Baby Yoga Cues | fit2burst

Engagement cues

Even before they can talk babies provide their parents and carers with a whole host of communication measures. Being able to interpret sometimes complex cues can help carers/parents to swiftly and accurately address their babies’ needs. Through body language, a baby can communicate its feelings towards certain stimuli or stimulation. During a massage or yoga session, your instructor should encourage parents to be aware of their baby’s cues and to listen to their

babies. If the baby demonstrates engagement cues it is likely that he/she is enjoying him/herself and that it should continue. If however he/she begins to demonstrate disengagement cues the parent should consider stopping what they are doing.

Eyes becoming wide open and bright as the infant focusses on the parent/carer.
Alert or animated face with wide-open eyes, often accompanied by gently pursed lips as if the baby were saying ooh.

Grasping or holding onto the caregiver or objects in the environment.

Hand-to-mouth activity, often accompanied by rooting and sucking movements. The infant may also suck on his or her fingers. (That’s why we only use organic cold-pressed Sunflower oil). Smiling.

Turning Eyes, head or body toward someone who is talking.

Smooth motor movements.

Disengagement Cues

Disengagement cues are often displayed in a cluster. If only one disengagement cue is displayed it may not necessarily indicate that the baby does not want to take part. For example, a child who is receptive to and enjoying a massage or yoga move may avert their gaze as eye contact could prove to be one stimulus too much.

Crying.
Hiccupping.
Spitting up or gagging.
Jittery or jerky movements.
Frowning or grimacing.
Becoming red or pale.
Agitated or thrashing movements.
Yawning.
Falling Asleep.
Averting the gaze (the infant moves his/her eyes or head away from the caregiver)