3. Sneak some yoga into song time! Classics such as “Wind the bobbin up” can be turned into a nice chest opener if you squeeze your shoulders back. I typically use this song as a hip opener for little babies, but bigger babies can sit opposite you and use it as a chance for bonding as well as movement.
4. Get moving with them. Sing “Old MacDonald” whilst crawling around the room, then do the animal pose as well as the sound. Lots of yoga poses are animals – cat, cow, dog, horse for example. These are also positions that they will take on naturally as they test their muscles. Babies learn through mimicking and repetition so whilst they may just watch at first, they may eventually try to join in. You could try a zoo theme as well.
5. Use centred holds and lifts to protect your back. It is tempting to sit your baby or toddler on one hip all day, but I know from experience that this will misalign your pelvis. If you must sit them on your hip, switch sides. You can use a “safety hold” instead (one hand under the bottom and one hand around the chest), and as they get bigger rest them facing outwards on the hip. When you stand up with your baby use a lunge, or squat with your knees bent. Bringing this awareness into your daily life will help to prevent problems.
6. Breathe. Practise slow, deep breathing when you comfort your little one, or when it’s time to calm down for nap or bed time. Children pick up a lot on our emotional cues, and teaching our children to relax is important.
Don’t be discouraged if they are more interested in everything else right now! They are learning so much at this age. Both in their physical bodies and their brain development. Their attention span is short, and that is normal. If it’s not working for you then don’t force it. Carve out some time for yoga on your own and reap the benefits of some movement and relaxation.
If you have any questions on my ideas, or would like to share your own, please get in touch on amber@zenmuma.co.uk. I also teach Postnatal only yoga classes so get in touch for more information.