Do Babies Need Yoga?

Short answer, no - probably not. But are there benefits to baby yoga? Absolutely!

Wondering why is yoga good for babies?

Here are 10 of the upsides of doing yoga with your baby:

1. IT AIDS THE NATURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR LITTLE BODIES

As they grow and develop, they will naturally move through poses like plank, cobra, downward dog, happy baby, and many more! You will see them doing yoga poses anyways, and baby yoga class is a chance to experience these movements with them.

2. BABIES ARE NATURAL YOGIS (students of yoga)

Not only are babies physically advanced in asanas (poses), but they live in the present moment, which is what yoga practice is really about! Babies do a great job at reminding us of this

3. IT ALLOWS PARENTS TO EXPERIENCE PRESENCE, TOO

Parents are busy and we are distracted. It’s not often that we are able to set aside our to-do list and really engage and be present with our babies and kids. Baby yoga class gives us a designated time and space to simply be together uninterrupted

4. STRENGTHEN PARENT AND CHILD BOND

When you have a new baby, it can take time to get to know one another! You are building a relationship and that can take time, it is normal to not feel completely connected to them at birth. Yoga gives you the opportunity to get to know each other and focus on bonding

5. REDUCE STRESS AND DEVELOP RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Ask any parent that has been in baby or toddler class, you will leave feeling better and more relaxed than when you came in! You’ll have a calm atmosphere to relax and also learn tools that turn baby’s fussiness into happiness. It’s also a great way to practice self-care.

6. IMPROVE DIGESTION AND EASE GAS PAIN

Many of the newborn exercises and activities are great at relieving baby's tummy troubles. You will learn movements and baby massage techniques that you can then use anytime for relief!

7. PROMOTE A HEALTHY, PHYSICALLY FIT LIFESTYLE

A physically active parent is an important role model and promotes participation in a child’s future mental and physical health. Kids model their parent’s behavior, and what better way to demonstrate caring for your emotional and physical well-being than yoga!

8. INCREASE BODY AWARENESS AND CONFIDENCE IN MOVEMENT

When babies are born, their bodies are tight. They have been in cramped quarters for months! On the outside, they can use some help with stretching out. You’ll show them what that their bodies can do by reaching, extending, moving limbs, grabbing toes, and more!

9. RELIEVE DISCOMFORT

Some babies find stretching uncomfortable, especially if they’ve had more limited movement due to hospital stays. In this case, the baby may resist stretching, reaching, and extending out - but this is exactly what they need!

Imagine when your body feels tight from a long car ride. Stretching may feel uncomfortable to start, but as your muscles soften and tension is released, you feel much better. Adults and babies both get these benefits in baby and me class!

10. MEET OTHER PARENTS AND FAMILIES

Yoga classes have a great sense of community, and are an opportunity to meet other moms, parents, and kids. Your babies will be similar ages, and many lifelong friendships have started in mommy and me classes!

11. **BONUS! DOING YOGA WITH A BABY IS FUN!

That’s ultimately what it’s about. They’ll love the entertainment of hearing singing, seeing other babies, and exploring a new place. It’s lighthearted, non-competitive, engaging, and flippin’ cute!

So what do you think, do babies need yoga? Maybe or maybe not, but these are some good reasons to check out a baby class. Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear from you☺

Here are the upcoming classes if you’d like to join me for the next one!

🖤Christie

© Christie Trksak Gibertini | Divine Child Yoga LLC | www.divinechildyoga.com