Most of us love a good massage, and it seems that the same may go for little babies too! If you keep hearing fellow parents rave about baby massages, it’s not all just hype.
Some studies have shown that baby massages can help calm colicky babies and even increase infant weight. (1, 2)
Many also love it because it’s just a lovely way to relax your little one and bond with them through touch.
However, it’s really important to learn how to do baby massages properly, as it can lead to bruising or pain when not done correctly.
If you’re keen to discover the latest techniques, we’ve put together a list of the best baby massage classes near you to start your learning journey!
The benefits of baby massage classes
- Parent-child bonding
- Baby relaxation
- Baby soothing
Baby massage classes near you
Keen to try a baby massage class near you, but not sure which one is the best? Not to worry, we’ve got some of the best classes listed at the bottom, along with answers to some common questions that you might have about baby massages.
How baby massage can help your little one
What are the benefits of baby massage?
Baby massage can be helpful in several physical, emotional, and social ways. Studies have shown that it can:
- Help improve colic symptoms in babies. (1)
- Increase weight in babies who were born with low birth weight. The theory is that massages help to increase blood circulation and metabolism, which can, in turn, help babies put on more healthy weight. (2)
- Improve the regularity of their bowel movements. (3)
- Relax your little one and soothe them when they’re feeling discomfort.
- Help with parent-child bonding. (4)
- Be a fun activity to do at home with your baby.
Find baby massage classes near you: baby massage
What happens at a baby massage class?
During a typical baby massage class, you’ll learn different massage strokes and techniques which can help relax and soothe your baby.
Your baby will lie down on a comfortable surface, and you’ll use your hand to rub or stroke different parts of their body in a calming way. This would involve using long or circular motions, and typical areas to massage include the limbs, back, face, and belly.
Sometimes, your instructor might advise you on the different types of oils that you can apply to your baby’s body while you perform the massage. It’s always important to test the oils on a small patch of skin and watch out for any allergic reactions before proceeding with a full massage.
Such lessons are usually very hands-on, with the instructor guiding you through the process as you practise with your baby.
When should you start baby massage classes?
There is no set timing to starting baby massage classes, but some experts recommend waiting till about six weeks before beginning.
This is so that any developmental issues, like hip dysplasia, can be identified before you start massaging your little one. It is also much easier for parents if they wait until their baby has a settled routine. (5)
Newborn baby massage
Baby massages can be great for newborns too! A good time to start is about six weeks after birth.
Just remember to only do the massage when they’re feeling calm and happy. If it’s causing your baby any discomfort, do not continue with the massage.
Is massage good for a newborn baby?
Yes, massages are a great way to help newborns relax while bonding with their caregivers. It’s best to wait till they’re about six weeks old before you start.
Baby massage classes in London near you
Some of the top baby massage classes in London include those by Tots Play and Family Massage and Yoga. We love that they also provide parents with all of the key information about baby development in their lessons.
Find baby massage classes near you: baby massage
What is the proper way to massage a baby?
Here are some general tips for massaging a baby properly (though it’s best to attend one of our recommended classes above for more information): (6)
- Make sure the room is comfortable and your baby is calm. The best times are usually after a nap or bath.
- Apply a hypoallergenic lotion or oil to your hands and warm it up by rubbing your hands together. Make sure to test the lotion on a small patch of your baby’s skin to ensure that there is no allergic reaction before applying it to the whole body.
- Make gentle, long or circular strokes with your fingertips over your baby’s back, arms, legs, tummy, and head. Avoid massaging joints too hard, and be careful when applying pressure to certain areas around their neck.
If your baby is crying or looking uncomfortable during the massage, stop the massage immediately. (7)
Short sessions of about 15 minutes are best, as some babies may find it too stimulating if it goes on for too long.
FAQs: Baby massage in London
How many times a day should a baby be massaged?
Massaging your baby once a day is usually recommended. But there are no strict rules about this. Some experts recommended aiming for about three times a week if possible.
The most important thing is to pay attention to when your baby seems to enjoy the massages most. Some might find that massages help get bubs ready for the day ahead, while others might prefer it as a relaxing activity just before bed.
Take care not to overdo your baby massages because it can prove too stimulating for their little bodies. A good rule of thumb is to imagine that you are massaging a cotton ball when applying pressure to your baby. (7)
At what age should you stop baby massage?
There is no set age to stop baby massages. But, you might find that your little one will struggle to stay still for long once they hit 7-8 months, as that’s when they’re eager to flip over and crawl!
Should you massage your baby before or after a bath?
Massaging your baby either before or after a bath is fine, but many experts recommend massaging your baby after a bath.
If you apply massage oils to your baby’s skin before a bath, it can get slippery in the water and cause accidents.
References
- ”The effectiveness of massage therapy in the treatment of infantile colic symptoms: A randomized controlled trial”, Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran
- ”The Effectiveness of Baby Massage in Increasing Infant’s Body Weight”, Journal of Public Health Research
- ”Clinical Efficacy of Infantile Massage in the Treatment of Infant Functional Constipation: A Meta-Analysis”, Frontiers in Public Health
- ”Your guide to baby massage”, Healthline
- ”Baby massage: Tips and benefits”, NCT
- ”Baby massage guide in pictures”, raisingchildren.net.au.
- ”How to do baby massage”, The Bump
