Q: My baby is too old for Baby Yoga & Play but not walking yet, is there a class?

Yes! That’s Tot Yoga , which is for crawlers (or near crawlers) and walkers up to 24 months.

Question 1

Baby Yoga & Play Series Registration and Attendance

Jen Mueller · Accepted Answer

Baby Yoga & Play classes are offered in 3-6-week series. Full registration required, no drop-ins. moms and babies in yoga class

We know it's hard to get out of the house with a newborn, that naps are sometimes unpredictable, and life can be complicated . . . and that's why we are requiring series registration for this class. Committing to the whole series makes it infinitely more likely that you actually attend. It far too easy to say "oh, I'll go next week" if you are planning on dropping in. If you end up with an unavoidable conflict, illness, or disrupted nap-time, you can take advantage of our generous makeup policy.

Make Up Options for Baby Yoga & Play

Because it's hard to convince babies to be born and maternity leaves to be set on our schedule, we offer lots of flexibility:

If students must miss a class, they are welcome to
- attend any other family yoga class as a makeup within the same timeframe, or
- bring a friend to class as a makeup. See makeup class FAQs for details.
Any of baby's favorite grownups are welcome in this class - mom, dad, grandparent, nanny . . . and the same adult need not attend each time. Registration is for one adult-baby on a weekly basis, but occasional visitors are welcome to attend as well.
Partial registration: If there is room in the class once the series begins, late registration will remain open for the first 1/3 of the series. Registration automatically prorates. If you can't complete a series but can commit to 2/3 of the series in consecutive weeks - say because you are going back to work before our series ends - contact us about partial enrollment.

So what does this mean?

If a full series conflicts with work or travel, feel free to attend multiple times a week during the weeks you can attend.
If you are going back to work and baby will be home with a nanny or other caregiver, feel free to have them attend in your stead.

Still not sure if Baby Yoga & Play is right for you? That's why we have a no-risk registration policy. If you attend your first class and decide it's not a good fit, we make it easy to drop a class series. Read all of our class policies and FAQs.

Question 2

Do you have any trial classes scheduled?

Jen Mueller · Accepted Answer

Occasionally we offer pop up classes for families to try out a single class with no commitment. Those tend to happen at the end of a term, but Baby Yoga & Play is scheduled for semi-monthly weekend pop up classes and Family Yoga (ages 4+) is sometimes offered in that format!

Upcoming Pop Up Classes

[ai1ec tag_name="pop-up" view="stream"]

Get on our newsletter list to be notified when pop ups are scheduled.

[et_bloom_inline optin_id=optin_2]

Question 3

What is your "no risk refund policy" for weekly kids and family classes?

Jen Mueller · Accepted Answer

A common hesitation to signing up for a weekly class is that parents aren’t sure it will be the right fit for their child. We get that. It can be hard to even imagine a toddler or preschooler yoga or sign language class if you’ve never attended one .

That’s why we offer a No Risk Refund Policy – Register and come (or log-in) to the first class. If you notify us in writing within 24 hours of class that you will not be able to continue the session, you will pay only $20 ($15 if online) for the class you attended. (See refund policies for more information.)

Question 4

My maternity leave ends before your Baby Yoga class series is over, can I still come?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

We have never been able to talk babies into being born on our series schedule, so offer a very flexible makeup policy and partial registration.

If you are able to commit to the majority of a series, we can set up a partial registration for you at the series rate. Simply contact us with your specific dates.

Of course, if your child will be home with a family member or nanny when you go back to work, you are welcome to have the join class when your leave ends.

Question 5

What happens if baby needs to eat or be changed or falls asleep during class?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2251" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/baby-yoga-705-250x141.jpg" alt="baby yoga class" width="250" height="141" />That’s fine too. We are not running baby boot-camp.

Question 6

What happens if my baby cries?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3599" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/Baby-Me-Yoga-1-250x250.jpg" alt="baby yoga" width="250" height="250" />Your baby will cry.

Let’s just get that out in the open. That’s how babies communicate; it’s totally fine.

