Touch is of the utmost importance to babies, it allows them to feel safe, and is the first way in which they begin to understand the world -even before they are born. Infant massage is not just touch but a special form of contact, using the sensory experience that baby knows best to connect and communicate.

Positive touch from massage provides a feeling of security and wellbeing to babies and young children, it reminds them of the close contact and rhythmic vibrations they felt while in the womb. This gives them the confidence to explore and experience their surroundings, essential for baby’s development, self confidence and awareness of their own body and the space around them.

Additional benefits of baby massage include;

• Strengthening of the bonding process between parent and child, and providing the opportunity for special time together. This can be especially beneficial for those parents who have found the bonding process difficult, for example if baby has had to spend time in the special care unit, or for those suffering with PND.
• Improving parent’s ability to understand and respond to baby’s cues
• Relief from colic, wind, constipation, teething pain and skin disorders
• Stimulation of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and immune systems and all baby’s senses
• Improved co-ordination and muscle tone
• Promoting deeper, more restful sleep and the regulation of sleep patterns

It is also a lovely, relaxing experience for both parent and child, and can be a great way for dads and siblings to develop their relationship with baby.

A massage routine, such as the one introduced on this course, can help put a structure to the natural way you probably already touch and stroke your baby and can help you to feel more confident in handling your precious bundle. It is best to massage little and often, a few minutes each day, or several times a week is more beneficial than longer sessions once in a while. Your baby will quickly come to recognise when it is “massage time” and relax into the experience more quickly and readily, bringing greater benefits and enjoyment for you both.