Pregnancy Exercises
Why New Moms Should Practice Yoga With Their Babies
Discover why practising yoga with your baby boosts bonding, digestion, sleep, and development. Learn safe poses for infants and toddlers to enjoy together.
Practising yoga is extremely beneficial for a mom from pregnancy to after delivery. The next time you roll out your yoga mat, make sure to have your baby there with you. Practising yoga with your baby is a fantastic way to bond with them while boosting development in infants and toddlers. Research suggests that introducing your baby to yoga sets the foundation for a healthy and fit future.
Benefits of Practising Yoga With Your Baby
| Benefit | How It Helps |
| Digestion | Aids better digestion for your baby and reduces colic gas. |
| Development | Gentle movements kick off motor skill and neuromuscular development, fostering the mind/body connection. |
| Exercise Ethic | Establishes healthy habits that will stick with your child into the future. |
| Stress Relief | Reduces anxiety common for new mothers and creates a peaceful environment. |
| Sleep | Improves sleep for both baby and mother so the family sleeps better and longer. |
| Parent-Child Bonding | Strengthens the bond you already share with your little one. |
| Self-Esteem | Instils positive body image and increases confidence in handling your baby. |
Before starting, make sure your little one is willing - never force them to practise if they are cranky, hungry, or sleepy. Watch for signs they are not enjoying it and stop immediately. Come back to it when they are willing and happy.
Simple Yoga Movements for Infants
- Simple stretch: Lay your child on their back and extend their arms over their head with legs straight. Hold for a breath or two and release.
- Knees to chest: Lay your baby on their back and slowly bring one knee to their chest. Hold for a breath and release, then change legs. You can bring both knees up simultaneously if your baby needs help releasing gas. Move gently and slowly.
Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
- Carry this asana out very slowly with blankets under you in case your baby slides off your legs.
- Sit erect on the floor with legs straight in front of you and buttocks supported. Flex your feet.
- Place your child with their back on your legs, facing you. Use a blanket for comfort.
- Inhale and reach out to your baby with your arms, bending your back and trying to touch your toes. Push until you feel a nice stretch. Exhale.
- Maintain this pose breathing deeply for 10 seconds or until your child is happy in this position.
- Maintain eye contact and talk to your little one while reaching out - a wonderful way to bond with them.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog Pose)
- Get on your hands and knees with knees under hips and hands under shoulders. Place your baby in the space under your belly on their back.
- Lift your knees back and extend, pushing your pelvis up and heels back towards the floor. Try to keep legs straight or alternate bending your knees.
- Look down at your baby, smile and laugh. When coming down on your knees, give them a little kiss. If your child can crawl, they may love crawling under you or try to imitate you.
- Maintain for 10-20 seconds, breathing deeply and coming down slowly.
Setu Bandha (Bridge Pose)
- This is a pose your 6-month-old can practise.
- Lay your child on their back and encourage them to bend their knees.
- Support their body while pushing up their bottom to achieve the bridge pose. Encourage them with kind words, coos, and claps.
- Hold for a breath and repeat if they enjoy it. Do not push your child into perfecting the asana - small movements matter most.
- Practise side by side so they can imitate you.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose)
- Lay on your back with eyes closed and hands and legs straight out. Do this at the end of your yoga session for complete relaxation.
- Breathe slowly, letting go of any tension in your body.
- Have your baby lie on your chest with their head on your heart.
- Make sure shoulder blades rest evenly on the mat.
- Stay here as long as you like, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Your even breathing might lull both you and your child to sleep.
Kimberly-Clark India makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.
FAQs on Why new moms should practice yoga with their babies
Practising yoga with your baby boosts bonding, aids digestion, reduces colic gas, improves sleep for both mother and baby, supports motor skill and neuromuscular development, reduces anxiety, and establishes healthy habits for the future.
Baby yoga aids digestion, reduces colic gas, kick-starts motor skill and neuromuscular development, fosters the mind/body connection, improves sleep, and strengthens the parent-child bond. Research suggests it sets the foundation for a healthy future.
Two simple poses for infants include the Simple Stretch (extending arms overhead with legs straight while lying on their back) and Knees to Chest (slowly bringing one or both knees to the chest to help release gas). Both should be done gently.
Sit erect with legs straight and place your baby on your legs facing you. Inhale and reach toward your toes, bending your back for a nice stretch. Hold for 10 seconds while maintaining eye contact. Keep blankets nearby for safety.
Yes, place your baby under your belly on their back while you get into Downward Dog. Lift your knees, push your pelvis up, and hold for 10-20 seconds. Look down at your baby, smile, and give them a kiss when coming down.
Bridge Pose can be introduced to babies from 6 months old. Lay your child on their back, encourage them to bend their knees, and support their body while gently pushing up their bottom. Do not push for perfection - small movements matter most.
Avoid doing yoga with your baby if they are cranky, hungry, or sleepy. Never force them to practise. Watch for signs they are not enjoying it and stop immediately. Come back to it when they are willing and happy.
Shavasana promotes complete relaxation for both mother and baby. Lay on your back with your baby on your chest, their head on your heart. Breathe slowly and let go of tension. Your even breathing may lull both of you to sleep.