Even the fussiest babies are welcome in Baby & Me Yoga. Your instructor will not be distressed and is happy to have you there and, I promise, the other moms/caregivers have been there and will be far less upset about your baby fussing than you will be. Please join us.

Question 7

My baby is only 3 or 4 weeks old when the class starts, do I need to wait for the 6-week appointment to attend?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4777" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_2199-3-e1469365649299-250x141.jpg" alt="moms and babies in yoga class" width="250" height="141" />Generally, class is most appropriate after 6 weeks. We strongly recommend that you be cleared for exercise, especially if you had a surgical birth or complications. Baby too tends to be more ready to participate after about 6 weeks. A 45-minute class is a long time for a newborn. Very young babies often sleep, eat, or fuss their way through class.

That said, you are still welcome to come. We’ve had moms happily start class as soon as they are ready to be out and about, modifying exercises that are too strenuous (such as skipping the abs) and addressing baby’s needs as they arise. Sometimes, just being at class is what mom needs. If that’s you, please come.

If you would like to wait until the six week mark but class is already starting, don’t fret. Late registration is welcome for several weeks into the series as long as there is room in the class. We are happy to reserve your child’s spot in advance if you contact us.

Question 8

Will I get a workout in Baby Yoga & Play? Do I need workout clothing?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

Baby Yoga & Play focuses on the interaction between baby and caregiver with lots of baby-centric activities, but we do incorporate postpartum appropriate stretching and strengthening for caregivers.

It is not designed as a workout for caregivers, but you do need to be prepared to move and we hope you will leave feeling better in your body than you arrived.

We spend a good portion of the class sitting criss-cross or in other positions on the floor and we get up and down several times. Almost every class incorporates lunges or squats while holding baby as well as some shoulder or low-back exercises for caregivers. All postures can be modified to address caregiver movement limitations.

Comfortable, stretchy clothing is important and jeans are not recommended.

Question 9

Can I bring my toddler / older child to Baby Yoga & Play?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

That may not work. There isn’t a lot to entertain big kids at baby yoga, but we have occasionally had parents bring older children, mostly when other plans for them have fallen through or school is closed. Siblings are welcome in that circumstance. We do not recommend bringing older children on a weekly basis. If you need to bring your older child, we recommend bringing quiet toys or books and arriving a few minutes early to set up a space for your child and to set expectations. Please check in with the instructor ahead of time if possible. If we hold class on a day that school is closed, we’ll be very flexible in our planning. If there were ever enough demand for childcare during one of our series, we would definitely consider that. If you want to take class with a toddler and infant regularly, consider attending Little Families Yoga instead or doing a makeup in that class if you decide to skip rather than attend baby yoga.

Question 10

My baby is too old for Baby Yoga & Play but not walking yet, is there a class?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

Yes! That’s Tot Yoga, which is for crawlers (or near crawlers) and walkers up to 24 months.

Question 11

How are Breathing Space Baby Yoga & Play classes different from postnatal yoga or classes offered elsewhere?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

There are a lot of yoga studios advertising parent & baby classes, but it's sometimes hard to tell from the descriptions what will actually happen in class.

baby yoga class

Some instructors focus exclusively on mom. They keep the lights low and the room warm in the hopes that baby will sleep.

Some instructors incorporate infant massage and movements in the first few minutes of class and then shift their attention to adult yoga for the rest of the class.

In a lot of classes, baby's roll is relegated to being used as a weight, all be it a very cute one.

While there's nothing wrong with any of these approaches, that's not what we are doing at Breathing Space.

baby yoga class

Baby Yoga & Play focuses on the interaction between baby and caregiver with lots of baby-centric activities, but we do incorporate postpartum appropriate stretching and strengthening for caregivers.

baby in tummy time pose Babies participate while on their backs, tummies, or held in loving arms. For grownups, this class is a special opportunity to meet other parents and caregivers, get support, and learn about baby’s emerging personality

[caption id="attachment_4503" align="alignright" width="250"] Baby & Me Yoga Class

We blend baby moves with postures for parents[/caption]

Grownups in Baby Yoga & Play will also get to do a bit of postpartum-appropriate yoga themselves, including strength- and flexibility-building postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to address common physical complaints and mental/emotional stressors during the new-parent period.

