The origins of yoga are found in ancient history and yoga has been practised throughout the world for centuries.  Infant Massage is an ancient tradition in many cultures throughout the world which has been re-discovered in the West.   Baby yoga is a fairly new practice based on the age old tradition.  It combines simplified Hatha yoga coupled with rhythmic, more energetic movements that can be likened to Ashtanga yoga. Therefore, it can be active and dynamic, and relaxing and calming!

Before the modern baby devises were around babies were left with freedom to move around and naturally stretch.  These stretches practiced in yoga are naturally what a baby would exhibit if they weren’t restricted to devises like car seat and prams etc.  For every hour that babies spend strapped in cars seats or bouncers, 5 minutes of Baby Yoga provide stretching as a start to a healthy lifestyle.  Baby Yoga offers quality physical stimulation, and can be practiced instantly anywhere at any time and always generates a joyful interaction.

Baby and parent yoga techniques

Rolling cub: This movement will encourage your baby’s sense of coordination and balance. It can also help strengthen the spine and legs.  Sitting on the floor, with baby between your legs facing outwards into the room.  Take both of your baby’s hands and gently roll them around each other. Bring the baby’s arms in for a cuddle. Then roll again and take the arms out.  Roll again and take the arms down – your baby will naturally lean towards to the floor.  Finish by taking the arms up, allowing your baby to stand if they are ready and in the mood to.

Hippo at the hole in the water: A 3-part movement that’s an excellent way to massage baby’s tummy, helping with digestion and wind.  It also helps with spinal mobility and balance.  Kneel on the floor with your baby lying on their back, facing you.  Hold the calves and gently bend the knees towards the tummy. Hold for a few seconds before releasing. Repeat this 3-4 times.  With the legs still bent, rotate the knees in a clockwise direction, so the thighs massage the tummy.  This will help strengthen your baby’s digestive system.  Finally, keeping the knees bent, gently roll your baby from side to side a few times. Then bring your baby back to centre.

Dreaming Giraffe: Relaxation for mum and baby is key to baby yoga, this technique can be used as a method of cool down and relaxation.  No matter what time of day, this is great ‘down time’ for both of you.  Firstly, place some cushions on the floor, and lie your baby down on their back.  Lie on your side next to baby and place your hand on his chest for some gentle reassurance.  Now focus on taking slow and deep breaths.  Aim to lie with your baby like this for 10 minutes. Keep checking on baby, and if they start to fall asleep, lift them up into their cot.  When you are ready, slowly come back up to seated.

Tiger in the tree: An exercise for both parent and baby, helping settle a baby.  It can soothe wind and colic, gives your baby a new perspective on the world, and even protects your back.  Good to tone arms.  Kneel with your baby on your lap, facing out.  Put one arm across the chest, and the other arm through the legs.  Now bring one knee up, then to stand.  Once you’re standing, gently tilt your baby forward, so the belly and chest are resting across your lower arms.  Make sure both baby arms are hanging over yours.  You can gently swing your baby back and forth for a little bit of fun. Make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed.  Change sides to prevent straining your shoulders.