A Guide to Mummy and Baby Yoga
Baby yoga is the latest trend in parenting and is becoming increasingly popular for new mothers. Even celebrity mums such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Uma Thurman have been known to practice it. So, what is this trend all about and how can baby yoga benefit you and your little one? This week, Fancy Kids are taking a closer look at mummy and baby yoga, so keep reading to find out more.
What is Baby Yoga?
Just like regular yoga, baby yoga is a gentle and relaxing form of exercise. It is a great way for mum and baby to bond while enjoying some easy physical activity that help with baby’s development. You don’t need to be a yoga expert to take part in baby yoga as it is very easy to follow. A class usually involves some gentle strokes and massages to begin, then some simple yoga moves and stretches, twists and movements which are often accompanied by singing and rhymes. Relaxation techniques are used to wind down at the end. Baby yoga offers both physical and psychological benefits for mum and baby.
Physical Benefits of Baby Yoga
If your baby isn’t sleeping very well, baby yoga is thought to provide better and longer sleep. The gentle rocking movements and strokes help to promote relaxation and more settled behavior.Baby yoga also helps to stimulate the digestive system and can alleviate wind, constipation and colic.In fact, tactile stimulation and movement can help with all areas of your baby’s development. According to yoga teacher Hannah Wright from The Tatty Bumpkin, infants who take part in baby yoga are said to be stronger and more mobile, have better co-ordination and often crawl earlier.Baby yoga is great for mum too, acting as a gentle way to ease back into exercise after pregnancy and birth.
Psychological Benefits of Baby Yoga
Baby yoga doesn’t just benefit your baby’s physical development. It’s a great way for mother and child to get to know each other better and bond on an emotional and psychological level.The close interaction between you and your baby creates a foundation for positive relationships in the future and helps to develop non-verbal communication and trust. For mothers who have suffered from a traumatic birth or post-natal depression, this is very important. Group activities will help your baby to improve their social interaction outside of your relationship, increasing their ability to cope well with new situations in everyday life. In addition, baby yoga classes are a positive social environment for mum and a great way to meet and talk to other new parents.
Are you an advocate of baby yoga? Let us know your thoughts on this subject in the comments below!