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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

Baby Yoga

If you’d like to take an exercise class, but don’t think your post-pregnancy body is quite ready yet, why not let your baby take the class for you? Come on – isn’t it about time they gave something back? 

Before you conjure up pictures of babies getting into the Lotus position, it should be pointed out that Baby Yoga is very different from adult yoga. For one thing, the babies don’t ‘do’ it on their own; Baby Yoga is an interaction between parent, or caregiver, and baby. The movements are more fluid and mobile, it isn’t about getting into poses or positions. 

Baby Yoga has much in common with Baby Massage, in that it encourages communication and bonding. Yoga for babies is said to offer similar benefits to yoga for adults: improved sleep and relaxation, enhanced muscle tone and co-ordination, and deeper breathing which helps the immune system. 

Help for colic and digestive problems

Baby Yoga can not only alleviate the symptoms of colic, it can help to remove the problems which cause it. The yoga movements relieve any tensions the baby has in her intestines, and release trapped gasses. Providing the yoga techniques are performed under the instruction of a qualified Baby Yogi, the practice is entirely safe and suitable for all babies from birth. 

Fun and relaxation

Not only is Baby Yoga relaxing for your baby, it is also relaxing for you. Performed in a calm environment (or as calm as it can be with lots of babies), tired parents are encouraged to re-energize and take a moment to be still. Being with your baby in this environment is so rewarding – and a wonderful lesson to pass on to your baby; the ability to be still and to relax. 

Baby Yoga is also a lot of fun. Many new moms and dads report a feeling of lightness after the sessions, which lasts long after they have returned home. The yoga movements are like play for your baby, designed to be enjoyed by both baby and parent. They require no special knowledge and are easy to learn. And once you have mastered the techniques, you and your baby can practice and have fun at home. 

Is Baby Yoga safe?

Like anything you do with your infant, Baby Yoga needs to be baby-led and the movements performed in a gentle way. It is always advised that you join a class with qualified instructors. Within these parameters, Baby Yoga is perfectly safe for your baby.  

What happens at a Baby Yoga class?

The class will typically have between five and fifteen parents with their babies. There is usually soft music playing and a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Mats are provided, one for you and one for your baby. Most parents wear casual clothing, as there is a certain amount of physical activity for the moms and dads too!

Sessions often start with a yoga salute to the sun, along with some breathing exercises before you begin (for the parents). Then on to the yoga movements with your baby. These vary from simply crossing their arms across their chests to holding your baby upside down. Don’t worry; all the postures and movements are safe for your baby (and you), and babies absolutely love them!

More Things To Do With Your Baby

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Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

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