Little Possibilities - Practicing Baby Yoga at Home.

Learn baby yoga in your own home.

Creating the right atmosphere for Baby Yoga at home.

Getting Ready:

Ensure your room is warm and draft-free with ample room to sit/kneel comfortably with your baby in front of you.

You will need a yoga mat and blanket. Have your baby changing equipment near by for a quick and easy nappy change if needed.

I usually have a couple of distraction toys i.e. a rattle, teething ring, scarf to hand.

Put some light soothing background music on if you wish, it doesn’t matter what the music is, as long as you and your baby find it relaxing.

After practicing a few times with the same music, your baby will learn to associate the music with yoga time.

Before you start:

Ensure you and baby are well and had your 6-8 week check. Don’t undertake any classes if you are in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy and it is a new exercise, or you have had any other issues, if in doubt contact you healthcare professional for advice.

Don’t practice on your baby if they are unwell, hungry, full or had their immunisations within the last 24-28hrs.

If your baby is well enough, you may practice yoga but avoid the injection site for the first week.

Make sure your hands are clean and warm, remove any jewelry which may get in the way or catch.

Remember when practicing Baby Yoga to take your time, don’t do anything you feel uncomfortable with.

Take a few deep breaths to relax before you begin. Stretch and shake the tension out of your body.

Get comfortable on the floor with your baby lied in front of you and use a pillow if it helps, take care of your posture so as not to damage your back.

Begin your Baby Yoga:

Start with calming breathing exercises to help settle you and baby.

Sing the hello yogi song to your baby if you wish before you do the warm ups.

Begin with gentle stretching and wriggling exercises to warm up.

Always start baby yoga warm up with ‘resting hands’ and ‘full frontal stretch’ (velvet cloak) using gentle downward strokes over baby’s clothes.

Follow your baby’s cues, watch and listen to your baby, they will let you know if they want you to stop, take your time and go at a pace that suits you both.

Some babies take more time than others to get accustomed to the different yoga positions, never force movements or go against your baby’s will. stop for cuddles if there are not enjoying it.

Only do the yoga moves you have learned in class, follow familiar routines – babies enjoy patterns.

Go slowly at the beginning so your baby can get used to the different movement and positions gradually.

Practice yoga with baby for around 15-20 minutes. think of your baby yoga session as a gentle, warm, movement and communication.

Include dad and siblings, yoga can be fun for all the family.

Remember Baby Yoga time is a lovely bonding experience for you and your baby, don’t force anything, and stop whenever necessary.