Want to introduce your little one to the world of yoga? Then, you might want to get them their very own kids yoga mat to make them feel included, involved and, most of all, engaged. Yoga has many benefits, from keeping the body active to promoting a healthy mind.
If these are the skills you're looking to teach your children, getting them their own kids yoga mat might just be the way forward. That's why we've rounded up a list of the best yoga mats for kids, with designs that will encourage their participation. But most of all, these kid friendly designs will make yoga fun!
What are the benefits of teaching kids yoga?
There are so many benefits to yoga, and not just for kids either. It's an activity that all of the family can get involved in, regardless of ability. Whether you're just starting out or you're a total expert, yoga has an infinite amount of benefits for your wellbeing, particularly when it comes to strengthening the body and the mind.
Bonding with the family: An activity that you can do together as part of a family will only strengthen the family bond that you share. Work together to recreate the poses, and most of all - have fun! It doesn't matter whether you're not the most flexible, it's the taking part that counts.
Establishing a routine: Doing yoga at the same time every day will come to be a part of their daily routine. A session in the evening will help your child to associate yoga with bedtime, helping them to prepare for sleep.
Encouraging mindfulness: As much as yoga is active, it's also about quieting the mind through meditation. While the little ones might not have mastered this tool yet, it helps them practice this skill for the future. It'll be an invaluable skill for them in any time of stress.
Reducing anxiety: Yoga may be particularly useful for anxious children, it's been proven to decrease symptoms of anxiety across multiple studies. As well as being a relaxing activity, it's also focused on breathwork; this may be a useful tool for those who suffer from panic attacks.
Promoting a healthy mind: Create a safe, relaxing atmosphere where your child is free to express their feelings. Chat through any negative emotions and encourage them to release these when they exhale during poses. A way of having control over our emotions, the mindfulness of yoga also fosters the ability of thinking before reacting.
Bodily awareness and bodily autonomy: For kids and toddlers, yoga will help them to learn about different parts of their bodies. It will also help them to develop self awareness, as well as encourage them to have respect for their bodies by exerting ownership of their own boundaries and space.
Keeping active: Despite being a light activity, yoga will help to get their heart pumping and blood flowing, releasing feel good endorphins. Encourage them to maintain a healthy relationship with fitness by celebrating what their body can do.
Improving balance and posture: Different poses will mean having to rely on balance, which is a skill that can be learned through yoga. As well as balance, it'll improve posture and breathing techniques.
The best kids yoga mats
At Mother & Baby, we've selected a list of the best yoga mats for helping them to wind down. Here are our favourite yoga mats for kids to start them off on their yoga journey.
Best basic kids yoga mat
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
A great option for kids, but also to take with you to baby yoga if you have any other little ones. This Class 1 yoga mat from Yoga Studio has a baby standard rating which is the highest standard available across the site. As well as being skin-friendly and free of toxins, these mats are non-slip and provide great cushioning for little feet.
Material: Dense vinyl foamDimensions: 60 cm x 130 cm x 0.45 cm / 1.3kg**
Thickness:** 4.5mm
Age suitability: Babies and upwards
Pros:
• Different colours to choose from**•** Non-toxic**•** Good level of thicknessCons:
• No reviews yet
Best dinosaur kids yoga mat
Description
With four fun designs to choose from that kids are bound to love, from unicorns to dinosaurs, we're sure this will be a hit. On the reverse, there are yoga poses that your kids can copy during their yoga sessions. With a thickness of 6mm, you can be sure that their joints will be correctly cushioned.
Material: PVCDimensions: 150 cm x 55 cm x 6 cm / 1.22 kg**
Thickness:** 6mm
Age suitability: Children
Pros:
• Fun designs**•** Reverse print with yoga poses**•** Non-slipCons:
• Heavy for little ones to carryReview: "This is such a well-made yoga mat for tiny ones. I bought it for my granddaughter as her first yoga mat and she loves it. Good quality. The poses illustrated on one side, make yoga fun for little children."
Best professional kids yoga mat
Description
From Gaiam, a brand that specialises in all things yoga, comes this quality children's yoga mat. This mat is the perfect size to teach yoga to the little ones in your living room with its dimensions made to suit kids from five and upwards. There are two cute kid-friendly designs to choose from, a bird and a rocket, which will help to keep them interested and engaged.
