Toddler Yoga Poses

In traditional yoga practice, children didn't start learning yoga until they were 8 years old. However, yoga provides many benefits to children and toddlers, which has resulted in courses and books teaching yoga to younger children. Yoga helps develop body awareness and control. Studies suggest it improves attention and emotional control in children as well. Young children and toddlers enjoy yoga because of its many poses that imitate animals and nature.

Butterfly Pose

Although toddlers already have hip flexibility, the butterfly pose is fun and calming. Sitting on the floor with the bottoms of the feet together, the toddler lets the knees drop open to the side. These are the wings, which the toddler can gently flap up and down. For fun, the toddler can hold her hands over her head with her index fingers pointed toward the ceiling for antennae.

Lion Pose

Lion pose releases tension in the chest and face. And for toddlers, it can release body tension through roaring like a lion. The toddler sits with his knees on the floor and his bottom on his heels. With hands on the floor in front of his body, the toddler opens his mouth wide, sticking out his tongue and roaring.

Downward Facing Dog Pose

Downward facing dog relieves stress and improves digestion. Starting in cat position on all fours, the toddler pushes her bottom up toward the ceiling, keeping her hands flat on the floor. For fun, she can bark like a dog and wiggle her bottom as if wagging her tail. Another variation is to lift one leg, hold for a breath, lower and then raise the other leg.

Cat and Cow Poses

Cat and cow poses, sometimes referred to as moving cat, massage the spine and belly. While on hands and knees, the toddler drops the belly toward the floor, lifts the head and meows. Next, he moves his back up toward the ceiling in a rounded position while dropping his head down for a big cat stretch. Repeat several times.

Sunrise and Sunset Pose

Sunrise and sunset poses stretch the belly and hamstrings, relieve mild anxiety and improve digestion. During the sunrise phase, the toddler lifts her arms overhead as high as she can reach them. Next comes the sunset in which the toddler bends forward at the waist reaching the hands toward the floor.

Volcano

Volcano is a fun pose that can allow a toddler to let off steam. While standing with hands pressed together over the heart, the toddler slowly raises his arms over head and explodes them outward while making blasting noises. The toddler can jump during the blasting phase for a bigger effect.