Understanding Why Children Enjoy Hanging Upside Down

The Importance of Sensory Input

Children don’t always have the language to say, “I need to move,” or “My body feels off.” Instead, they use movement as communication. Hanging upside down provides powerful sensory input that helps their nervous system reset and organise itself.

Stimulating the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for balance, spatial awareness, and coordinating movement. When a child hangs upside down:

• The fluid in the inner ear shifts.

• Signals fire rapidly to the brain.

• Their body becomes more aware of where it is in space.

  
  

This can be calming for some children and alerting for others. Essentially, it helps them ‘reboot’—either slowing them down or waking them up, depending on what their body needs.

Engaging the Proprioceptive System

Upside-down play also naturally engages the muscles and joints, giving the body deep pressure input. This stimulates the proprioceptive system, which helps children feel grounded and regulated. Children who crave this type of input often also enjoy:

• Jumping off furniture

• Climbing trees

• Pushing and pulling heavy objects

• Wrestling or rough-and-tumble play

  
  

If this sounds familiar, you might like my recent blog post on ‘heavy work’ and why children jump, climb, and crash.

Supporting the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Certain upside-down positions—especially slower, sustained ones—can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body. This can help:

• Lower stress

• Reduce anxiety

• Improve focus

• Support emotional regulation

  
  

No wonder some children instinctively flip upside down when they’re overwhelmed!

Other Movements That Offer Similar Benefits

If your child loves hanging upside down, you might notice they also enjoy other sensory-rich activities such as:

• Spinning in circles

• Rolling or wiggling across the floor

• Rocking or swaying

• Climbing or swinging

  
  

These movements all feed the same sensory systems.

Fun Activities to Encourage Upside Down Play

We can support our children's need for movement in safe and structured ways, such as:

1. Watch TV Upside Down on the Sofa

This is a simple, accessible way for kids to get gentle vestibular input.

2. Try Yoga

Poses like downward dog, forward bends, and gentle inversions are fantastic for calming and body awareness. We love Cosmic Yoga on YouTube!

3. Monkey Bars and Climbing Frames

These are great for vestibular and proprioceptive input, plus they build strength and confidence.

4. Swings (Especially When They Lie Tummy Down)

Swings offer rhythmic, soothing movement that helps with regulation.

Being upside down helps a child regulate their bodies and meet their sensory needs.

Children often know what their bodies need long before adults do. Hanging upside down is usually a completely normal way for them to regulate their emotions, keep their sensory systems in balance, and explore their world. If your child seeks out this type of movement frequently, it’s not just play—it’s sensory nourishment.

Conclusion: Embracing Upside Down Play

As parents, it’s essential to understand the significance of these movements. They are not merely playful antics but vital activities that contribute to a child's overall well-being. By encouraging upside-down play and similar activities, we can help our children thrive.

Hi, I’m Emma, Early Childhood Expert and founder of Everyday. My goal is simple: help parents understand their children better so every stage feels a little brighter. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the extraordinary; it’s about the everyday.

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