Helen Garabedian's Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Children
Parent Child Interaction, Relaxation, and Socialization Through Yoga
Aug 11, 2009
Helen Garabedian is a yoga instructor and a mother. So it makes sense that in 1999 she decided to combine her love of yoga and children to create Itsy Bitsy Yoga. Helen has since written two books, created a line of baby yoga clothing, and created several DVDs, all in the Itsy Bitsy Yoga line.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga Books
Garabedian has written two books instructing parents how to do Itsy Bitsy Yoga with their children. The first book, Itsy Bitsy Yoga: Poses to Help Your Baby Sleep Longer, Digest Better, and Grow Stronger [Fireside, 2004], is geared toward younger babies. The poses are mostly with baby on his back or in a parent's lap. The second book, Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers: 8-Minute Routines to Help Your Child Grow Smarter, Be Happier, and Behave Better [Da Capo Press, 2008], is for older children who are able to stand, walk, and participate more in the yoga activities.
Instructional Yoga DVDs
There are currently 3 DVDs in the Itsy Bitsy Yoga line. Two are for babies from birth to 10 months. Play n' Flourish is for active time, while Sleep n' Grow helps babies relax and helps soothe them for bed.
The third DVD is called Mamacise (Post-Natal Yoga). This is for new mothers, and the DVD includes bonus yoga moves for baby. The moves for mother are able to be performed while holding or playing with the baby.
Organic Cotton Infant Clothing
Helen Garabedian, in partnership with iPlay/Green Sprouts, has a line of organic bamboo yoga clothing for babies. Green Sprouts is a division of iPlay, which makes baby and toddler clothing and outerwear. Green Sprouts products are eco-friendly, and include bio-degradeable rattles and teethers.
The Itsy Bitsy Yoga line is all made from organic cotton or bamboo, and includes shirts, pants, bodysuits, and leggings. All the pieces are available in coordinating colors, and all are comfortable and appropriate for baby to wear during Itsy Bitsy Yoga activities.
Infant and Toddler Yoga Classes
Last, but not least in the Itsy Bitsy Yoga family is the classes. Helen Garabedian herself trains instructors who then hold classes in yoga studios and public spaces across the USA, and in over 12 countries. Instructors are trained and certified in one of three types of Itsy Bitsy Yoga.
Classes are held at 4 levels. Baby is for birth to crawling, Tot is for crawling to 24 months, and Tyke is for 24 months to 4.5 years. Little Family classes for families including more than one child are also available, which include poses from different class levels. Positions and activities are all age-appropriate. Babies do poses on their backs, held in a caregiver's arms, in laps, or sitting on their own. Parents or caregivers also get to enjoy a little bit of yoga and relaxation, although no yoga experience is required. The atmosphere is very loving and relaxing, and it's not a problem if baby doesn't want to cooperate at certain times.
Itsy Bitsy Yoga is a fun activity for new parents and their children. Both parent and child can interact with peers in classes, or practice at home from DVDs and books.For more information about Itsy Bitsy Yoga, or to purchase products or find a nearby class, please visit the Itsy Bitsy Yoga website.
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