Material: PVCDimensions: 60 in x 24 in / 1.6 lbs**
Thickness:** 3mm
Age suitability: 5 - 8 years
Pros:
• Cute designs**
•** Downloadable yoga class specifically designed for kids is included• Non-toxic**
Cons:
•** Could be thickerReview: "Bought this for my 5-year-old so we could do yoga together in our lounge. Space is at a bit of a premium so it was important to me that I got a mat that was small enough to work in the space that we have, but still large enough to be effective for him to complete the poses. This seemed to hit the nail on the head. Quality is great and the graphics are subtle but fun enough for a young kid to get excited about them."
www.etsy.com
Description
This seller from Etsy lists a number of colourful printed yoga mats to choose from. While they're not specifically designed for children, we're sure that a child can get plenty of use out of them. Not to mention, they'll love these fun designs. From safari animals to household pets, there's a design for every child. Although, they may need help carrying these mats if they're a little on the bigger side.
Material: Handmade with natural high quality rubber and non toxic inksDimensions: 60 cm x 180 cm**
Thickness:**
Age suitability: Adult
Pros:
• Fun designs**•** Non-slip**•** Sweat-wicking fabricCons:
• Made for adults, could be on the large sideReview: "Omg the whole class loved the mat and so did Iove love love."
Description
Another great choice from Gaiam, this quality mat features lovable animals to keep them engaged as they work through their yoga poses. Ideal for taking to a yoga class or for sessions in your very living room, the dimensions are more than suitable for kids.
Material: PVCDimensions: 60 in x 24 in / 1.6 lbs**
Thickness:** 3mm
Age suitability: 5 - 8 years
Pros:
• Cute designs**
•** Downloadable yoga class specifically designed for kids is included• Non-toxic**
Cons:
•** Could be thickerReview: "My daughter is 3 and always is pulling out my yoga mat to do kids yoga. I thought it was time to get her one of her own. She was beyond ecstatic! It’s a cute pattern for kids, durable and decently thick. She pulls it out daily to play on. I was worried about the characters peeling but it seems to be very well made and I don’t think we should have any issues with it looking worn any time soon."
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
The cutest kids yoga mat from Decathlon. Watch as your little ones copy the poses performed by bear on the mat. Fun, educational and with a cute design, what's not to like about this kids yoga mat? This lightweight mat also comes with a carry strap so that they can take their own mat with them to yoga class.
Material: 100 per cent foamed thermoplastic elastomerDimensions: 150 cm x 60 cm / 650g**
Thickness:** 5mm
Age suitability: Children
Pros:
• Easy to carry**•** Print features yoga poses**•** LightweightCons:
• Too soft for some, too thin for othersReview: "Lovely colour, great quality, practical strap to carry on. Kids LOVE drawings and do bear-yoga all the time at home. Exceeded expectations. Highly recommend!"
Best cork kids yoga mat
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
Looking for a sustainable alternative to a yoga mat? This cork kids yoga mat from Decathlon features the most beautiful print of leopards lounging in a tree. Suitable for toddlers and up until preteens, this yoga mat will see them through their childhood. It's carry strap also makes it easy to transport for kids.
Material: Cork with natural rubber baseDimensions: 150 cm x 55 cm**
Thickness:** 3mm
Age suitability: Toddlers upwards
Pros:
• Sustainable material**•** Easy to roll up**•** Comes with a carry strapCons:
• No reviews yet
Best plain kids yoga mat
www.feelunique.com
Description
Another professional style kids yoga mat from Manduka, you can trust that you're getting a quality yoga mat. Considering the price which is veering on the expensive side, it's likely you'll want one of these mats if your child is attending class or showing a serious interest in yoga. Made from 100 per cent latex free material and free from harmful ingredients, this durable mat is safe for all of the family.
