TOKYO FAMILIES: Please tell us a little bit about yourself, and how you became inspired to bring Itsy Bitsy Yoga to Tokyo.

SHAREE HOSOI: I’m a pre-school teacher and have been living in Tokyo the last three years. While attending the NAEYC (National Association of Education for Young Children) conference in America last year, I joined Helen Garabedian’s Itsy Bitsy Yoga workshop. I was so excited about baby yoga and the beliefs and benefits, I immediately started studying more about it, along with baby anatomy and development.

I decided to combine my love of yoga, babies and children to become an Itsy Bitsy Yoga Facilitator. I really wanted a part in being able to share and teach others how to help their babies and tots become familiar with their bodies, while having a wonderful bonding experience. It is also such a fun and joyous class to teach.

TF: What are the benefits of doing this class for mother and child?

SH: We practice moves that help babies sleep better and longer, improve digestion, calm fussy or crying babies, and encourage a confident self-awareness and happy spirit.

It’s a great chance to have some quality bonding time in a relaxed environment. Although the yoga is focused on the child, mothers will also get a little workout. Mothers also have fun meeting other moms and talking about whatever has come up that week.

TF: Does the parent need any yoga experience?

SH: No. I demonstrate all the moves on a baby doll and/or with my own body and the mothers copy while we use songs and lullabies to the keep the rhythm and encourage the child.