The Impact of Lower Vagal Tone in Pediatrics: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

At Neurohealth Wellness, located in Allambie Heights on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, we are passionate about helping children achieve optimal health and wellbeing. One often-overlooked aspect of paediatric health is vagal tone—essential for regulating the autonomic nervous system and supporting vital functions like digestion, immunity, and emotional regulation. When vagal tone is low, children can face various physical and emotional challenges. This blog delves into what can cause lower vagal tone in children, its potential effects, and actionable strategies to promote healthier vagal function.

What Is Vagal Tone, and Why Does It Matter?

The vagus nerve is a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the "rest-and-digest" system. It influences heart rate, digestion, immune response, and emotional regulation. Vagal tone refers to the activity and resilience of the vagus nerve; higher vagal tone is associated with improved health, resilience to stress, and better emotional regulation.

In children, developing strong vagal tone is crucial for growth and overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, several factors can impair vagal tone during critical stages of development, leading to long-term health implications.

Causes of Lower Vagal Tone in Pediatrics

1. Stress During Pregnancy, Birth, or Early Life
   Prenatal and perinatal stressors can significantly impact a child's autonomic nervous system. Research suggests that in-utero stress, maternal anxiety, or exposure to environmental stressors can predispose infants to lower vagal tone. During birth, traumatic experiences such as prolonged labour, C-sections, or instrumental deliveries (e.g., forceps or vacuum) can further impair vagus nerve function.
2. Research Highlight:
3. A 2016 study published in Frontiers in Psychology linked maternal stress with reduced vagal activity in infants, indicating that the autonomic nervous system begins adapting to environmental conditions even before birth.
4. Infections
   Recurrent infections or chronic inflammatory conditions in infancy can place additional stress on the vagus nerve. The vagus plays a key role in modulating inflammation, and when overburdened, it can lead to reduced tone and function.
5. Limited Movement and Overuse of Restrictive Devices
   Modern parenting conveniences like car seats, Bumbo chairs, and excessive swaddling can inadvertently restrict natural movement, crucial for stimulating the vagus nerve. Babies need ample tummy time, crawling, and other activities to develop proper nerve function.
6. Tip:
7. Allow your baby to explore movement freely under supervision to promote gross motor skills and vagal tone development.
8. Poor Diet and Food Intolerances
   Nutrition profoundly affects the vagus nerve. Diets high in processed foods or with frequent exposure to allergens can create systemic stress, reducing vagal activity. Food intolerances may also trigger gut inflammation, disrupting the gut-brain connection mediated by the vagus nerve.
9. Poor Tongue Function or Low Tongue Posture
   Low tongue posture or restricted tongue movement can hinder proper oral and cranial development, impacting vagal tone indirectly. The tongue’s position influences cranial nerve function, including the vagus nerve.
10. Heightened Gag Reflex
    A hypersensitive gag reflex may indicate vagal dysfunction. It can also interfere with feeding, speech development, and overall comfort, creating a cycle of stress that further diminishes vagal tone.

Signs of Low Vagal Tone in Children

Children with lower vagal tone may exhibit:

• Difficulty regulating emotions or frequent tantrums.
• Digestive issues, such as constipation or colic.
• Weak immune function, including recurring illnesses.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Challenges in social engagement or difficulty calming themselves after stress.

If these symptoms sound familiar, a professional assessment can help identify whether vagal tone might be a contributing factor.

How to Improve Vagal Tone in Children

The good news is that vagal tone is modifiable! Here are evidence-based strategies to support healthy vagal function in children:

1. Foster a Stress-Free Environment
   Early experiences shape the nervous system profoundly. Reduce stress at home by establishing predictable routines, offering plenty of nurturing physical contact, and creating a calm environment.
2. Encourage Physical Activity and Play
   Physical movement is one of the most effective ways to activate the vagus nerve. Crawling, tummy time, and playful movements like rolling and climbing help stimulate healthy vagal function.
3. Promote Proper Tongue Function
   Addressing tongue ties or poor tongue posture through chiropractic care or speech therapy can significantly improve vagal tone.
4. Focus on Nutrition
   A nutrient-rich diet that avoids processed foods and common allergens can lower systemic inflammation, benefiting the gut-brain axis and vagal tone. Probiotic-rich foods and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly supportive.
5. Introduce Breathwork and Singing
   Controlled breathing exercises and activities like singing, humming, or gargling can directly stimulate the vagus nerve, improving tone over time.
6. Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care
   Holistic therapies, such as chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture, can regulate the nervous system and improve vagal tone.‍
7. Engage the Senses
   Sensory activities like listening to calming music, tactile play, or exposure to nature can activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Neurohealth Wellness Expertise:

At Neurohealth Wellness, our practitioners are skilled at identifying and addressing biomechanical issues that may contribute to tongue dysfunction. We also offer holistic advice on promoting proper cranial development.

Our chiropractors, including Steve and Lucinda, provide targeted care to address stressors that may impact the vagus nerve.

Engage the Senses
Sensory activities like listening to calming music, tactile play, or exposure to nature can activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Preventative Steps for Parents

Parents play a vital role in nurturing their child’s autonomic resilience. Proactive steps include:

• Early Assessments: Regular chiropractic or holistic health assessments can identify and address underlying issues before they escalate.
• Reducing Overuse of Devices: Limit time spent in car seats or other restrictive devices.
• Emphasising Bonding: Skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and cuddling support vagal development.

The Neurohealth Wellness Approach

At Neurohealth Wellness, we adopt a comprehensive, family-centred approach to paediatric care. By addressing the root causes of lower vagal tone and providing personalised strategies, we aim to optimise each child’s health potential.

With over 27 years of experience, Lucinda specialises in rehabilitative techniques that promote healthy nervous system function. Steve brings over a decade of expertise in addressing paediatric health challenges. Together, our team offers a collaborative approach to support your child’s health journey.

Final Thoughts

Lower vagal tone can significantly impact a child's physical and emotional wellbeing. By understanding the causes, recognising the signs, and taking actionable steps, parents can support their child’s nervous system development and overall health.

If you’re concerned about your child’s vagal tone or want to explore preventative care options, book an appointment with us at Neurohealth Wellness today.

Contact Us:
📍 33-35 Kentwell Rd, Allambie Heights, Sydney
📞 (02) 9905 9099
📧 neurohealth@icloud.com
🌐 Book Online

References

1. Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation.
2. Quigley, E. M. M. (2017). Gut-brain axis and vagus nerve: Clinical implications. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 51(9), 708-714.
3. Field, T. (2014). Touch and emotion in human communication. Developmental Review, 34(4), 292-312.
4. Berntson, G. G., et al. (1997). Heart rate variability: Origins, methods, and interpretive caveats. Psychophysiology, 34(6), 623-648.
5. Shonkoff, J. P., et al. (2012). The lifelong effects of early childhood adversity and toxic stress. Pediatrics, 129(1), e232-e246.

Let us help your child thrive—because every child deserves to live without pain, grow with confidence, and embrace a vibrant future!

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