Dream Pillow—Lesson Seven (Rocking & the Vestibular System)

Lullabies and rocking are the most intimate part of each lesson. Seeing the adults and babies cuddling and rocking from side-to-side brings back wonderful feelings and memories linked to my own children.

We know that rocking your baby feels good and develops bonding, but there are other important benefits. Rocking stimulates the vestibular system, the part of the brain that tells our bodies and heads where we are in relation to the surface of the earth. It helps us feel gravity so we can plan movements to control balance and bilateral coordination like walking and running. The vestibular system also plays a role in processing auditory language, visual-spatial relationships, and even emotional security.

At home rock your little one throughout the day—rock while sitting in a chair, in the floor, or standing; rock side-to-side or front-to-back. Waiting in a line—take baby out of the stroller and stimulate the vestibular system with rocking and a quiet song.

Here’s to rocking!