When a baby is born, their brain is full of possibilities. It is wiring and rewiring itself with every movement, sensation, and interaction.

For children with Down syndrome, whose cerebellums develop differently from in utero, these early experiences with movement and balance are even more important. The cerebellum, although it makes up just 10% of the brain’s volume, holds 80% of its neurons and controls much more than motor skills; it influences speech, emotional regulation, processing, sensory integration, body scheme, and executive functions.

Understanding how to stimulate the cerebellum and vestibular systems during the first year of life gives us a powerful opportunity to help build the strongest possible foundation for future development.

Rolling is often one of a baby’s first major movements, and it provides a perfect opportunity to activate the cerebellum and vestibular systems (Which also control the visual motor system as well). Rather than encouraging rolling only on firm, flat surfaces, try, with strict supervision, offering slightly unstable or soft environments. Half-inflated play mats, an air mattress, or a thick, squishy cushion are some good choices to provide a surface with vestibular challenge.

You can also place your baby gently on a therapy ball and, with great care and support, introduce slow rolling motions. A PT or OT would be a great resource to show you how to do this. Another beautiful trick involves lying the baby prone or supine on a large balance board and tipping it gently to one side to spark a natural roll, always giving equal attention to both sides of the body to build symmetrical brain activation.

As babies begin transitioning from lying to sitting, we can enhance cerebellar engagement by maintaining that dynamic, responsive environment. Sitting them on slightly unstable surfaces like soft cushions, inflatable wiggle pads, or balance boards introduces subtle shifts that challenge balance and activate core muscles (The tandem of vestibular system and cerebellum control responsiveness of postural muscles).

Encouraging transition into sitting by gently tipping a balance board and positioning toys just out of reach, prompts babies to adjust and stabilize themselves naturally. Each tiny correction their bodies make sends rich sensory information to the cerebellum, wiring it for better coordination and future praxis. (If baby holds legs widely abducted, hip helpers are a great way to allow baby to develop the strength and praxis he needs in good position).

Once babies can sit independently, the real fun begins. Gentle rhythmic bouncing on a therapy ball to a metronome beat or a favorite song infuses movement with timing, helping the cerebellum integrate vestibular input with rhythm and balance. Sitting on a slightly unstable surface and giving babies toys placed to the sides and slightly behind them encourages trunk rotation and complex balance reactions. Sitting on multidirectional balance boards and experiencing slight tips in all directions, combined with gentle push-and-pull games, forces the brain to continually adapt which builds the mental maps and coordination needed for bigger milestones. Novelty is the biggest tool in our box when creating cerebellar plasticity.

The quadruped position (hands and knees) opens another window for powerful cerebellar work. Crawling over uneven surfaces like pillows, soft mats, or foam obstacles challenges both the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Supporting the child in quadruped and gently shifting them side to side and forward and back on an unstable surface encourages reactive balance and strengthens the midline crossing needed for coordinated movement. Rhythmic rocking in quadruped to a steady beat helps to synchronize body awareness with external sensory input which is a critical skill for later walking, running, and even speaking clearly.

Tall kneeling and half-kneeling activities bring the next stage of balance into play. Encouraging a child to reach for objects from kneeling positions while on placed on soft, dynamic surfaces forces ongoing micro-adjustments. Transitioning from kneeling into standing, especially while carrying a lightweight object, strengthens core control, bilateral coordination, and cerebellar timing.

Standing and walking become the grand finale of the first year. Instead of sticking only to flat, predictable surfaces, allowing babies to experience standing on soft foam mats, air cushions, or grass introduces powerful vestibular and cerebellar challenges.

Practicing gentle squatting while on dynamic surfaces from side to side (interhemispheric coordination) and forward back (frontal / occipital coordination) improves balance reactions that will serve the child for life (not to mention continual coordination of the visual motor system). Walking over uneven surfaces, stepping over low obstacles, squatting to pick up and carry, or marching to the beat of a song, are all fun adventures that lead to big integration and coordination for praxis. small adventures are, in fact, massive opportunities for brain development.

Each of these movements whether tiny shifts or giant steps, layered on top of the appropriate neurodevelopmental sequence, fuels cerebellar growth, builds better balance, improves speech foundations, and lays the groundwork for emotional regulation and academic success.

Five Powerful Ways to Activate the Cerebellum in the First Year:

1. Let your baby roll across soft, uneven surfaces instead of just firm floors.

2. Offer dynamic sitting experiences on therapy balls, peanut balls, or soft cushions.

3. Crawl over squishy, unstable surfaces and practice quadruped rocking to music.

4. Practice kneeling on foam mats and reaching in all directions.

5. Introduce standing, squatting, and walking on varied, uneven terrains early and often.

Important Point to Consider

Always check with your child’s doctor or therapist before introducing any vestibular challenge especially if your child has a history of seizures.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

At DSAP, we believe that small, integrating, layered, and novel movements create strong, adaptable brains. If you want more strategies, resources, and community support to help your child thrive,come connect with us!

We’re here to walk this journey with you.