Baby Yoga [Paperback]

I ordered both books availible on this topic and found this one to be far more practical and user friendly. The illustrations and discriptions of different techniques are easy for those inexperienced at yoga to follow. I found the sequence on relieving colic to be especially useful for me and my little one. My baby loves our "Yoga time" during the day!

BABY YOGA gives a beautiful insight into how the practise of Hatha Yoga postures can be introduced in a safe way to babies - from birth to toddlers - by their mothers, fathers and carers.

The book is written from Dr. Freedmans personal experience as both a mother of four children and from work and research with mothers in the Amazonian Jungle and India where the practise of infant massage has long been a part of their cultural tradition.

The book begins with an introduction to the benefits of baby massage and yoga - physical stimulation, suppleness and strength of the spine, benefits to the bodily systems as well as the 'bonding process' between mother and child are discussed.

The exercises are divided into age groups - birth to eight weeks, eight weeks to four months and eight months+. The postures and relaxation techniques are introduced gradually, thus assisting the development of the chiles motor and sensory skills whilst being sensitive to their emotional needs. The mood in which the book is written is one of happiness and joy and on reading, one feels as though the idea of well-being reaches out and touches the reader.

The sequences are gentle yet progressive and the methodology to each posture is detailed both in written and picture form thus making them easy to follow. The benefits to each posture are also explained - eg, the 'hip sequence' works on opening the babies hip and knee joints, tones the spine as well as working on the babys abdominal organs thus helping with conditions such as colic and other digestive complaints.

Of course the baby isnt the only one to benefit from the practises detailed in the book. There is a very big emphasis on communication between mother and child both from a fun, energetic perspective as well as a relaxation angle. Many different methods of relaxation are included which can help the mother - eg relaxation and post natal depression.

Specific ailments are also discussed, the article on crying was a fabulous read (pages 126/127) and one could imagine it would be an invaluable read to any new mother.

Safety as well as performing postures appropriate to the childs age, needs and ability are very much a part of baby yoga. The book is very keen to stress that the mtoher 'make contact' and seek their childs permission before embarking on their yoga session. Handy tips such as never forcing a childs arms apart before they are ready as well as letting mum know that it is 'ok' to turn their child upside down (in the headstand) even if they get a few horrified looks from their parents and peer group!

The book emphasises that yoga can become very much a part of everyday life. The section on relaxed holds (pages 40/41) and picking your baby up (pages 88/89) are a super read since no one really ever shows a new mother the correct way to hold their child that will safeguard the mothers posture and feel more comfortable to their baby.

A wonderful read to anyone who has a newborn child or is considering becoming a parent. I would recommend reading it in conjunction with watching the Baby Yoga video.

S Lynch - The Yoga Studio

› Go to Amazon U.S. to see both reviews  4.5 out of 5 stars