How to Do Infant Yoga

Yoga is one of the world's oldest and best-known forms of exercise for mind, body and spirit. Wonderfully adapted classes allow mothers of infants to practice yoga with their babies introducing them to the art of yoga while creating a bonding experience you will treasure for a lifetime.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Lay your baby on their back and make good eye contact with the baby. Begin by gently stroking her stomach in circular motions and move down her legs with long strokes.
2. Pull your baby's knees to his chest while he is still lying on his back. Hold the position for a few seconds then gently release the pose and stroke the baby's legs and tummy to help him relax.
3. Circle one thigh clockwise while moving the leg into in the chest. Finish by gently stretching the leg straight lengthening the muscle as you do so. Alternate the same pose with the other leg.
4. Move baby's legs in bicycle motion, alternately lengthening one leg while the other is up to the chest. Movements should be slow and gentle, always keeping eye contact with your baby.
5. Finish floor poses by again stroking your baby's tummy in circular motions, gently squeezing their thighs as though you were removing water from a sponge moving down the leg to the ankle. Rotate the ankles in one direction, then the other. Finally take both hands and place them on the side of baby's head and in one sweeping motion, move down their entire body making a soft swooshing sound.
6. Sit cross-legged on the floor and hold your baby close to your chest. Breathe loudly, yet rhythmically, inhaling and exhaling through your nose. This should sound much like ocean waves rolling in and out. This is good to soothe a crying or fussy baby and for bonding with your baby and to help mommies stay calm and centered.