Baby Yoga Classes

What is Baby Yoga?

It is a yoga activity that parents and babies can enjoy together. It provides the stimulation of touch, movement and rhythm as well as the stillness of deep relaxation. A typical baby yoga session would include simple stretches for both parent and babies, lots of songs incorporating yoga sequences for the baby, basic massage strokes on the baby and relaxation for parent and baby to finish.

The loving handling of babies during yoga session and the shared enjoyment of the experience for both parent and baby promotes early bonding and creates a secure and happy foundation of well- being .

What the benefits?

•  Strengthening the physical body for both parent and baby
• Improved digestion and relief for colicky babies
  
• Helps babies move from reflex to voluntary movements
  
• Helps to settle babies and improve sleep patterns
• Enhances communication between parent and baby
  
• Tactile stimulation contributes to the development of the brain and nervous system
  
• A celebration of the individuality of each baby
  

Who is it appropriate for?

Baby yoga is suitable for almost everybody, The yoga sequences are adapted to suit the age of the baby, starting with gentle strokes and opening stretches for young babies. As babies gain strength and develop head control more energetic and fun routines are used.

Although suitable for both parents the adult yoga component of the session is particularly suitable for mothers as it aims to strengthen the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, promote good posture, and release muscles tension particularly in the neck and shoulders. Again movements can be adapted for any back or joint problems or in the case of a caesarean section.

Ideally the baby should not be too tired or hungry although particularly in the early days this is hard to predict. Parents would always be encouraged to feed or settle their babies rather than continue the baby yoga session fractious baby.

Do not bring baby if they have a viral infection or are feeling unwell and please wait 24 hours after an immunisation. Yoga should never be practised with a baby who is overly fretful or unhappy.