Baby Yoga: Playfulness and Connection

Baby Yoga. Have you ever wondered how to introduce the wonderful world of yoga to our tiniest yogis, the babies and toddlers? You’re not alone!

Today, we’re diving into the enchanting world of Baby Yoga, where playfulness and a touch of silliness take center stage to engage and connect with our little ones in the most delightful ways.

We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the incredible Shari Vilchez-Blatt of Karma Kids Yoga, a true expert in the art of Baby Yoga. She brings a sense of joy and wonder to her classes that’s bound to capture the hearts of both parents and babies alike.

Shari’s Journey: New York City’s Baby Yoga Guru

Over two decades ago, Shari opened her very own kids yoga studio in the heart of New York City. After two years, she embarked on an exciting journey by undertaking baby yoga training.

This journey marked the beginning of her mommy and me yoga classes, a truly unique experience for both babies and parents.

As fate would have it, Shari was pregnant at the time, allowing her to deeply empathize with new moms, creating an inviting and tight-knit community.

Exploring the World of Baby Yoga Classes

Shari shares the many ways that you can offer baby yoga classes as a kids yoga teacher:

1-Mommy and Me Yoga

These classes are a haven for moms (or dads) who want to practice yoga themselves while their little bundles of joy explore the yoga mat alongside them. It’s a unique bonding experience like no other.

2-Baby Yoga and Developmental Movement Classes

In these sessions, adults help babies get into age-appropriate yoga poses, fostering their physical development, balance, and coordination.

3-Baby Room in Daycares

Imagine a room full of babies getting their own ten-minute yoga experience! It’s like a mini yoga round robin for our youngest yogis, with caring adults guiding them through gentle movements.

4-Baby Yoga Story Time

Combining a captivating fusion of storytelling and yoga moves, this class is open to moms, dads, nannies, caregivers, or grandparents. It’s perfect for those who prefer to assist their babies in exploring the wonders of yoga.

Why Baby Yoga Is a Magical Adventure

Babies are natural yogis! They instinctively practice yoga poses like Cobra Pose, Cat Pose, Cow Pose, Downward-Facing Dog Pose, and Squat Pose, proving that yoga is in their DNA. Shari shares her firsthand experiences, revealing the benefits of baby yoga:

Eases digestion and relieves constipation.
Offers relief for colicky babies.
Enhances sleep patterns in terms of duration and frequency.
Strengthens their growing muscles.
Creates playful and silly bonds with adults.

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4 Essential Tips for Teaching Baby Yoga

1-Maintain a Positive and Open Mindset:

In the world of baby yoga, there’s no such thing as a “wrong” moment. Be ready for anything, whether it’s a meltdown, crying, breastfeeding, or even a diaper explosion. Embrace humor and create a calm, welcoming space for parents and caregivers.

2-Craft the Perfect Environment:

Whether you’re outdoors or indoors, pay attention to lighting and soothing music to create a serene ambiance. Tune in to the needs and preferences of both moms and babies.

3-Incorporate Tummy Time:

Babies need around 40 minutes of tummy time daily. In your yoga class, you can provide this by placing babies on your tummies or lower legs during poses like Boat Pose. Let babies practice their Cobra Pose with your loving support.

4-Build a Positive, Caring Community:

Encourage parents to stay after class to connect and make friends. Building a supportive community is essential, especially for new moms who might be seeking social interaction and camaraderie.

Recommended Props, Resources, and Training for Baby Yoga

Shari’s toolkit includes an egg shaker for each baby to enjoy during class. During a mommy and me yoga class, she also puts out sensory balls, soft Gund balls, stacking cups, teething toys, building foam blocks, and a playful tunnel to keep the babies engaged while the adults practice their vinyasa. Plus, there’s Marcus, the friendly teddy bear who helps demonstrate baby yoga poses!

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Baby Yoga, Karma Kids Yoga offers a 4-hour training program titled “Baby Yoga & Developmental Movement Teacher Training,” available both in person and virtually. This comprehensive training covers baby yoga poses, songs, routines, and the various stages of development.

So there you have it! Baby Yoga is a world filled with wonder, laughter, and endless opportunities for growth and connection. It’s a magical journey where playfulness meets development, and we hope this has ignited your passion for sharing the joy of yoga with our tiniest yogis!