There are many joys to being a parent of a newborn baby, but there are challenges as well. When your baby is struggling to sleep or feeling unwell, it is easy to feel a little helpless.
Baby massage can help soothe babies as well as helping parents to connect with their little ones. These benefits could include improved sleep and relief from colic, constipation, teething and wind. (1, 3)
If you haven’t tried baby massage, it is well worth giving it a go. Find out more about baby massage in our article here.
Here we’ve found the best baby massage classes in West London. These classes can help you to learn baby massage techniques and find new support communities for parents.
If you’re not in West London search Loopla for baby classes near you.
What are the benefits of baby massage?
There are many benefits to baby massage for both the parent and baby.
Benefits of baby massage for babies could include:
- Longer sleep (1)
- Relief from colic, constipation, teething and wind (1)
- Assisting mental health and development (3)
- Help increase weight in babies who were born with low birth weight (5)
- Reducing stress (4)
- Improving the bond between parent and child (3)
Benefits of baby massage for parents and carers could include:
- Spending one-to-one time with your baby (4)
- Understanding your baby’s behaviour and improving communication (4)
- Finding community and support (3)
- Feeling relaxed and improved well-being (3)
The New Parent Company
Ages: 0-12 months
Area: St John’s Wood, NW8
Services: bonding, body massage routine
The New Parent Company supports new parents with Antenatal and Postnatal advice with classes, including baby massage classes. Over 4 sessions, the baby massage class covers bonding, attachment, the power of skin-to-skin contact and a full-body massage routine.
The New Parent Company reviews
The New Parent Company had 5/5 stars from 32 reviews on Google. Reviews for The New Parent Company highlighted the baby massage course as “excellent.”
Class instructor Adeline was even described as Mary Poppins by one reviewer! Sarah’s review said, “It was a safe, supportive environment, lots of fun and we met some lovely people.”
The New Parent Company pricing
Baby massage classes cost £13.75 per session or £55.00 per term of 4 sessions.
Where to book The New Parent Company classes
Find a class on Loopla: The New Parent Company or visit their website for more information: newparentcompany.com.
Katherine Clarke
Ages: 6 weeks+
Area: Harlesden, NW10
Services: Indian and Swedish massage techniques, full massage routine, short routines for colic, wind and constipation, use of oil
Baby massage instructor Katherine Clarke trained with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM).
Her class teaches how to complete a full massage, including the best time for massage and which oils are suitable for your baby.
Katherine Clarke reviews
Testimonials on Katherine’s website said it was the highlight of the week and a nurturing experience.
Katherine is described as a kind and knowledgeable instructor, creating a calm space. Siobhan and Noa’s testimonial on the website said:
“Not only have I learnt a great massage, but I feel I have grown more confident as a mother through the safe space created.”
Katherine Clarke pricing
A 5-session course costs £80 and includes one complimentary bottle of oil and information sheets. Tea and cookies are also provided!
Where to book Katherine Clarke classes
Contact Katherine or book a baby massage class at katherineclarke.net.
The Baby Experience
Ages: 2 weeks – crawling
Area: Ealing, W13
Services: Indian, Swedish and Bowen techniques, Reflexology, Yoga movements, massage routine
The Baby Experience describe themselves as the “fairy godmother in your life.” Their baby massage class combines many different techniques. Sessions include time for tea, coffee, cake and chats with other parents.
Instructor Lou is a National Childbirth Trust (NCT) Qualified Doula and International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) baby massage teacher.
The Baby Experience reviews
The Baby Experience received a rating of 5/5 stars from 119 reviews on Google for The Baby Experience.
One review described the baby massage class as “like walking into a massive warm hug.” Teacher Lou was consistently said to be kind, wise and great to chat with.
“I came to learn baby massage and I also found cake, coffee and comfort. I left not only with knowledge of baby massage, but with new friends,” wrote Jamila on Google.
The Baby Experience pricing
A 5-week baby massage course costs £85, including the instruction sheet and a mini jar of organic coconut oil and refreshments.
