No, your child doesn't have to be a gymnast. But their ability to tolerate that upside-down position, like a somersault and others like it, is important for long-term skill development. The body's system that plays the biggest role in this is called your vestibular system. It's located in your inner ear and tells you where your head is in space.

So, why is it important? The vestibular system helps with balance - it coordinates your head's relation to the earth, telling your body to shift its weight in the opposite direction or to protect itself from a fall. But like other body systems, the vestibular system develops over time. Children need opportunities to move in different positions that exercise it, so they can achieve certain motor-skill milestones.

As an adult, think about how much your head moves. When you wake up in the morning, you go from lying on your back to upright; when you walk, your head bobs up and down and side to side; and when you turn corners, your head rotates. Your vestibular system is fully developed and functions involuntarily - you don't even notice it's doing its job. You're accustomed to these movements, but your child may not be - which may be why crawling, walking or transitioning is taking some time. They might even be fearful of the head movements associated with these motor-skill milestones.

So how do you help your child develop their vestibular system? By exposing them to different positions and dynamic movements. Some of the major head movements include: up and down, side-to-side, rotation, and forward and back. Consult with your therapist if you have further questions or want specific recommendations for your child.