"Yoga for Baby helped my baby and I understand each other" |
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an art, a science and a way of life. Originating from India, Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ which means ‘to join’, ‘to unite’ or ‘to yoke together’.
Stretch the body …
Increase flexibility and strength. Release tension. Improve posture, balance and co-ordination
Discover the power of the breath …
Increase energy levels, reduce stress and anxiety. Enhance performance physically and mentally. Improve the quality of sleep
Calm the mind …
Create a clearer, more focused mind with greater powers of concentration and creativity. Learn relaxation techniques. Manage stress with Yoga
Working with body, breath and mind to create the optimum conditions for health and well-being, Yoga helps you to develop a calm, balanced approach to life.
What is Yoga for Baby?
Adapted classical Yoga postures and movements beneficial for baby’s growth and development. A fun and stimulating way to interact with your baby.
How do you do it?
Baby is assisted and held in postures in order to gain the invaluable benefits which Yoga brings. Mummy benefits too by including baby in her own Yoga practice, with baby providing motivation and the inspiration to achieve more.
Why?
The benefits are immense for mummy and baby providing a positive and healthy daily routine to enhance their relationship. Please see Baby for more information.
Who?
These particular practices are suitable for six week old babies until crawling stage. Older babies who are almost walking would also benefit from Yoga for Baby. In the dvds Keir, (who is 16 weeks at time of filming) and I demonstrate practices, postures and movements for all ages showing where younger babies need extra support. For mummies, daddies, grandparents and carers, Yoga for Baby is an excellent way to get involved with baby, actively contributing to baby’s development.
When?
Everyday. Set aside time for yourself and baby to enjoy being together. It is best to delay practice until at least an hour after feeding baby and one-two hours after a light meal yourself. A good time to practise the hip and digestive sequences is after changing, when baby is free from nappies. Can you imagine practising Yoga wearing a nappy twice the size of yourself?! Mornings and evenings are also good times so that baby may stretch after awakening, as well as just before bedtime. Choose short and sweet, fun sessions where you fully engage with baby throughout the day. Never practise when baby clearly doesn’t want to continue, leave until later.
Where?
Create a special place for you and baby to practise. Use a familiar blanket, Yoga mat, play music, light a candle in a safe place or whatever you wish to provide a relaxing ambience. Remember to switch off all phones and mobiles.
Do I need to have experience of Yoga before I practice Yoga for Baby?
No previous experience of Yoga is necessary as all instructions are clearly given, just a willingness to learn and to have fun with your baby is enough. Just work slowly, in a step-by-step way through the practices, being aware of how you feel and work within your own capabilities.
