Happy Baby Pose - Ananda Balasana

Happy Baby Pose (front) - Iana Varshavska

Contents

Happy Baby Pose or Ananda Balasana in Sanskrit (‘Ananda’ means ‘Happy’ and ‘Bala’ means a ‘Baby’) is an excellent grounding pose. Interestingly, it is also called the Dead Bug Pose, because of the position that the body takes up while performing this pose.

This yoga pose is considered one of the restorative poses which can be done for better sleep and full body relaxation. Apart from that the pose stretches the inner groins and the back spine, thus Ananda Balasana works as a soft hip opener.

Happy Baby Pose is considered a base pose as happy baby pose variations can be derived from this pose.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Lie on your back and gently hug the knees into your chest
Step 2
Separate the knees wide to either side of your torso. Then, keeping the knees bent, reach down and grab a hold of the outer edge of each foot (or the big toes). Bring the soles of the feet to shine up towards the ceiling as if you were going to stand on it.
Step 3
Shins are perpendicular to the earth. Flex and activate the toes. Pull down on the outer edges of the feet in order to glue the sacrum down to the earth and to bring the arm bones into their sockets.
Step 4
Imagine you are trying to get your upper thighs to rest next to your ribcage. Make sure the sacrum stays on the earth by drawing the navel down.
Step 5
Shoulder and head are on the ground. Neck is inline with the spine. To help align the neck with the spine press your head gently to the ground and slightly tuck the chin.
Step 6
To release, let go of the outer edges if the feet and hug the knees into the chest.

Benefits and Contraindications

Benefits

Gently stretches the inner groins and the back spine.

Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and fatigue.

Contraindications

Pregnancy

Knee injury

Neck injury, support head on a thickly folded blanket

Photo poses in different angles

Useful Tips

As you practice Ananda Balasana, focus on releasing any tension in your hips and lower back. You can also gently rock from side to side to massage your spine and release any tightness in your lower back.

If you have any knee or hip injuries, it is important to modify the pose or avoid it altogether.

If you can’t reach your feet, try using a belt or scarf looped around each arch of the foot.
You can also take hold of your ankles or shins.

Modifications And Props For Beginners

If you are uncomfortable with the pose, you can always modify it with the help of yoga props. Here are some recommendations to make Happy Baby more comfortable:

  • Use a Strap: If you can’t reach your feet with your hands, you can use a strap to make the pose more accessible. Wrap the strap around the arches of your feet and hold onto the strap instead of your feet. This will help you to keep your arms straight and lengthen your spine.
  • Use Blocks: If you have tight hips or lower back, you can place blocks under your hips to lift them up and support your back. This will help you to relax into the pose and release tension in your hips.
  • Use Blankets: If you have sensitive knees, you can fold a blanket and place it under your knees for extra support. This will help to cushion your knees and make the pose more comfortable.
  • Use a Bolster: If you want to deepen the stretch in your hips, you can place a bolster or a folded blanket between your thighs and hold onto the ends of the bolster with your hands. This will help you to gently pull your thighs towards your chest and deepen the stretch in your hips.

Happy Baby Pose Anatomy

Happy Baby Pose primarily targets the hips, lower back, and inner thighs. Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of this pose:

  • Hips: The pose stretches the hip flexors, adductors, and gluteus muscles. The external rotation of the hips in this pose also engages the piriformis muscle, which can help to release tension in the lower back and hips.
  • Lower Back: a gentle stretch of the muscles around the lumbar spine. The pose also encourages the sacrum to release down towards the mat, which can help to alleviate lower back pain.
  • Inner Thighs: As you open your knees wide in Ananda Balasana, you stretch the inner thighs or adductors. This can help to release tension in the groin and improve flexibility in the hips.
  • Core: Although Ananda Balasana is primarily a stretching pose, it also engages the core muscles to help stabilize the torso. As you hold the pose, focus on drawing your navel towards your spine and engaging your core muscles to support your lower back.
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Modifications & Variations

  • Half Happy Baby Pose
  • Rocking Happy Baby
  • Happy Baby Pose Bolster Under Sacrum
  • Happy Baby Pose With Bolster
  • Half Happy Baby Pose
  • Wide-Legged Happy Baby

Iana Varshavska
Iana Varshavska
Website administrator

In love with yoga and everything that goes along with it. Iana is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) who has completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification by the Yoga Alliance U.S. In addition to that, she is constantly studying and improving her skills in various aspects of yoga philosophy, yoga anatomy, biomechanics, and holodynamics.