Breathing Space Baby Yoga & Play series also incorporates developmental topics and time for parent-to-parent support during class. Our hope is that the community built in yoga will carry over into friendships and playdates off the mat.

Most appropriate from 6-weeks until baby is mobile. Moms, dads, grandparents or other caregivers welcome. No previous yoga experience necessary; be prepared/dressed for movement.

Question 12

What should I bring to Baby Yoga & Play? Do I need a yoga mat?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignleft wp-image-4953 size-medium" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0396-e1473861947555-250x237.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" srcset="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0396-e1473861947555-250x237.jpg 250w, https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0396-e1473861947555.jpg 453w" alt="playing in baby yoga" width="250" height="237" />Please bring a baby blanket and small, quiet toy to all our class locations.

Most of our venues have a few yoga mats to lend, but you may prefer your own yoga mat for hygiene or comfort. If so, please bring one.

Question 13

Baby Yoga & Play Series Registration and Attendance

Jen Mueller · Accepted Answer

Baby Yoga & Play classes are offered in 3-6-week series. Full registration required, no drop-ins. moms and babies in yoga class

We know it's hard to get out of the house with a newborn, that naps are sometimes unpredictable, and life can be complicated . . . and that's why we are requiring series registration for this class. Committing to the whole series makes it infinitely more likely that you actually attend. It far too easy to say "oh, I'll go next week" if you are planning on dropping in. If you end up with an unavoidable conflict, illness, or disrupted nap-time, you can take advantage of our generous makeup policy.

Make Up Options for Baby Yoga & Play

Because it's hard to convince babies to be born and maternity leaves to be set on our schedule, we offer lots of flexibility:

If students must miss a class, they are welcome to
- attend any other family yoga class as a makeup within the same timeframe, or
- bring a friend to class as a makeup. See makeup class FAQs for details.
Any of baby's favorite grownups are welcome in this class - mom, dad, grandparent, nanny . . . and the same adult need not attend each time. Registration is for one adult-baby on a weekly basis, but occasional visitors are welcome to attend as well.
Partial registration: If there is room in the class once the series begins, late registration will remain open for the first 1/3 of the series. Registration automatically prorates. If you can't complete a series but can commit to 2/3 of the series in consecutive weeks - say because you are going back to work before our series ends - contact us about partial enrollment.

So what does this mean?

If a full series conflicts with work or travel, feel free to attend multiple times a week during the weeks you can attend.
If you are going back to work and baby will be home with a nanny or other caregiver, feel free to have them attend in your stead.

Still not sure if Baby Yoga & Play is right for you? That's why we have a no-risk registration policy. If you attend your first class and decide it's not a good fit, we make it easy to drop a class series. Read all of our class policies and FAQs.

Question 14

Do you have any trial classes scheduled?

Jen Mueller · Accepted Answer

Occasionally we offer pop up classes for families to try out a single class with no commitment. Those tend to happen at the end of a term, but Baby Yoga & Play is scheduled for semi-monthly weekend pop up classes and Family Yoga (ages 4+) is sometimes offered in that format!

Upcoming Pop Up Classes

[ai1ec tag_name="pop-up" view="stream"]

Get on our newsletter list to be notified when pop ups are scheduled.

[et_bloom_inline optin_id=optin_2]

Question 15

What is your "no risk refund policy" for weekly kids and family classes?

Jen Mueller · Accepted Answer

A common hesitation to signing up for a weekly class is that parents aren’t sure it will be the right fit for their child. We get that. It can be hard to even imagine a toddler or preschooler yoga or sign language class if you’ve never attended one .

That’s why we offer a No Risk Refund Policy – Register and come (or log-in) to the first class. If you notify us in writing within 24 hours of class that you will not be able to continue the session, you will pay only $20 ($15 if online) for the class you attended. (See refund policies for more information.)

