From about 6 weeks (after they actually stop rolling over uncontrollably) the only body positions they can achieve is flat on their back (Shavasana, Figure 31b) and to roll to the side in the foetal position. At this stage there will be a reflex kicking and punching action of the arms and legs to straighten themselves. This is the nervous system waking up, and the body's way of exploring more postural options. During this period the "exercises" they do are from within the Anti-Gastric Series: namely Leg Lock Pose with Rocking and Rolling on the Spine (Figure 36a), Boat Pose (Figure 36b). All this abdominal work helps to stimulate better excretion, strengthen stomach muscles, flex the spine, awaken more solar energy, develop the willpower - all the things needed to process more and more food and to build a stronger front body in preparation for the next stages of spinal work. Around about 3 - 4 months, they learn to roll over from back to front in readiness for the next stage.

The Reptilian Phase
   After a baby can roll onto their tummy, they will be in Advasana (Figure 37, arms straight or bent), a position that will at first cause them mild distress. They don't like this position because their spinal vertebrae feel back-bending pressure where there has never been any. This is the same experience as for adults who have back problems from spending too much time slumping or bending forwards when the posture gives them some discomfort at first, but after a few sessions, they find great relief from it. Babies new to this position also don't like facing the floor, losing their face-up perspective. Their spine is now psychically "unprotected", "vulnerable", which can also be a disconcerting experience for those who are used to lying on their backs all the time.
   First in this position they learn to lift their head up, looking around to try and

see what is ahead of, beside and eventually behind them. Previously they were only concerned with what was in front of them or to their side. This is a major development for their mind. Now they discover they have to go and find things in a 360 degree world. This stronger neckwork is straightening the neck from the original chin forward position and opening the throat. It is also a strong abdominal stretch (for them) and a good breath strengthener (try lying on your tummy, lifting your head up and both legs up and breathing deeply). They also instinctively do "butterfly kicks" hoping that will get them somewhere.

   Next they use their arms to make pushing up efforts, achieving their very first back bends: Sphinx Pose (Figure 38a); Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose (Figure 38b); and with a bit of twisting and pushing up they do Tiryaka Bhujangasana or Twisting Cobra (Figure 38c).