing or rocking on your lap
- Jumping on trampolines
- Pulling your child on a blanket around the house
- Playing ring-around-the-rosie
- Basically, any activity that involves movement, especially head movement!
Just the other weekend, we had a blast rolling down a hill at the park, and it resulted in the calmest, best-behaved kids I’ve seen in ages!
Note on Spinning:
Spinning can also be a stimulating activity, but remember that the way your child spins can affect their state of regulation differently. Gentle, slow spinning may be calming, while fast spinning can lead to hyperactivity or dysregulation.
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In summary, engaging in upside-down play can provide crucial sensory input for children who crave it, helping them feel more regulated and calm. Incorporate these activities into your daily routine and watch as your child benefits from the stimulation.