Love Libraries – Baby yoga boosts bond between parents, carers and infants

Free baby yoga and massage sessions are helping parents and babies bond, relax and socialise in the comfort of their local library.

Hundreds of parents and their little ones have taken part in the classes, which are offered at libraries across West Dunbartonshire.

The sessions support and encourage the development of the loving bond between parent and child while giving people the opportunity to meet other parents and carers in their local area.

The classes are open to babies from the age of eight weeks until they can roll independently.

Songs

The yoga sessions “balance relaxation with stretching sequences to improve babies’ balance and coordination, stimulating their senses and encouraging brain development”, explained Emma Eremin, Team Leader – Libraries, at West Dunbartonshire Council.

We incorporate songs and rhymes that are coordinated with movements and there are a few moves for adults, too.

The massage sessions are a “touch therapy” that aids healthy development.

All sessions last an hour, with time for parents and carers to chat at the end and browse our book collections.

The sessions are well-attended by parents.

Librarian Alison Crawford said:

We’ve had it reported back about so many lasting friendship groups being formed by parents in the sessions and huge numbers have spoken about the benefits to their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of their baby.

Safe

The sessions provide practical techniques to help with common infant issues such as colic, sleeplessness and wind, plus enable parents to better understand how to bond with their child through physical touch.

Parents are also able to encourage and share experiences in “a safe and unbiased space”, Alison said.

This has proved an incredibly important aspect for many parents, particularly first-time parents who aren’t always comfortable about raising concerns, or being able to chat informally about how they are coping.

Many parents who participate in baby yoga or baby massage then bring their children to Bookbug sessions in the library and tend to become active borrowers.

On average, 400 adults and 400 babies took part in both baby massage and baby yoga between April 2023 and March 2024, according to the latest figures available.

Feedback from parents has been incredibly positive. One mum hailed the “wisdom, patience and understanding” of their class leader. Another called the class “amazing” and told how they were “so grateful”. A third praised the “advice, support, love and laughter” they had enjoyed. 

For more information, visit west-dunbarton.gov.uk/libraries/libraries-for-children-and-babies/baby-massage-and-baby-yoga.