Yoga with Baby

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Daily yoga practice is a great way for moms to gain flexibility and escape the stresses of life. Your baby can also become stressed and this can affect the baby in many ways. One way to deal with this would be to practice yoga with your baby. “Practicing yoga with your baby isn't just an adorable good time—as the two of you bond, you’re toning your entire body as she develops motor skills. While you challenge your core, thighs, arms and shoulders during this gentle yoga practice, your baby benefits, too. It will help her/him sleep longer and help stimulate her/his mental and physical development" (Bump Baby and Beyond).


"Yoga movements can mimic the soothing rocking motion your baby felt while in the womb," Garabedian says. "This stimulates the relaxation response in both of you, helping you and your baby fall asleep easier and sleep longer." The National Association of Sports and Physical Education  (NASPE) recommends that infants get daily physical activity, and yoga is a great, gentle place to start—and the perfect way to ease your baby into a lifelong appreciation for exercise” (Fit Pregnancy: Yoga Buddies).

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Mini Cobra:

Lie your baby on their tummy. Sit tall and straight to protect your back and help your posture. Begin by stroking from the shoulders to the hands; the baby should raise their head. Mini cobra is a great position to give your baby a gentle massage. From 12 weeks your baby will begin to lift their head by themselves whenever they are on their tummy.

Roller Coaster:

Sit with baby face down across your lap and cushion the floor under their head. Support with one hand on their back. Gently bend your leg under their chest to raise baby up, then lower. Bend your other leg under their hips to raise them so hips are slightly higher than head. Repeat a few times. Make sure you're sitting up straight. Good for babies older than at least 12 weeks old.

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Knees to Chest:

Lie baby on their back. Hold your baby's legs around the calves and bend them open slightly wider than hips. Press baby's knees up to sides of abdomen under rib cage. Release pressure and relax completely. Repeat a few times. If baby resists or seems uncomfortable, try wiggling the leg gently to ease resistance or wait until later. Suitable for newborns.

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Leg Lifts:

Lie on your back with baby face-down on your chest. Bring your knees toward your chest and place baby tummy-down on your shins. Provide support by holding baby's torso at all times and support baby's head with your hands or knees. Lift your head and shoulders toward baby to tighten your abdominal muscles and play peek-a-boo with baby.

Lower your head and bring your knees closer to your chest. Hold for 10-20 seconds. Gently raise your shins up and lower them down to soothe baby and tighten your leg muscles. Repeat. Maintain eye contact and sing to your baby!

References:
2 simple Baby Yoga moves for Tummy Time
Colic? Try Baby Yoga
Yoga Buddies Workout Moves