Baby massage has been practised in many cultures for thousands of years, and research shows many benefits. This information & guides have been created to introduce you to massage and provide examples of what you will learn in a massage class. Through massage, you can gain increased awareness of how your baby communicates and ideas on ways to support your baby in their first few months. You and your baby will discover what is best for you both. It is important to be mindful that massage is something you do with, rather than to your baby. It is recommended that you learn more from someone with a qualification in infant massage to gain the full benefit. Going to a baby massage group is an ideal way to learn to massage your baby safely. The International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) has been instructing parents around the world for over 25 years. For more information, go to www.iaim.org.uk

Regular massage may:

• Help you and your baby understand each other better
• Soothe babies and reduce crying
• Aid digestion and help relieve colic, wind and constipation
• Help babies to sleep more deeply and for longer
• Relieve nasal congestion and teething discomfort
• Help develop good muscle tone, co-ordination and suppleness
• Enhance body awareness
• Boost the immune system
• Improve skin texture
• Help calm and relax both parent and baby
• Boost parents’ confidence in handling their baby

• Choose a time when your baby is awake and alert, not too hungry or too full
• Set the scene by ensuring the room is warm and lighting not too bright
• Have what you need at hand: oil, towel, clean nappies and clothes
• Wash your hands and remove jewellery such as watches
• Make sure that you have a safe and comfortable place to do the massage and position your baby so that they can see your face clearly
• Before starting, take time to relax with a few full breaths letting go of any tension
• Remember that all babies are different, changing all the time. For instance, young babies may feel more secure if most of their clothes are left on and they feel close to their parents’ body

We have created guides for three baby stages – just select the one most relevant to your baby’s age:
Newborn Massage Guide (0-2 months)
Young Infant Massage Guide (2-6 months)
Older Infant Massage Guide (6 months+)

Massage can enhance parent-baby communication even at this early stage of development and can also help the father feel more involved in the pregnancy. There are many different strokes you can do to help through pregnancy. In particular, massaging the abdomen can have several great benefits:

• Mums may have an easier labour
• Enhances parent-baby bonding from the very beginning
• Tones muscles
• Reduces swelling in the legs
• Helps with digestive function Learn more in our Pregnancy Massage Guide