For an activity that's been documented by ancient carvings in Pakistan to have been practiced for more than 5,000 years, yoga has lasting power. In 21st century America, more than 6 million Americans are practicing yogis, and the opportunity to pass along meditative exercises to children is gaining momentum, helped by an increasing assortment of products seeking to introduce kids to the practice's benefits.

“The Little Yogis line is a great fit for many retailers—especially toy stores,” says Wai Lana, founder and president of Wai Lana.Lana initially started the company to offer products that help combat obesity, but yoga's relaxation and meditation exercises are also helpful for children with sleep problems, or for calming young children. “With such high rates of childhood obesity, ADD and ADHD, there is a real need for children to have tools for achieving health, happiness and balance naturally,” says Lana.

New products from Itsy Bitsy Yoga International, Sudbury, Mass., include Helen Garabedian's Itsy Bitsy Yoga book, which teaches yoga poses and offers special routines to help calm crying, aid in digestion and sleep, and details developmental movement activities. A second book, titled Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers — 8-minute Routines to Help Your Child Grow Smarter, Be Happier and Behave Better ($16.95, Da Capo Books, 2008)

Lana adds that parents should consider yoga to help balance a child physically, mentally and emotionally. “As children have fun doing yoga asanas (postures), they develop flexibility, coordination, balance, strength and body awareness. Such qualities help them perform better in sports and make them less prone to injury. Performing yoga asanas also increases their determination and ability to focus. This really gives kids a learning advantage when it comes to schoolwork, music lessons, martial arts and other pursuits. Yoga also regulates hormones and calms the mind, making its techniques valuable tools when kids feel angry, frustrated, fearful or stressed.”