A–Z Glossary

Vestibular system

A sensory system that detects head movement and position, helping babies develop balance and respond to changes in movement.

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How babies learn to move

How babies learn to move

Movement begins with the nervous system and the senses Newborn movement is strongly influenced by the nervous system’s early organization. Primitive reflexes, such as the rooting, grasp, and stepping reflexes, are automatic responses that support early survival and provide the groundwork for later voluntary control. A newborn does not yet plan a reach or deliberately […]

Body Awareness Development in Infancy

Body Awareness Development in Infancy

What Body Awareness Means in Infancy Body awareness is a broad neurodevelopmental capacity rather than a single milestone. It includes interoceptive information about internal bodily states, proprioceptive information about joint position and muscle activity, vestibular information about head movement and gravity, and exteroceptive information from touch and vision. An infant’s brain must gradually combine these […]

Balance Development Before Standing and Walking

Balance Development Before Standing and Walking

Balance Begins Before Upright Postures Balance control develops long before a baby pulls to stand. During early infancy, the developing brain and spinal cord gradually learn to coordinate head position, trunk stability, and limb movement against gravity. Tummy time and varied floor positions provide opportunities to strengthen the cervical, thoracic, and abdominal musculature while helping […]

Crying During Car Rides

Crying During Car Rides

Why Car Rides Can Trigger Crying A baby may cry in the car for reasons that have little to do with illness. The car seat limits movement and changes the physical relationship between the baby and caregiver. A child who is accustomed to being held may protest when placed in a rear-facing seat, particularly when […]

Activities for 3 to 6 month babies

Activities for 3 to 6 month babies

Start with responsive, supervised floor play Floor play is the foundation for many activities in this age range because it allows an infant to move freely and practise against a stable surface. Choose a clean, firm play mat on the floor rather than a bed, sofa, or raised surface. Place your baby on their back […]

Sensory play for babies

Sensory play for babies

What sensory play means in infancy Sensory play is any safe experience that lets a baby notice and respond to information from the body or environment. This includes the familiar senses of vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, as well as the vestibular system, which detects head movement and position, and proprioception for body awareness, […]