Question 16

My maternity leave ends before your Baby Yoga class series is over, can I still come?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

We have never been able to talk babies into being born on our series schedule, so offer a very flexible makeup policy and partial registration.

If you are able to commit to the majority of a series, we can set up a partial registration for you at the series rate. Simply contact us with your specific dates.

Of course, if your child will be home with a family member or nanny when you go back to work, you are welcome to have the join class when your leave ends.

Question 17

What happens if baby needs to eat or be changed or falls asleep during class?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-2251" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/baby-yoga-705-250x141.jpg" alt="baby yoga class" width="250" height="141" />That’s fine too. We are not running baby boot-camp.

Question 18

What happens if my baby cries?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3599" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/Baby-Me-Yoga-1-250x250.jpg" alt="baby yoga" width="250" height="250" />Your baby will cry.

Let’s just get that out in the open. That’s how babies communicate; it’s totally fine.

Even the fussiest babies are welcome in Baby & Me Yoga. Your instructor will not be distressed and is happy to have you there and, I promise, the other moms/caregivers have been there and will be far less upset about your baby fussing than you will be. Please join us.

Question 19

My baby is only 3 or 4 weeks old when the class starts, do I need to wait for the 6-week appointment to attend?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4777" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC_2199-3-e1469365649299-250x141.jpg" alt="moms and babies in yoga class" width="250" height="141" />Generally, class is most appropriate after 6 weeks. We strongly recommend that you be cleared for exercise, especially if you had a surgical birth or complications. Baby too tends to be more ready to participate after about 6 weeks. A 45-minute class is a long time for a newborn. Very young babies often sleep, eat, or fuss their way through class.

That said, you are still welcome to come. We’ve had moms happily start class as soon as they are ready to be out and about, modifying exercises that are too strenuous (such as skipping the abs) and addressing baby’s needs as they arise. Sometimes, just being at class is what mom needs. If that’s you, please come.

If you would like to wait until the six week mark but class is already starting, don’t fret. Late registration is welcome for several weeks into the series as long as there is room in the class. We are happy to reserve your child’s spot in advance if you contact us.

Question 20

Will I get a workout in Baby Yoga & Play? Do I need workout clothing?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

Baby Yoga & Play focuses on the interaction between baby and caregiver with lots of baby-centric activities, but we do incorporate postpartum appropriate stretching and strengthening for caregivers.

It is not designed as a workout for caregivers, but you do need to be prepared to move and we hope you will leave feeling better in your body than you arrived.

We spend a good portion of the class sitting criss-cross or in other positions on the floor and we get up and down several times. Almost every class incorporates lunges or squats while holding baby as well as some shoulder or low-back exercises for caregivers. All postures can be modified to address caregiver movement limitations.

Comfortable, stretchy clothing is important and jeans are not recommended.

Question 21

Can I bring my toddler / older child to Baby Yoga & Play?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

That may not work. There isn’t a lot to entertain big kids at baby yoga, but we have occasionally had parents bring older children, mostly when other plans for them have fallen through or school is closed. Siblings are welcome in that circumstance. We do not recommend bringing older children on a weekly basis. If you need to bring your older child, we recommend bringing quiet toys or books and arriving a few minutes early to set up a space for your child and to set expectations. Please check in with the instructor ahead of time if possible. If we hold class on a day that school is closed, we’ll be very flexible in our planning. If there were ever enough demand for childcare during one of our series, we would definitely consider that. If you want to take class with a toddler and infant regularly, consider attending Little Families Yoga instead or doing a makeup in that class if you decide to skip rather than attend baby yoga.

Question 22

My baby is too old for Baby Yoga & Play but not walking yet, is there a class?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

Yes! That’s Tot Yoga, which is for crawlers (or near crawlers) and walkers up to 24 months.

