Babies have experienced being rocked by their mothers through pregnancy. After birth gentle movement and touch together are the basis of synesthesia (the integration of sensory experience, the way babies unify their sensory experiences in a general way through an emotional interaction with their parents or trusted carers). The many practices of baby yoga provide recourses to handle babies in ways that they enjoy and that is good for them at every stage of development. An expanding spiral of joy is created between parent and baby as babies express their delight and parents’ warm responses generate even greater delight.
Physical benefits
In one short daily session, babies receive as much physical activity as if they were handled for a few hours. Birthight offers daily routines for parents to engage constructively with their babies from birth as a foundation for future regular exercise
Baby Yoga promotes more and better sleep
Regular movement promotes a more ‘settled’ behavior with less extreme ups and downs.
Physiological / developmental benefits
All the babies bodily systems are stimulated, including the digestive and nervous systems
Baby Yoga offers recourses to keep babies contented between feeds and helps alleviate wind and colic
Baby Yoga reduces the frustration of babies in the transition of one developmental stage to another while assisting their transitions
Tactile stimulation has been shown to contribute to the development of the brain and the nervous system.
Psychological benefits
Baby yoga helps the parent and baby to get to know each other better through active means of communication that are easy to learn and practice
New challenges introduced at a pace that babies can absorb and integrate increase their ability to cope positively with new situations
Active interaction with parents is the foundation for future positive social relations over the early years and beyond
Joint relaxation is mutually beneficial for parents and babies and enhances non-verbal communication between them. Early birth trauma can be resolved and healed through this loving interaction.
