6 Reasons to try Yoga Babies
- Help baby’s physical, mental and emotional development
The moves and sequences used with the babies in yoga classes are specifically designed to help baby’s development. The stretches can help babies to build strength and flexibility. Working both sides of the body stimulates the nervous system and can help develop connections in the brain. Songs and rhymes stimulate babies and links have been made between early learning of nursery rhymes and later reading skills. Providing time in close contact with an adult carer helps babies to feel safe and secure, aiding their healthy emotional development.
- Develop communication skills
Early communication happens long beforebabies can speak, or even gesture. Veryyoung children will use eye contact, facial expression and movement tocommunicate with their adult carers. Touch is one of the earliest forms of communication, and many studieshave been done to show that positive touch in the early years is essential tohealthy development. In yoga babiesclasses we use lots of positive touch, and spend time watching babies closely,which can help parents to tune into their baby’s needs and recognise theiremotions.
- Gentle stretches for adults
Parents often find that they hold a lot of tension in their shoulders and upper back. The stretches I incorporate for adults in yoga babies classes target these areas particularly to help create space and release tightness. Lower back pain is another common complaint, due to weakened abdominal muscles, and lots of time carrying and holding babies (and their equipment!). The gentle yoga sequences in class can help ease pain in the lower back, and will also slowly help you regain strength and stability in the core and the pelvis. We also look at different ways to pick up, lift and hold your little one, with tips for how to do these actions most comfortably.
- Support from other parents
Adjusting to life as a parent can leave youfeeling isolated, anxious and unsure. One of the most valuable things about attending a class, is having theopportunity to share experiences with others. Realising that there are other people feeling and going through exactlythe same as you can be immensely reassuring. And even if there is no magic cure to the 4 month sleep regression, noperfect routine that will work for every baby, it is helpful just to hearstories from others in the same boat (or in this case maybe the same haze ofsleep deprivation, exhaustion and doubt).
- A baby friendly environment
I have brought my own children along toclasses, and aim to provide a relaxed place to be. You are welcome to feed your baby, changethem, and there is no pressure to join in with everything. I encourage parents to follow their own needsand those of their baby’s. I do notexpect babies to follow a plan, follow instructions, or be silent for anylength of time!
- A hot cup of tea
And if that’s not enough, at the end ofclass I will make you a cup of tea (or hot drink of your preference) andhappily hold your baby whilst you drink it if you like.
