For children preparing for their first yoga class or for those beginning an at home yoga practice there are just a few essentials needed to ensure safety and comfort while performing the various yoga poses or asanas.
Parents may opt to purchase child size essentials depending on the age of the child however if the child is tall a regular adult size yoga mat is probably more realistic. In addition to a basic yoga mat children should be dressed in comfortable clothing which allows their bodies to move freely.
For the young child beginning yoga parents will want to visit a store that carries children’s yoga essentials and can take advantage of actual kits that contain everything a child needs to get started. Essential yoga kits for children include a yoga mat, an instructional DVD, and sometimes tote bags and posters that show the various asanas. To make the introduction to yoga fun for younger children some of the kits also contain an eco-friendly yoga mat and big stretch ball.
Parents that have a general interest in their children learning yoga and beginning a home practice might also consider introducing children to yoga through art, videos, and music. There are a number of excellent product lines geared specifically towards children such as Wai Lana, the Hawaiian based Yogini in addition to Yoga Kids also with a great line of yoga essentials for children.
Before buying a single yoga mat for your child spend time together and visit the various web sites online created specifically for children interested in yoga such as the clips shown on Yoga Kids and Wai Lana. This will give you an opportunity to watch your child and gives the child the opportunity to ask questions about yoga, why it is practiced and its benefits overall.
www.wailana.com
www.yogakids.com