Material: PVC**
Dimensions:** 127cm x 61cm / 0.91kg**
Thickness:** 2.5mm
Age suitability: Children
Pros:
• Easy to clean**•** Free from harmful ingredients**•** LightweightCons:
• No reviews yet
Best personalised kids yoga mat
www.zazzle.co.uk
Description
From Zazzle, you're able to select your favourite out of an infinite amount of designs. Personalise your very own kids yoga mat with their name, or even create your own design with a blank kids yoga mat if you're feeling creative. The possibilites are endless! This yoga mat in particular is made from eco friendly material and is free from harmful BPAs, phthalates, and latex.
Material: Eco friendly cellular vinyl**
Dimensions:** 182.9 cm x 61 cm / 1.4 kg**
Thickness:** 6mm
Age suitability: Children
Pros:
• Can be personalised**•** Other designs avaliable on Zazzle• Colour variations avaliableCons:
• Expensive**
Review:**
Best eco friendly kids yoga mat
www.smallable.com
Description
A lovely yoga mat for kids to use. It's avaliable in design choices of green or purple, and also comes with free poster and yoga sequences for them to try out. Made from high quality, hypoallergenic material that's doing it's best for the environment, this is an environmentally conscious choice.
Material: Hypoallergenic TPE matDimensions: 152 cm x 60 cm**
Thickness:** 0.4 cm
Age suitability: 4 - 12 years
Pros:
• Two design choices**•** Eco friendly**•** Comes with free yoga packCons:
• No reviews yet
Best preowned kids yoga mat
www.decathlon.co.uk
Description
If you're looking for an affordable alternative, this kids yoga mat from Decathlon is part of their Second Life project. Having been returned previously, it's important to note that this isn't a product that's brand new, however Decathlon list it as being in good working condition. It also helps you to do your bit for the environment by purchasing pre-owned goods. The design features a cute chihuahua recreating yoga poses, too.
Material: 100 per cent foamed thermoplastic elastomerDimensions: 150 cm x 60 cm / 650g**
Thickness:** 5mm
Age suitability: Children
Pros:
• Environmentally conscious product**
•** Print features yoga poses**
•** LightweightCons:
• Not brand new
Best kids yoga mat with different colours
www.etsy.com
Description
These entry level yoga mats from Etsy are perfect for beginners who are just starting out. While they're not made specifically for kids, children would be sure to get a lot of use out of these basic yoga mats. As well as being able to choose from a variety of bright colours, these mats are lightweight with great grip. As they may be a bit on the larger side for kids, they may need help carrying the mats around despite the practical carry handle.
Material: PVCDimensions: 173 cm x 61 cm / 1.03 kg**
Thickness:** 4mm
Age suitability: Adult
Pros:
• Different colours to choose from**•** Non-slip surface
• Includes a strap to carry
Cons:
• Made for adults, could be on the large side
Review: "Arrived really quick and well wrapped. Loved the little twine that was also wrapped around the mat! Excited to use it 🙂"
Our verdict: The best kids yoga mat
From our list of kids' yoga mats, we believe that Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat is the best. From a trusted brand that specialises in yoga products, we can only assume that their kids' yoga mats will be high-quality mat. With over a thousand of overwhelmingly positive reviews, this option has to be the best from our round-up.
FAQs
Can toddlers do yoga?
Yes, toddlers can absolutely do yoga as long as the poses are easy enough to follow. Just make sure to be on hand at all times in case of any falls. After all, toddlers aren't renowned for their balance!
While the attention span of a toddler may prove a challenge, patience is key. Your tone of voice is everything, and a bouncy tone will help to keep your toddler interested. You may also want to include visuals, such as YouTube videos about yoga for kids to watch in the background.
How to explain yoga to kids?
Asking a child to engage in meditation and free their mind of thought is pretty unrealistic, especially seeing as it can be difficult for adults. You may want to start by explaining yoga as a form of fun activity to get their bodies moving and keep their minds healthy.
If you want to introduce yoga as a tool for mindfulness, you may want to bring emotions into the session. Ask them to talk about negative emotions and release them as they exhale through each pose. At this point, you can also introduce meditative practices by getting them to really focus in on their breathing.
As they get older, more advanced explanations about yoga may include talking about the history of yoga, meditation and mindfulness. These topics can be brought up throughout the sessions, or explained in depth when you feel that they're developing an understanding by asking questions.