Is Making My Child Dizzy Dangerous?

I recently read a book called "What's Going on in There? : How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life" and it actually talked about a study about spinning babies! I don't remember exact details, but I think the babies were even younger than yours. About once a week for several months, they would bring the babies in for a spinning session. They'd be held on someone's lap in a revolving chair and spin one revolution and the stop abruptly. They'd repeat this, holding the baby in different positions (vertical, cradled, etc.). The babies that were spun showed developmental gains later versus a control group. Maybe higher IQ? I don't remember exactly. I checked the book out from my library, maybe you can find it at yours!

Our son did the same thing. In fact, we didn't wind it up for him, he'd run around in a circle until it was tightly wound, and then he'd lift up his feet and throw his head back and just delight in spinning there in the air. When he got tired of it, he'd put his feet back down and stop... and then he'd do it all again. He could do that for a half hour at a time. His eyes did the same thing - bouncing back and forth when he stood still. I'm not a doctor, but I don't think it was harmful at all. He's 18 months now and still loves to dance and spin around. His eyes seem just fine. I'm guessing that in fact, it helps develop their equilibrium. Relax and enjoy it! She's fine. By the way, since it sounds like you are a "believer", you might also find it interesting that in the Old Testament, the word for "spin" (Chuwl) also is the word used for "childbirth" and for "valiant". It's used many times to describe warriors in the Old Testament. In Zeph 3:17 where it says that "The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." - that word "rejoice" is the word "chuwl" - He "spins" over you with shouts of joy!

I hope that blesses you!

Hi, I believe that is safe. My child gets physical therapy and they spin her like that (just on a bigger swing). It helps the body to "relate to the stimuli" around it. Something like that, but they do that to sara and she loves it. Her eyes go back and forth like that too.