Defining co-ordination, these stretches help work both sides of the brain coordinating babies’ movements. Always be sure to work both sides.

Benefits: These stretches strengthen the legs, open the hips and are good for motor skills (particularly crawling) and co-ordination.
Caution: As with all yoga, apply a little pressure but never force and if a baby resists then leave it until they are ready. Be careful of overstretching; remember a young baby will not stretch out completely due to physiological flexion.

Stretch and Tickle
Hold baby by the hand or forearm and the opposite leg on the shin/calf and extend the arm and leg. Bring together touching the hand with the toes and repeat this 3 to 4 times. Do this again with the other arm and leg. Repeat the words: “touch and stretch”/”stretch and tickle”

Baby Koala

Hold baby by the hand or forearm and the opposite leg on the shin/calf. Bring the arm across the chest and the leg across the groin to give themselves a hug. Repeat on the opposite side.

Mummy Koala

Hold baby by the hand or forearm and the opposite leg on the shin/calf. Extend the leg toward the shoulder and the hand toward the groin without forcing. Repeat on the opposite side.
Caution: Do not force, a young baby will not be able to fold their limbs to the body.

Brain Gym
Hold baby by the hand or forearm and the opposite leg on the shin/calf. Circle firstly the arm outwards, then the opposite leg, then do both together, circling the leg in the opposite direction to the arm. Do this a few times and repeat on the other side. When this is mastered you can rotate the arm out and the leg in, or the arm in and the leg out (this is a good test of the parent/carer’s co-ordination also). Note: Babies don’t have much patience with this exercise so don’t do it for too long.

Crane

Lie or sit the baby on the floor, or lie on your shins. Taking the same side arm and leg, gently stretch in opposite directions
applying pressure but not forcing. Touch the toe and hand together and repeat 3 or 4 times then repeat on the other side.
Repeat the words: “Stretch and catch the toe”/”in and out”

Benefits: Good for co-ordination, arms, legs, shoulders and hips.
Caution: Stop if resistance.

Cradle

Lying baby on their back bring baby’s arms to their chest. Bring their legs in to meet their hands and hold both hands and feet
of one side of the body in one hand and the same with the other hand. Gently rock baby from side to side. Stop when baby
has had enough (5 to 30 seconds). Practise this and eventually when you let go, baby will hold on to their feet themselves.
Benefits: Good for vestibular system, increases co-ordination, good for lower back, massages internal organs and digestive system.

Scissor Legs
Lie baby face up and hold their shins/calves. With the legs straight, cross the legs over each other then back and repeat 5 or 6 times. Make sure that alternate legs are on top.
Benefits: Stretches the thighs, good for flexibility in the hips, improves concentration and balance.
Caution: When opening the legs out only go until you feel resistance.