A Guest Post by Dr. Ben Baak
Hammocks and hammock chairs bring the joy of movement. In our guest post, health coach Dr. Ben Baak tells us how important playful movement is for healthy child development – and how simple and helpful dynamic hanging products can be.
Movement is life…
…and we can see this reflected in our little ones every day. They conquer the world step-by-step through movement. Every little movement forward contributes to holistic maturation.
Scientific studies have long shown that movement makes an invaluable contribution to the healthy development of a child. Diverse movement experiences play a crucial role in allowing the mind and body to benefit equally, and there are many, very many of these experiences...
The gentle rocking stimulates the sense of balance in babies and promotes the development of the child from the very first months.
A motion the little ones know from the very first moment: being rocked or being held. A feeling of being secure, sheltered, and protected. This beautiful feeling lingers long after birth – perhaps even a lifetime, as we can also sense it in adulthood. Many parents have experienced that their babies love to be on the go in the car, rocked in the cradle, or swayed in a baby carrier against the chest. And there are even more possibilities for both young and old to experience the joy of movement.
Hammocks and hammock chairs also offer a wide range of valuable movement experiences, all within a safe and pleasant atmosphere. Informed parents may know that children develop trust through physical closeness and bonding, which subsequently helps them become more stress-resistant and resilient. Essentially, it's a win-win situation. A hammock chair is a great option for parents to enjoy along with their little ones and benefit from the positive effects of released oxytocin ("bonding and cuddle hormone") throughout the entire body.
Ben Baak with his daughter - happy, healthy, and relaxed.
Tranquility and relaxation play an increasingly important role not only for adults but especially for children in modern society. Distractions are everywhere, especially in digital form, which adults today typically encountered much later in life than children do now. This early exposure also carries risks, as suggested by various experts. And finding tranquility doesn't have to mean slumping on the couch or lounging in an office chair. No, here is where hammock chairs and hammocks offer a much more delightful escape from an otherwise demanding daily life.
A much needed break - from the children's room to the living room!
But back to the kids.
Just watch your little ones during their first use of LA SIESTA's vibrantly floating fabrics. Even though they might not yet grasp the concepts of high-quality materials and sustainability, as parents, you can be assured that our products are free from harmful substances. With the little ones, it's simply fascinating to observe their desire to touch the fabric. They quickly start pulling themselves up and experience the free movements of the hammock. And so, they "swing" themselves while holding on, squealing with joy from one side to the other, or even better, twirling in circles.
Play, swing, or dream - just as you wish!
And there's much more to it...
With the help of an adult, even a younger child can get into a hammock or hammock chair, where they can be gently rocked while supervised or playfully explore the supportive fabric. This leads to unique experiences that are very useful, perhaps even essential, for a child's further development. On one hand, in the passive state while being rocked, the vestibular system is activated, constantly scanning for changes in position. The feeling of being held is quite soothing for the child. You can observe how much they enjoy this moment.
Playfully, they develop their motor skills, sense of balance, and body stabilization. - Jörg Golomberck, Occupational Therapist from Heitersheim (Germany).
On the other hand, it's active play when the child, for example, crawls through the fabric. In this case, it's the child's own movements that constantly challenge the stability and posture of their musculoskeletal system. This demand significantly promotes a child's motor skills. The treasure trove of experiences that our youngest ones acquire during their early lives will continuously provide them with a foundation for a multitude of developing skills.
And the best part: these experiences are enjoyable, completely playful, and with the guidance of an adult, they happen in safe conditions.
A gateway to a world full of imagination and adventure!
Author: Dr. Ben Baak is a German speaker, coach, and author.