Moms and babies get hooked with baby yoga through Pampers Yoga Stretchycise

Action & Event-ure: 

I'm not a parent yet but I think I’ll be more than equipped to be one in the future with all the parenting knowledge I have acquired since I got assimilated with Pampers [For now, my Godchildren, nieces and nephews will benefit from my newly acquired skill! =)].  Well, I’ve talked to pediatricians, nurses, parenting and child development experts, and experienced moms and dads, both famous and ordinary, about the art and science of baby care. The most recent of which is the latest parent-child bonding activity and fun and hip new exercise routine called baby yoga that was unveiled at the launch of Pampers Yoga Stretchyise.

Right photo shows Vanessa Pastor and her baby doing the Pampers Yoga Stretchycise Flipitty-Flap movement.

Developed through a partnership of baby experts - Pampers, the Mother and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines (MCNAP) and Gymboree Play and Music, Pampers Yoga Stretchycise is a fun playtime routine that combines yoga moves with stretching which will help encourage the development of baby's mind and body.

Participants were treated to a first-hand demonstration of these simple exercises that encourage baby movement and active play, which is essential for babies at this stage of their development. The first two years of life is when a child’s brain is growing fastest and before a child can speak, movement is the most important way for them to explore and learn about their social and physical environment and develop new skills.

Pampers Yoga Stretchycise's Tippy Toe Touch movement

Stretch and Crawl movement

“The Active Baby Stage is really a period for developmental achievement and intellectual growth. It’s a time of intense exploration of the environment as children attempt to find out how things work,” said MCNAP President Estelita Galutira.

This is further confirmed by the U.S. National Association of Sports and Physical Education who states that “current research confirms that the physical activity of infants and young children is an important component of early brain development and learning. Positive early movement experiences increase the infant’s chances of achieving full developmental potential throughout life.”

And one way to encourage movement is through the new Pampers Yoga Stretchycise. The series of exercises was inspired by baby yoga, which offers quality physical stimulation including flowing postures, holding, movement, touch, voice and deep relaxation.

“Baby Yoga is a great way to encourage active play which is important because at this stage, the pre-schoolers and below, their way of learning is to play. The Pampers Yoga Stretchycise helps encourage your baby’s development by maximizing body movement.” said baby yoga instructor, Maritoni Tordesillas.  Through the high quality attention they receive, yoga helps babies learn to interact with others and play actively, either with their parents or with other children in the classroom like environment. Physical benefits for the baby include helping his neural development, motor skills and balance aiding in digestion and giving him enough activity to sleep more deeply.

Wrap and Wiggle movement

Baby yoga also has the added benefit of nurturing the bond between parents and their child and helping babies feel more relaxed and settled.

As mentioned, for now, I can be a parent to my Godchildren, nieces and nephews, and I think I can count that to my OJT experience! =D  In photo are foydi and bulilit Gwen during the Gymboree Kiddie Olympics.

 
The event also celebrated the recent partnership of Gymboree Play and Music with Pampers, who will undertake a joint program this year to help promote active play for better baby development. 

“Since Pampers’ mission has always been to help parents nurture their children’s development, we are very happy to have partnered with Gymboree Play & Music as they are the global leader when it comes to creating programs that help boost early childhood development,” said Pampers Brand Manager, Chad Sotelo.

Pampers Brand Manager Chad Sotelo and Gymboree Alabang Managing & Program Director Pisha Villa-Abrille

“Together, we hope to give parents even more ways to enjoy an active lifestyle with their babies, such as the Pampers Yoga Stretchycise movements that we’ve shown you today, which you can do very easily with your child at home,“ he added.

Ann Tan, Gymboree Play & Music Managing Director shared, “We are very happy that the partnership between Gymboree and Pampers has finally materialized. This is a very important alliance because we share the same vision and commitment in providing the best channels for growth and development of babies, toddlers and little children.”

Gymboree offers age-appropriate classes to encourage active play for parents and their children, with especially designed equipment, bright foam and air pieces, a variety of props and trained teachers to create an environment that will stimulate a child’s physical, cognitive and social development. Parents interested to learn more can visit the Gymboree website at www.gymboree-ph.com

Kat Maranas of Gymboree demonstrates some Gymboree exercises.

Kids play on Gymboree's Rocky Boat for balance.

Meanwhile Pampers’ newest product - Pampers Active Baby - helps encourage movement through its unique stretchy side tapes that follows a baby’s body shape, allowing for a more comfortable fit so babies can play all day.

 To learn more about Pampers Yoga Strechycise and Pampers Active Baby, parents can visit www.pampers.ph.

Post your comment now and win a special prize! One lucky reader will get this limited edition of Pampers Yoga Stretchycise kit which includes a baby gym bag, towel, tumbler and Pampers Active Baby diapers plus a free pass at Gymboree!  (This contest is open only to readers who could claim the prize in Makati City, Philippines).