Question 23

How are Breathing Space Baby Yoga & Play classes different from postnatal yoga or classes offered elsewhere?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

There are a lot of yoga studios advertising parent & baby classes, but it's sometimes hard to tell from the descriptions what will actually happen in class.

baby yoga class

Some instructors focus exclusively on mom. They keep the lights low and the room warm in the hopes that baby will sleep.

Some instructors incorporate infant massage and movements in the first few minutes of class and then shift their attention to adult yoga for the rest of the class.

In a lot of classes, baby's roll is relegated to being used as a weight, all be it a very cute one.

While there's nothing wrong with any of these approaches, that's not what we are doing at Breathing Space.

baby yoga class

Baby Yoga & Play focuses on the interaction between baby and caregiver with lots of baby-centric activities, but we do incorporate postpartum appropriate stretching and strengthening for caregivers.

baby in tummy time pose Babies participate while on their backs, tummies, or held in loving arms. For grownups, this class is a special opportunity to meet other parents and caregivers, get support, and learn about baby’s emerging personality

[caption id="attachment_4503" align="alignright" width="250"] Baby & Me Yoga Class

We blend baby moves with postures for parents[/caption]

Grownups in Baby Yoga & Play will also get to do a bit of postpartum-appropriate yoga themselves, including strength- and flexibility-building postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques to address common physical complaints and mental/emotional stressors during the new-parent period.

Breathing Space Baby Yoga & Play series also incorporates developmental topics and time for parent-to-parent support during class. Our hope is that the community built in yoga will carry over into friendships and playdates off the mat.

Most appropriate from 6-weeks until baby is mobile. Moms, dads, grandparents or other caregivers welcome. No previous yoga experience necessary; be prepared/dressed for movement.

Question 24

What should I bring to Baby Yoga & Play? Do I need a yoga mat?

jenmuelleryoga · Accepted Answer

<img class="alignleft wp-image-4953 size-medium" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0396-e1473861947555-250x237.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" srcset="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0396-e1473861947555-250x237.jpg 250w, https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0396-e1473861947555.jpg 453w" alt="playing in baby yoga" width="250" height="237" />Please bring a baby blanket and small, quiet toy to all our class locations.

Most of our venues have a few yoga mats to lend, but you may prefer your own yoga mat for hygiene or comfort. If so, please bring one.

Question 25

Baby Yoga & Play Series Registration and Attendance

Jen Mueller · Accepted Answer

Baby Yoga & Play classes are offered in 3-6-week series. Full registration required, no drop-ins. moms and babies in yoga class

We know it's hard to get out of the house with a newborn, that naps are sometimes unpredictable, and life can be complicated . . . and that's why we are requiring series registration for this class. Committing to the whole series makes it infinitely more likely that you actually attend. It far too easy to say "oh, I'll go next week" if you are planning on dropping in. If you end up with an unavoidable conflict, illness, or disrupted nap-time, you can take advantage of our generous makeup policy.

Make Up Options for Baby Yoga & Play

Because it's hard to convince babies to be born and maternity leaves to be set on our schedule, we offer lots of flexibility:

If students must miss a class, they are welcome to
- attend any other family yoga class as a makeup within the same timeframe, or
- bring a friend to class as a makeup. See makeup class FAQs for details.
Any of baby's favorite grownups are welcome in this class - mom, dad, grandparent, nanny . . . and the same adult need not attend each time. Registration is for one adult-baby on a weekly basis, but occasional visitors are welcome to attend as well.
Partial registration: If there is room in the class once the series begins, late registration will remain open for the first 1/3 of the series. Registration automatically prorates. If you can't complete a series but can commit to 2/3 of the series in consecutive weeks - say because you are going back to work before our series ends - contact us about partial enrollment.

So what does this mean?

If a full series conflicts with work or travel, feel free to attend multiple times a week during the weeks you can attend.
If you are going back to work and baby will be home with a nanny or other caregiver, feel free to have them attend in your stead.

Still not sure if Baby Yoga & Play is right for you? That's why we have a no-risk registration policy. If you attend your first class and decide it's not a good fit, we make it easy to drop a class series. Read all of our class policies and FAQs.

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