Stretch into spring: baby animals

Wake up your body for spring with some simple yoga stretches. Encourage your child to join in, showing them what to do as you move into each pose.   

Remember to only do what feels comfortable for your body, and your child. We recommend finding a calm space with plenty of room to move. You can do these simple yoga stretches on a yoga mat, or use a rug, playmat or towel to soften the ground beneath your feet. If you’re between spring showers head outside and do some gentle yoga outdoors in the garden, or even in the park.  

• Sitting comfortably, breathe deeply in and out. It can help to put a hand on your tummy and feel it moving in and out as you breathe to centre yourself. 

• Hatch like a chick. Sitting on your bottom, rest your feet on the floor in front of you with your knees pointing up to the sky. Stretch your arms out as wide and you can, then wrap them around your knees. Rock gently back and forwards on your bottom while you hug you knees, then hatch from your egg by reaching your arms up to the sky! 
• Be a leaping lamb. Stand up tall, with your feet apart. Step back with one leg, and then bend your front knee just a little bit. Take a deep breath then reach out to the side, stretching both your arms. Slowly stand up straight and do it again, moving the other leg backwards this time.  
• Curl up like a bunny. Sit down in a kneeling position with your feet under your bottom. Move into child’s pose by gently curling your body over your knees, bringing your head towards the floor. Stretch both arms up past your head, and stretch out your finger to make your bunny ears. Breathe in deeply and feel your body relax as you breathe out.  

If your child is feeling calm and relaxed, take a moment to both lie on your back. Get comfy and close your eyes. It is okay if your little one is most comfortable wriggling around a little. Listen to the sounds around you and take turns to name what you hear, or talk about how your body feels after the stretches.