One-to-one baby massage sessions cost £115 in person or via Zoom. These in-person sessions include a free baby tummy anatomy onesie!
Where to book The Baby Experience classes
Classes can be booked online at www.thebabyexperience.co.uk.
Milestones
Ages: 6 Weeks to crawling
Area: Queen’s Park, NW10
Services: reflexology, baby yoga, baby massage techniques
Baby massage instructor Clare has an Integrated MamaBabyBliss Diploma in Baby Massage and Baby Yoga. Her classes bring together techniques from reflexology, baby yoga and baby massage.
We also love that Milestones has ‘Daddy Only’ groups too!
Milestones reviews
Milestones had 5/5 stars from 3 reviews on Google. Reviews highly recommended Clare as a great instructor and spoke of how baby massage was rewarding for parents and their babies.
Alex wrote on Google, “Clare is great and baby massage is really powerful. The fact that Jodie fell asleep almost instantly after the session is great testament to the benefits of massage.”
Milestones pricing
A 5-week baby massage course is £65 with oil and a step-by-step guide included.
The ‘Daddy Only’ groups are £25 per session, or a home session costs £50.
Where to book Milestones classes
Find out more information at www.milestonesbabymassage.com.
West London Babies
Area: Chiswick, W4
Services: baby massage techniques
Baby massage classes are taught by Caroline, who is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). She is on the Executive Board for the IAIM (UK Chapter), serving as the Vice President.
Caroline is IAIM’s UK Specialist Instructor for working with Fathers & Partners and also has a Developmental Baby Massage qualification with Peter Walker.
West London Babies pricing
The 5-week Group Course costs £92.50.
One-off classes & home visits cost £78.50.
Oils, mats, handouts and refreshments are provided!
Where to book West London Babies classes
Get in contact with Caroline to check availability and book a class at westlondonbabies.com.
Babies with Claire
Ages: 6 weeks to 6 months
Areas: Chiswick & Hammersmith, W4; Kensington & Chelsea, W8, SW3
Services: parent bonding and communication, baby massage techniques
This course looks at how baby massage can have lasting benefits into adulthood. Each week, there is a discussion space, and Claire can adapt any of the baby massage moves to meet the physical needs of parent and child.
Babies with Claire reviews
Testimonials on the website for Babies with Claire spoke of results, including improved sleep, and thanked Claire for being so kind and helpful.
An anonymous testimonial on the Babies with Claire website noted that “Claire is great and I found her especially welcoming, helpful and kind.”
Babies with Claire pricing
A 5-week baby massage course costs £80.
Where to book Babies with Claire classes
Booking information can be found here: babieswithclaire.com.
Your Baby Spa
Ages: 3 to 7 months
Areas: Shepherd’s Bush & Hammersmith, W14
Services: Weighing, hydrotherapy, pool time, baby massage techniques
The Bonding with Baby experience includes a baby massage session using organic grapeseed oil, hydrotherapy and pool time to help give you some quality time with your baby.
Your Baby Spa reviews
The rating on Google for Your Baby Spa was 4.9/5 stars from 43 reviews. These reviews focused on how good the team were with babies. It was said to be a calm and relaxed space. Francesca expressed how good of a family time it was.
She wrote on Google: “Baby, mummy and Granny all had the best time. Baby left happy and exhausted from his first swim. He loved his massage.”
Your Baby Spa pricing
A one-hour session costs £125, including complimentary tea in the sitting room, warm towels and the changing area, all to yourself!
Where to book Your Baby Spa classes
Book the Bonding with Baby experience on the website yourbabyspa.com.
Baby Glo
Ages: newborn babies onwards
Area: Clapham, SW4
Services: full baby massage routine, step-by-step sessions
Reviews: 5/5 stars from 6 reviews on Facebook
Baby Glo offers group and one-to-one sessions or booking for private parties and ‘Daddy Time’ sessions on Saturdays. It is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives.
Baby Glo reviews
Baby Glo had 5/5 stars from 6 reviews on Facebook. According to reviews, the baby massage course taught great techniques to use at home. