Q: What's the difference between Tot Yoga and Little Family or Toddler Family Yoga?

Our Tot Yoga (crawling-24 months) and Little Family Yoga (21 months-4 yrs) have a 3 month age overlap on purpose. Personality, more than physical development, should be the deciding factor between the two classes. Tot Yoga tends to be a quieter class with more repetition from week to week, so suits more reserved toddlers better. Little Family Yoga tends to be louder and move move more quickly from activity to activity to suit the energy level of 2-4 yr olds. Little Family Yoga requires more verbal direction following, incorporates more imaginative play, and typically involves less physical helping from parents. Very active almost-2 year olds often do well in this class because the social environment challenges them more than that of the younger group. Younger siblings accustomed to the energy and speed of older toddlers and preschoolers tend to enjoy this class as well, even if they are not able to do every pose. Toddler Family Yoga (walking-4 yrs) is a crossover class which is very much like Little Family Yoga with some adaptations 12-21 month old students.

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

Do you do sibling discounts?

Accepted Answer

For weekly classes, yes.

Siblings attending the same class are eligible for 1/2 price registration. Children older than 1 yr must register (no charge for infants younger than that). See our pricing and discounts page.

Typically we can accommodate siblings 1 year younger than the stated age range, so 1 yr olds in Little Families Yoga (2-4 yrs) and 3 yr olds in Family Yoga (4-8 yrs).

Question 2

Can we do a trial class or drop into a Tot, Preschooler, Family, Kids or Tween Yoga class occasionally?

Accepted Answer

Nope, sorry. We don’t offer drop-in options for classes for crawling or older children or trial classes during the regular session.

Children really do need the consistency of a weekly class both for comfort and so they can best learn and drop-ins can be disruptive to the class routine. Read more. tot yoga game with bolsters Since it often takes several classes for a child to settle in, dropping in once is not really the best indicator of whether your child will enjoy class.

However, we get that it can be tough to commit to a class when you can’t imagine what happens or how your child will react, so:

We have a no-risk refund policy. If you register for a class and decide for any reason it’s a bad fit for you, your child, or your schedule, and you decide early in the series, you can drop the class and get a prorated refund. See details.
We occasionally offer trial/drop-in days, when the teacher will spend a little extra time explaining the class routine and parents get a chance to see a class in action.

We also understand that life is unpredictable and have a generous makeup policy for families that wish to commit to a series but know they will miss a class or two.

Question 3

Which parent-child class should we take?

Accepted Answer

We have several different parent-child yoga classes on our schedule and people have asked, which one should they should sign up for? To answer that, pick the best description that fits your situation: If you have one child, pick the appropriate age range:

newborn to almost crawling babies - Baby Yoga & Play or Infant Massage
crawling (or almost crawling and at least 7 months old) to 1 years - Tot Yoga
12-24 months - Tot Yoga or Toddler Family Yoga or as a younger sibling in Little Family Yoga
almost 2 to 4 years - Toddler Family Yoga or Little Family Yoga
3 yrs - Toddler Family Yoga, Prenatal Yoga or as a younger sibling in Family Yoga
4 yrs - Little Family Yoga or Family Yoga
5-10 yrs - Family Yoga

If you have a 3 year old or children in multiple age ranges, you have a choice of classes: Toddler Family Yoga (steady walking - 35 months)

Very active, playful class with simple movements, yoga poses, and beginning breath and body awareness exercises
Beginning to incorporate imaginative play and simple storytelling in relation to the yoga poses and activities
Typically only uses yoga mats as a prop or for relaxation
Younger siblings welcome (non walking infants free)

Little Family Yoga Yoga (21 months - 4 yrs)

Very active, playful class with age appropriate yoga poses and beginning breath and body awareness exercises
Incorporates imaginative play and storytelling in relation to the yoga poses and activities
Games are very simple, usually consisting of only one or two steps: jumping in and out of circles, following directions ...
Partner poses are very simple
Typically only uses yoga mats as a prop or for relaxation
Especially good for young 4 year olds or reserved children likely to stay close to their parent during class
Appropriate for siblings younger than 2 to participate (may enroll at half price, non walking infants free)

Family Yoga (4-8 or 10 yrs)

Still active and playful, in fact a bit more athletic as coordination improves,
More imagination/pretend, more and more involved stories,
Games become more complicated and start to have rules: move & freeze, musical mats ...
Partner poses with parents begin to be recognizable as yoga poses
Uses mats for the majority of the class, but children will move around the room for many activities
Appropriate for younger siblings 2.5 years and older or older siblings 10 and younger to participate (50% sibling discount, strongly recommend second adult participant when sibling is younger than 3)
May also be appropriate for 3-year olds who've taken our classes for several months and would enjoy the challenge of keeping up with the big kids. By permission only.

All classes can accommodate younger or older siblings, so what do you do if both children are not within the same class age range? You have multiple children to enroll:

A 3-year-old and a 1-year-old - Little Family Yoga (2-4 yrs) with the younger one enrolled at half price
A 5/6 year old and a 2.5 year old - Family Yoga (4-8 years) with the younger enrolled at half price
A 5- and 9-year-old - Family Yoga (4-8 yrs) with the older enrolled at half price.

Sibling discounts are automatic; just sign up both children.

Question 4

What's the difference between Tot Yoga and Little Family or Toddler Family Yoga?

Accepted Answer

Our Tot Yoga (crawling-24 months) and Little Family Yoga (21 months-4 yrs) have a 3 month age overlap on purpose. Personality, more than physical development, should be the deciding factor between the two classes.

Tot Yoga tends to be a quieter class with more repetition from week to week, so suits more reserved toddlers better.

Little Family Yoga tends to be louder and move move more quickly from activity to activity to suit the energy level of 2-4 yr olds. Little Family Yoga requires more verbal direction following, incorporates more imaginative play, and typically involves less physical helping from parents. Very active almost-2 year olds often do well in this class because the social environment challenges them more than that of the younger group. Younger siblings accustomed to the energy and speed of older toddlers and preschoolers tend to enjoy this class as well, even if they are not able to do every pose.

Toddler Family Yoga (walking-4 yrs) is a crossover class which is very much like Little Family Yoga with some adaptations 12-21 month old students.

Question 5

What if my child doesn't like a class? Can we withdraw?

Accepted Answer

We often here from parents that they are hesitant to enroll if they aren't sure their child will enjoy a class. We get it. That's why we have our:

No Risk Refund Policy - Not sure if a kids & family series class will be right for you or your child? Register and come to the first class. If you notify us in writing within 48 hours after the first class that you will not be able to continue the session, we refund all but $2o for that first class.

We are also very flexible about switching classes for students who have nap time shifts during the course of a series. For example, if your child is enrolled in an 11 am class and starts napping at that time, we'll happily switch her into one of our 9 or 9:30 am classes instead.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Can I bring my baby along with my preschooler to class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please do. We often have younger siblings in tow for Little Families Yoga classes. They are welcome to nap or be in arms during class. No charge for non-walking siblings, just bring them along. Learn more about Early Childhood Yoga

Question 8

Can I send my wife/husband/mother/grandmother/nanny/neighbor to class with my child instead of me sometimes?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-5744" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/tot-train-711.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="166" />Absolutely. Your child is welcome to bring any grownup they want with them to class. Up to 2 caregivers may attend class on a weekly basis. Additional visitors may attend occasionally and are encouraged to participate. Please be considerate of space constraints when bringing guests.

Question 9

Which class should I start with for my 21 month old who’s never taken yoga before?

Accepted Answer

Amalie teaching Little Families, preschooler yoga

Probably Toddler Family Yoga, but get in touch if you think the slower, slightly less boisterous environment of Tot Yoga might be a better fit. Learn more about Early Childhood Yoga classes.

Question 10

My child is super active/busy. Is Little Families or Preschooler Yoga class appropriate for them?

Accepted Answer

Yep. We move a ton.

Generally, if you are enrolling in a class for your child's age, we are prepared for your child to behave in age-appropriate ways.

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1184" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/bsfy-kids-yoga-638-250x166.jpg" alt="kids yoga bow" width="250" height="166" />For Little Families Yoga (2-4 yrs), we don't use yoga mats and instead move all over the room. Some of our students are always on the go and that’s really quite alright. Some toddlers seriously need to move in order to pay attention. Those are the students parents assure me do the yoga poses at home, just never in class. Sometimes those students join in briefly whenever their favorite activities come up and then go back to running in circles. It’s all good.

For Kids or Family Yoga (ages 3-6, or 4+), we do use mats and are beginning to learn to be on the mats for much of the class. Class is still super active, we move off mats for all sorts of games, and we don't expect stillness from young children.

If your child has special needs, it is helpful to check in ahead of time so the instructor can be prepared and think through lessons and activities with your child's needs in mind. We are happy to have you enroll and decide after the first class or two if it is the right fit. Again though, check in with the instructor. Parents are typically more worried about possible disruptive behavior than our yoga teachers and will work with you on strategies to help your child succeed in class.

Question 11

My child is shy. Is that ok?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3012" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/Tots-socializing-214x250.jpg" alt="Tot yoga" width="214" height="250" />Absolutely. It sometimes takes a few weeks for our more reserved students to get comfortable enough to participate. That’s one of the reasons we offer classes in 6-10 week series rather than drop-in. Toddlers especially need time to get used to a space, a group of people and an instructor.

Even once they are comfortable, some more reserved little ones may be more watchers than doers in class. That doesn’t mean they are not learning and they may be more inclined to practice at home.

Question 12

Do parents participate in early childhood or family yoga? Will I get a workout?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright wp-image-7536 size-medium" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/Tot-kicking-cobra-250x166.jpg" alt="tot yoga kicking cobra" width="250" height="166" />We do expect parent participation. The more yoga you do in class the more your child will do.

While parents should expect to move quite a lot, we will be doing yoga appropriate for the child's age range, so it’s probably not a workout for the grownups as compared to an adult class.

Question 13

Is early childhood or family yoga safe for me if I’m pregnant/have special conditions?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1953" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/amalie-2-4yrs-250x117.jpg" alt="Amalie teaching Little Families, preschooler yoga" width="250" height="117" />Poses and activities are designed with toddlers/preschoolers in mind. While your instructor will likely be able to make suggestions, we expect adults to take care of their own bodies during class.

It’s rarely a problem. Pregnant moms often skip or modify belly-down poses and anything else that doesn’t feel right and adults with special conditions adjusting accordingly.

The biggest challenge is probably for adults who have significant difficulty getting up and down from the floor. I’ve had mobility-challenged caregivers, usually older nannies or grandparents, do very few of the poses with no problem. My suggestion is to try it and see how it goes.

Do note that several of our class venues are down a flight of stairs (strollers can be left locked outside). Our Saturday and Sunday class venues are handicap accessible.

Question 14

Can one adult bring twins to early childhood classes? Will this work for my nanny-share?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one adult can bring more than one child to class. (See below for special nanny share policies)

Baby Yoga & Play - Yes, you can bring twins. Because so much of this class hands on we charge the same for two babies as one baby if there's only one caregiver attending. No need to register both babies, simply put them both in your account profile, sign one up, and join us. If you are bringing two adults, you must register both children. Sibling discounts will apply.
Tot Yoga - Yes, twins, siblings. and nanny-shares are welcome, however all children between crawling-24 months must be registered and all children present must have accounts in the system. No need to register non-mobile younger siblings or share partners. They are welcome to tag along with parent/caregiver, just note them on the registration form (and have their parents create an account for them if they are not attending with a paying sibling). Sibling discounts automatically apply.See below for nanny-share discount.
Little Family Yoga or Toddler Family Yoga- Again, twins, younger siblings, and nanny-shares are welcome. This is the age range we most often see younger siblings. All children older than 1 year must register for class. No need to register non-mobile younger siblings or share partners. They are welcome to tag along with parent/caregiver, just note them on the registration form (and have their parents create an account for them if they are not attending with a paying sibling). Sibling discounts automatically apply.See below for nanny-share discount.
Family Yoga - Siblings up to one year younger or older than the target age range are welcome to register for Family Yoga classes. For example, 3-year-olds are welcome in classes with the stated range of 4-8 yrs. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of class for your child, please contact us. Sibling discounts are automatic.

Please contact us with any additional questions or to discuss situations that don't fit the above scenarios.

Nanny Share Registration

All children must be added to their own parent's account in our registration system to attend class. Please do not add an unrelated nanny-share child to your profile. Their parents must set up an account and accept our terms & conditions.

If a nanny-share misses a class, the whole share is welcome to make up class on an alternate day or parents of the enrolled students my bring the child to do a makeup on the weekend, with or without their share partner.

Class specific policies:

Tot, Toddler or Little Family Yoga - Families registering as part of a nanny share (one caregiver bringing multiple unrelated children) are are eligible for a 10% discount with the code NANNYSHARE10. Discounts must be taken during registration and cannot be applied retroactively.
Baby & Me Yoga - Because so much of this class hands on we charge the same for two babies as one baby if there's only one caregiver attending. However both families in a Nanny Share registration must create accounts and be reachable in case of emergency, so both families can use the discount code NANNYSHARE50 to take half off registration.

Question 15

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

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

Early Childhood Yoga - Class Description

Accepted Answer

Preschool, Toddler Yoga All our early childhood classes are taught family-style. Up to two parents may attend these class with the registered child. Little Family Yoga welcomes walking younger siblings to join the fun, no charge for infants under 1 year. Learn more about early childhood classes.

Early childhood yoga classes are offered in three formats:

Question 17

Do you have any trial classes scheduled?

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 18

Do you do sibling discounts?

Accepted Answer

For weekly classes, yes.

Siblings attending the same class are eligible for 1/2 price registration. Children older than 1 yr must register (no charge for infants younger than that). See our pricing and discounts page.

Typically we can accommodate siblings 1 year younger than the stated age range, so 1 yr olds in Little Families Yoga (2-4 yrs) and 3 yr olds in Family Yoga (4-8 yrs).

Question 19

Can we do a trial class or drop into a Tot, Preschooler, Family, Kids or Tween Yoga class occasionally?

Accepted Answer

Nope, sorry. We don’t offer drop-in options for classes for crawling or older children or trial classes during the regular session.

Children really do need the consistency of a weekly class both for comfort and so they can best learn and drop-ins can be disruptive to the class routine. Read more. tot yoga game with bolsters Since it often takes several classes for a child to settle in, dropping in once is not really the best indicator of whether your child will enjoy class.

However, we get that it can be tough to commit to a class when you can’t imagine what happens or how your child will react, so:

We have a no-risk refund policy. If you register for a class and decide for any reason it’s a bad fit for you, your child, or your schedule, and you decide early in the series, you can drop the class and get a prorated refund. See details.
We occasionally offer trial/drop-in days, when the teacher will spend a little extra time explaining the class routine and parents get a chance to see a class in action.

We also understand that life is unpredictable and have a generous makeup policy for families that wish to commit to a series but know they will miss a class or two.

Question 20

Which parent-child class should we take?

Accepted Answer

We have several different parent-child yoga classes on our schedule and people have asked, which one should they should sign up for? To answer that, pick the best description that fits your situation: If you have one child, pick the appropriate age range:

newborn to almost crawling babies - Baby Yoga & Play or Infant Massage
crawling (or almost crawling and at least 7 months old) to 1 years - Tot Yoga
12-24 months - Tot Yoga or Toddler Family Yoga or as a younger sibling in Little Family Yoga
almost 2 to 4 years - Toddler Family Yoga or Little Family Yoga
3 yrs - Toddler Family Yoga, Prenatal Yoga or as a younger sibling in Family Yoga
4 yrs - Little Family Yoga or Family Yoga
5-10 yrs - Family Yoga

If you have a 3 year old or children in multiple age ranges, you have a choice of classes: Toddler Family Yoga (steady walking - 35 months)

Very active, playful class with simple movements, yoga poses, and beginning breath and body awareness exercises
Beginning to incorporate imaginative play and simple storytelling in relation to the yoga poses and activities
Typically only uses yoga mats as a prop or for relaxation
Younger siblings welcome (non walking infants free)

Little Family Yoga Yoga (21 months - 4 yrs)

Very active, playful class with age appropriate yoga poses and beginning breath and body awareness exercises
Incorporates imaginative play and storytelling in relation to the yoga poses and activities
Games are very simple, usually consisting of only one or two steps: jumping in and out of circles, following directions ...
Partner poses are very simple
Typically only uses yoga mats as a prop or for relaxation
Especially good for young 4 year olds or reserved children likely to stay close to their parent during class
Appropriate for siblings younger than 2 to participate (may enroll at half price, non walking infants free)

Family Yoga (4-8 or 10 yrs)

Still active and playful, in fact a bit more athletic as coordination improves,
More imagination/pretend, more and more involved stories,
Games become more complicated and start to have rules: move & freeze, musical mats ...
Partner poses with parents begin to be recognizable as yoga poses
Uses mats for the majority of the class, but children will move around the room for many activities
Appropriate for younger siblings 2.5 years and older or older siblings 10 and younger to participate (50% sibling discount, strongly recommend second adult participant when sibling is younger than 3)
May also be appropriate for 3-year olds who've taken our classes for several months and would enjoy the challenge of keeping up with the big kids. By permission only.

All classes can accommodate younger or older siblings, so what do you do if both children are not within the same class age range? You have multiple children to enroll:

A 3-year-old and a 1-year-old - Little Family Yoga (2-4 yrs) with the younger one enrolled at half price
A 5/6 year old and a 2.5 year old - Family Yoga (4-8 years) with the younger enrolled at half price
A 5- and 9-year-old - Family Yoga (4-8 yrs) with the older enrolled at half price.

Sibling discounts are automatic; just sign up both children.

Question 21

What's the difference between Tot Yoga and Little Family or Toddler Family Yoga?

Accepted Answer

Our Tot Yoga (crawling-24 months) and Little Family Yoga (21 months-4 yrs) have a 3 month age overlap on purpose. Personality, more than physical development, should be the deciding factor between the two classes.

Tot Yoga tends to be a quieter class with more repetition from week to week, so suits more reserved toddlers better.

Little Family Yoga tends to be louder and move move more quickly from activity to activity to suit the energy level of 2-4 yr olds. Little Family Yoga requires more verbal direction following, incorporates more imaginative play, and typically involves less physical helping from parents. Very active almost-2 year olds often do well in this class because the social environment challenges them more than that of the younger group. Younger siblings accustomed to the energy and speed of older toddlers and preschoolers tend to enjoy this class as well, even if they are not able to do every pose.

Toddler Family Yoga (walking-4 yrs) is a crossover class which is very much like Little Family Yoga with some adaptations 12-21 month old students.

Question 22

What if my child doesn't like a class? Can we withdraw?

Accepted Answer

We often here from parents that they are hesitant to enroll if they aren't sure their child will enjoy a class. We get it. That's why we have our:

No Risk Refund Policy - Not sure if a kids & family series class will be right for you or your child? Register and come to the first class. If you notify us in writing within 48 hours after the first class that you will not be able to continue the session, we refund all but $2o for that first class.

We are also very flexible about switching classes for students who have nap time shifts during the course of a series. For example, if your child is enrolled in an 11 am class and starts napping at that time, we'll happily switch her into one of our 9 or 9:30 am classes instead.

Question 23

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 24

Can I bring my baby along with my preschooler to class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please do. We often have younger siblings in tow for Little Families Yoga classes. They are welcome to nap or be in arms during class. No charge for non-walking siblings, just bring them along. Learn more about Early Childhood Yoga

Question 25

Can I send my wife/husband/mother/grandmother/nanny/neighbor to class with my child instead of me sometimes?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-5744" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/tot-train-711.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="166" />Absolutely. Your child is welcome to bring any grownup they want with them to class. Up to 2 caregivers may attend class on a weekly basis. Additional visitors may attend occasionally and are encouraged to participate. Please be considerate of space constraints when bringing guests.

Question 26

Which class should I start with for my 21 month old who’s never taken yoga before?

Accepted Answer

Probably Toddler Family Yoga, but get in touch if you think the slower, slightly less boisterous environment of Tot Yoga might be a better fit. Learn more about Early Childhood Yoga classes.

Question 27

My child is super active/busy. Is Little Families or Preschooler Yoga class appropriate for them?

Accepted Answer

Yep. We move a ton.

Generally, if you are enrolling in a class for your child's age, we are prepared for your child to behave in age-appropriate ways.

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1184" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/bsfy-kids-yoga-638-250x166.jpg" alt="kids yoga bow" width="250" height="166" />For Little Families Yoga (2-4 yrs), we don't use yoga mats and instead move all over the room. Some of our students are always on the go and that’s really quite alright. Some toddlers seriously need to move in order to pay attention. Those are the students parents assure me do the yoga poses at home, just never in class. Sometimes those students join in briefly whenever their favorite activities come up and then go back to running in circles. It’s all good.

For Kids or Family Yoga (ages 3-6, or 4+), we do use mats and are beginning to learn to be on the mats for much of the class. Class is still super active, we move off mats for all sorts of games, and we don't expect stillness from young children.

If your child has special needs, it is helpful to check in ahead of time so the instructor can be prepared and think through lessons and activities with your child's needs in mind. We are happy to have you enroll and decide after the first class or two if it is the right fit. Again though, check in with the instructor. Parents are typically more worried about possible disruptive behavior than our yoga teachers and will work with you on strategies to help your child succeed in class.

Question 28

My child is shy. Is that ok?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3012" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/Tots-socializing-214x250.jpg" alt="Tot yoga" width="214" height="250" />Absolutely. It sometimes takes a few weeks for our more reserved students to get comfortable enough to participate. That’s one of the reasons we offer classes in 6-10 week series rather than drop-in. Toddlers especially need time to get used to a space, a group of people and an instructor.

Even once they are comfortable, some more reserved little ones may be more watchers than doers in class. That doesn’t mean they are not learning and they may be more inclined to practice at home.

Question 29

Do parents participate in early childhood or family yoga? Will I get a workout?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright wp-image-7536 size-medium" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/Tot-kicking-cobra-250x166.jpg" alt="tot yoga kicking cobra" width="250" height="166" />We do expect parent participation. The more yoga you do in class the more your child will do.

While parents should expect to move quite a lot, we will be doing yoga appropriate for the child's age range, so it’s probably not a workout for the grownups as compared to an adult class.

Question 30

Is early childhood or family yoga safe for me if I’m pregnant/have special conditions?

Accepted Answer

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1953" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/amalie-2-4yrs-250x117.jpg" alt="Amalie teaching Little Families, preschooler yoga" width="250" height="117" />Poses and activities are designed with toddlers/preschoolers in mind. While your instructor will likely be able to make suggestions, we expect adults to take care of their own bodies during class.

It’s rarely a problem. Pregnant moms often skip or modify belly-down poses and anything else that doesn’t feel right and adults with special conditions adjusting accordingly.

The biggest challenge is probably for adults who have significant difficulty getting up and down from the floor. I’ve had mobility-challenged caregivers, usually older nannies or grandparents, do very few of the poses with no problem. My suggestion is to try it and see how it goes.

Do note that several of our class venues are down a flight of stairs (strollers can be left locked outside). Our Saturday and Sunday class venues are handicap accessible.

Question 31

Can one adult bring twins to early childhood classes? Will this work for my nanny-share?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one adult can bring more than one child to class. (See below for special nanny share policies)

Baby Yoga & Play - Yes, you can bring twins. Because so much of this class hands on we charge the same for two babies as one baby if there's only one caregiver attending. No need to register both babies, simply put them both in your account profile, sign one up, and join us. If you are bringing two adults, you must register both children. Sibling discounts will apply.
Tot Yoga - Yes, twins, siblings. and nanny-shares are welcome, however all children between crawling-24 months must be registered and all children present must have accounts in the system. No need to register non-mobile younger siblings or share partners. They are welcome to tag along with parent/caregiver, just note them on the registration form (and have their parents create an account for them if they are not attending with a paying sibling). Sibling discounts automatically apply.See below for nanny-share discount.
Little Family Yoga or Toddler Family Yoga- Again, twins, younger siblings, and nanny-shares are welcome. This is the age range we most often see younger siblings. All children older than 1 year must register for class. No need to register non-mobile younger siblings or share partners. They are welcome to tag along with parent/caregiver, just note them on the registration form (and have their parents create an account for them if they are not attending with a paying sibling). Sibling discounts automatically apply.See below for nanny-share discount.
Family Yoga - Siblings up to one year younger or older than the target age range are welcome to register for Family Yoga classes. For example, 3-year-olds are welcome in classes with the stated range of 4-8 yrs. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of class for your child, please contact us. Sibling discounts are automatic.

Please contact us with any additional questions or to discuss situations that don't fit the above scenarios.

Nanny Share Registration

All children must be added to their own parent's account in our registration system to attend class. Please do not add an unrelated nanny-share child to your profile. Their parents must set up an account and accept our terms & conditions.

If a nanny-share misses a class, the whole share is welcome to make up class on an alternate day or parents of the enrolled students my bring the child to do a makeup on the weekend, with or without their share partner.

Class specific policies:

Tot, Toddler or Little Family Yoga - Families registering as part of a nanny share (one caregiver bringing multiple unrelated children) are are eligible for a 10% discount with the code NANNYSHARE10. Discounts must be taken during registration and cannot be applied retroactively.
Baby & Me Yoga - Because so much of this class hands on we charge the same for two babies as one baby if there's only one caregiver attending. However both families in a Nanny Share registration must create accounts and be reachable in case of emergency, so both families can use the discount code NANNYSHARE50 to take half off registration.

Question 32

Baby Yoga & Play

Accepted Answer

Baby Yoga & Play classes, for newborn to pre-crawling babies and their grownup(s), contains dozens of yoga-inspired movements, postures, songs, rhymes and activities designed to support baby’s development. Each class is filled with calming, nurturing ways to enhance bonding, soothe the inevitable cranky moments, and improve baby’s sleep.

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.

Grownups 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 33

Tot Yoga (crawling - 24 months)

Accepted Answer

Tot Yoga classes, for crawling or nearly crawling babies to 24-month-old toddlers, are engaging and fun. Class incorporates age-appropriate yoga poses, dance and creative movement, songs, stories, and games as children learn yoga through social interaction, repetition, and play.

tot yoga collage Yoga helps babies, toddlers, and preschoolers explore movement milestones, gain confidence, build strength and fitness, learn a tool for self-regulation, connect with parents and caregivers, and set the foundation for healthy body attitudes and a fit lifestyle.

We encourage each child to embrace their own unique expression of yoga poses while supporting their development and growth. Parents and children playfully move together through poses, songs, and activities appropriate for crawlers and walkers.

Registration is by child and includes up to two caregivers on a weekly basis. Any of your child's favorite grownups is welcome and the same grownup need not attend every class.

Question 34

Little Family Yoga (21 months-4 yrs, younger siblings welcome)

Accepted Answer

Little Family Yoga classes for 21-month-old toddlers to 4-year-old preschoolers, are engaging and fun. Class incorporates age-appropriate yoga poses, dance and creative movement, songs, stories, and games as children learn yoga through social interaction, repetition, and play.

Yoga helps toddlers, and preschoolers explore movement milestones, gain confidence, build strength and fitness, learn a tool for self-regulation, connect with parents and caregivers, and set the foundation for healthy body attitudes and a fit lifestyle.

bsfy-open-house 702 Classes incorporate imagination, songs, words and stories and age-appropriate postures and activities as parents and children playfully move together. We encourage each child to embrace their own unique expression of yoga poses while supporting their development and growth.

Registration is by child and includes up to two caregivers on a weekly basis. Any of your child's favorite grownups is welcome and the same grownup need not attend every class.

Younger siblings are welcome in class. Registration is required for 1 year old or walking siblings. Sibling discount (50%) is automatic. Non-walking infants may attend free.

Question 35

Toddler Family Yoga (walking-4 yrs, younger siblings welcome)

Accepted Answer

Toddler Family Yoga classes, for walking toddlers to 3-year-old preschoolers, are engaging and fun. Class incorporates age-appropriate yoga poses, dance and creative movement, songs, stories, and games as children learn yoga through social interaction, repetition, and play.

Yoga helps toddlers, and preschoolers explore movement milestones, gain confidence, build strength and fitness, learn a tool for self-regulation, connect with parents and caregivers, and set the foundation for healthy body attitudes and a fit lifestyle.

tot yoga playing with parachute

Classes incorporate imagination, songs, words and stories and age-appropriate postures and activities as parents and children playfully move together. We encourage each child to embrace their own unique expression of yoga poses while supporting their development and growth.

Toddler Family Yoga is a crossover class featuring activities from both our Tot Yoga and Little Family Yoga repertoire.

Registration is by child and includes up to two caregivers on a weekly basis. Any of your child's favorite grownups is welcome and the same grownup need not attend every class.

Younger siblings are welcome in class. Registration is required for 1 year old or walking siblings. Sibling discount (50%) is automatic. Non-walking infants may attend free.

Question 36

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

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 37

Family Yoga & Mindfulness - Parent & Child Classes for Ages 3+

Accepted Answer

Family Yoga & Mindfulness is structured like an age-appropriate kids class - with yoga poses, sequences, mindfulness activities, songs, and games, and an emphasis activities for parents and children to do together. Classes often revolve around philosophical, seasonal, or narrative themes and always include some form of quiet relaxation. No yoga experience required for either parent or child.

[caption id="attachment_2564" align="alignright" width="250"] family yoga, double squat

family yoga[/caption]

Parents should plan to fully participate in family classes. One adult must be present, up to two adults are welcome on weekly basis, and the same adult need not be present every time.

Age ranges and sibling policies vary by offering, so read individual registration descriptions for details. Generally, class is appropriate for siblings 1 year younger than the stated range. Sibling discounts are automatic.

Early Childhood Yoga and Family Yoga classes are registered per child with additional siblings at half price.

Question 38

Early Childhood Yoga - Class Description

Accepted Answer

Preschool, Toddler Yoga All our early childhood classes are taught family-style. Up to two parents may attend these class with the registered child. Little Family Yoga welcomes walking younger siblings to join the fun, no charge for infants under 1 year. Learn more about early childhood classes.

Early childhood yoga classes are offered in three formats:

Question 39

Do you have any trial classes scheduled?

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 40

Tips for Live Online Family Yoga

Accepted Answer

Thank you for taking the plunge into online yoga with us! We’ve run a few test classes and wanted to share what we’ve learned about how to make your experience the best it can be.

1. Just like our studio classes, expect your child to behave like a child. There will be highly variable levels of engagement across the group for each activity. Know that your child will participate exactly the way they need to. They may simply sit and watch the screen. Or they may wander off. It’s all good.

2. The best thing you can do to facilitate your child’s experience is to be near the screen, modeling the poses for your child. Because we know children will not be as engaged by a computer screen as they would by an in-person class, we’ll add in a little more yoga for the grown-ups so that you can continue participating if your child disengages. Just like in a studio class, the more yoga you do, the more yoga your child will do.

3. When you enter the Zoom meeting, your microphone will be muted. Feel free to unmute for introductions or if you need to say something to the teacher, but in general, keep yourself muted. Background noise from individual students becomes extremely distracting very quickly. Note that the teacher has mute/unmute controls for the whole class may unmute everyone at particular moments in class, such as to answer group questions or so we can hear each other while we sing.

4. You don’t need any special equipment. A yoga mat is great, but you can skip it or use a towel or blanket. Your teacher may email ahead of class supplies you may want to gather in advance, but will always suggest alternatives. Scarves, for instance, can be literal scarves, cloth napkins, pillowcases, or even a t-shirt. We will generally end with some form of quiet time, so if you want to include bubbles, have them handy at the beginning of class.

5. Expect this to be a practice in authenticity. Life is messy right now, and sometimes, so are these yoga classes. We promise--no one is paying attention to your hair, your house, or your children’s behavior. Your children will climb all over you. They will jump on the sofa. There will be toys or laundry scattered around your living room. Your teacher’s children may decide to guest-star in the video. The yoga is important, but so is community, so let’s all take a collective breath, give ourselves grace, and decide to let each class experience just be what it is.

Note about privacy: Zoom has a setting to record only the instructor for our replays, but each teacher must enable that on their recording every time they start class. If they forget, it is possible that snippets of your living room will appear in the replay video during introductions or other times when you unmute your audio. (If you just want to hide your clutter - man there's a lot of clutter when everyone spends all their time in a small space - you can set a virtual background to your video in Zoom.) We will not circulate replay videos beyond class participants without checking with you first.

Additionally, we are taking steps to ensure that our Zoom participants are only our enrolled students/members and that we do not experience the spamming problems you may have heard about on publicly accessible Zoom events. In addition to circulating the link ONLY to enrolled participants and taking attendance in classes, we have enabled passwords on all our events. We can change those at anytime. We have also disabled participant screen sharing and file sharing. Currently participants can engage in private chats with each other and the instructor and we feel this is appropriate given our other precautions. Please let us know if you have concerns.

Question 41

Do you do sibling discounts?

Accepted Answer

For weekly classes, yes.

Siblings attending the same class are eligible for 1/2 price registration. Children older than 1 yr must register (no charge for infants younger than that). See our pricing and discounts page.

Typically we can accommodate siblings 1 year younger than the stated age range, so 1 yr olds in Little Families Yoga (2-4 yrs) and 3 yr olds in Family Yoga (4-8 yrs).

Question 42

Can we do a trial class or drop into a Tot, Preschooler, Family, Kids or Tween Yoga class occasionally?

Accepted Answer

Nope, sorry. We don’t offer drop-in options for classes for crawling or older children or trial classes during the regular session.

Children really do need the consistency of a weekly class both for comfort and so they can best learn and drop-ins can be disruptive to the class routine. Read more. tot yoga game with bolsters Since it often takes several classes for a child to settle in, dropping in once is not really the best indicator of whether your child will enjoy class.

However, we get that it can be tough to commit to a class when you can’t imagine what happens or how your child will react, so:

We have a no-risk refund policy. If you register for a class and decide for any reason it’s a bad fit for you, your child, or your schedule, and you decide early in the series, you can drop the class and get a prorated refund. See details.
We occasionally offer trial/drop-in days, when the teacher will spend a little extra time explaining the class routine and parents get a chance to see a class in action.

We also understand that life is unpredictable and have a generous makeup policy for families that wish to commit to a series but know they will miss a class or two.

Question 43

What if my child doesn't like a class? Can we withdraw?

Accepted Answer

We often here from parents that they are hesitant to enroll if they aren't sure their child will enjoy a class. We get it. That's why we have our:

No Risk Refund Policy - Not sure if a kids & family series class will be right for you or your child? Register and come to the first class. If you notify us in writing within 48 hours after the first class that you will not be able to continue the session, we refund all but $2o for that first class.

We are also very flexible about switching classes for students who have nap time shifts during the course of a series. For example, if your child is enrolled in an 11 am class and starts napping at that time, we'll happily switch her into one of our 9 or 9:30 am classes instead.

Question 44

My child is super active/busy. Is Little Families or Preschooler Yoga class appropriate for them?

Accepted Answer

Yep. We move a ton.

Generally, if you are enrolling in a class for your child's age, we are prepared for your child to behave in age-appropriate ways.

<img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1184" src="https://breathingspacedc.com/wp-content/uploads/bsfy-kids-yoga-638-250x166.jpg" alt="kids yoga bow" width="250" height="166" />For Little Families Yoga (2-4 yrs), we don't use yoga mats and instead move all over the room. Some of our students are always on the go and that’s really quite alright. Some toddlers seriously need to move in order to pay attention. Those are the students parents assure me do the yoga poses at home, just never in class. Sometimes those students join in briefly whenever their favorite activities come up and then go back to running in circles. It’s all good.

For Kids or Family Yoga (ages 3-6, or 4+), we do use mats and are beginning to learn to be on the mats for much of the class. Class is still super active, we move off mats for all sorts of games, and we don't expect stillness from young children.

If your child has special needs, it is helpful to check in ahead of time so the instructor can be prepared and think through lessons and activities with your child's needs in mind. We are happy to have you enroll and decide after the first class or two if it is the right fit. Again though, check in with the instructor. Parents are typically more worried about possible disruptive behavior than our yoga teachers and will work with you on strategies to help your child succeed in class.

Question 45

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

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 46

Family Yoga & Mindfulness - Parent & Child Classes for Ages 3+

Accepted Answer

Family Yoga & Mindfulness is structured like an age-appropriate kids class - with yoga poses, sequences, mindfulness activities, songs, and games, and an emphasis activities for parents and children to do together. Classes often revolve around philosophical, seasonal, or narrative themes and always include some form of quiet relaxation. No yoga experience required for either parent or child.

[caption id="attachment_2564" align="alignright" width="250"] family yoga, double squat

family yoga[/caption]

Parents should plan to fully participate in family classes. One adult must be present, up to two adults are welcome on weekly basis, and the same adult need not be present every time.

Age ranges and sibling policies vary by offering, so read individual registration descriptions for details. Generally, class is appropriate for siblings 1 year younger than the stated range. Sibling discounts are automatic.

Early Childhood Yoga and Family Yoga classes are registered per child with additional siblings at half price.

Question 47

Kids Yoga & Mindfulness (3-10 yrs) - Class Description

Accepted Answer

Kids Yoga helps children learn techniques for concentrating, reducing stress, and connecting to their bodies in a loving way while having fun. Breathing Space classes incorporate age-appropriate poses, breathing, movement, games, mindfulness activities, music, and sometimes art.

A kids yoga class encourages children to move creatively in a non-competitive environment while honoring each child’s unique expression of the poses. Classes often revolve around a philosophical or natural theme and always include some form of quiet relaxation.

Individual classes may be for more specific age ranges, so see descriptions for details.

Question 48

Yoga & Mindfulness for Tweens (Ages 9-12) - Class Description

Accepted Answer

Tween Yoga (Ages 9-12) provides a non-competitive environment for older children to explore more complex poses and asana than in classes for younger children as well breathing exercises, movement games, mindfulness activities, and much-needed relaxation techniques. Students learn techniques for concentrating, reducing stress, and connecting to their bodies in a loving way, while still being playful and fun. Classes often revolve around a philosophical theme and may include discussion, journaling, or mindful art.

Question 49

Baby Yoga & Play Series Registration and Attendance

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 50

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

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 51

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

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 52

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 53

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

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 54

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

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 55

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?

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 56

What happens if my baby cries?

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 57

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

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 58

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

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 59

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

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 60

Do you have any trial classes scheduled?

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 61

Baby Yoga & Play Series Registration and Attendance

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 62

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

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 63

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

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 64

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

Accepted Answer

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

Wellness and Parenting Education for Growing Families

Lactation Support

Preparing for Baby

Birth Partners Workshop

Comfort Measures for Pregnancy and Labor

Prenatal Massage Techniques

Couples Massage for Pregnancy and Labor

Upcoming Classes

Still have questions?

Why Take a Class to Learn Infant Massage?

Yoga Class FAQs: Baby, Tot, Kids, and Family Yoga

Top 5 Reasons to Do Yoga with Your Infant: Baby Yoga & Play FAQ

5 Benefits of Infant Massage According to the Research

Why Take a Prenatal Breastfeeding Class?

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