New Moms: Need an Activity? Try Yoga with Your Baby!

After you have a baby, it can be hard finding ways to exercise, relax, and center your mind. If you liked yoga before you had your baby or are looking for a way to stay healthy, don’t think for an instant that you have to give up yoga if you can’t find someone to watch your little bundle of joy.

Not only are baby yoga poses created to accommodate varying levels of experience, but they also help you find a fun way to get back in shape that isn’t as monotonous as using an elliptical or treadmill by yourself.

The following are some of the best yoga poses that will also help stimulate the development of your little one while simultaneously helping you work off that extra baby-weight and improve your mental and physical health.

1. Push-Kisses from the Plank Pose

Assume the planking position with your stomach facing the mat and tuck your toes in. Be sure to keep your elbows tucked in tight to your body to focus the exercise on your upper arms. Instead of lowering yourself an inch or two off the ground as you would with a regular push-up, slowly lower yourself just enough to kiss your baby.

2. Baby Squats

This exercise will work your lower body. Hold your baby in front of you and make sure your feet are more than shoulder-width apart. Point your toes outward and squat until your upper-legs are almost parallel to the ground. Try to keep your knees directly over your ankles to maximize the amount of work your legs need to do.

3. The Boat

Sit on floor with your little one in your lap. As you hold your baby, lean back slightly and lift your legs until your calves are parallel with the mat. You can try to hold this pose as long as you see fit, but only 10 to 20 seconds will give your abdominal muscles a good workout.

4. Leg Lifts

This is likely a baby’s favorite exercise. Begin in the sitting position with your feet flat on the mat in front of you. Rest your baby’s stomach on your shins. Either hold on to your baby’s hands or body and slowly roll back until your back is on the mat and your baby is above your face. Move your legs back and forth or from side to side to help use your baby’s weight to strengthen the pelvic floor. Not only does this help give you exercise, but it is extremely fun for babies.

5. The Tree

Stand upright and hold your baby in front of your chest. Balance on one leg, and tuck the sole of your other foot flat on your thigh or calf with your knee pointing away from your body. Roll your shoulders back, keep good back posture, and remember to breath.

Whether this is your first child or not, there is a lot of stress related to being the mother of a newborn. Fortunately, yoga will help reduce stress, calm your nerves, mitigate anxiety, and even help you bond with your baby!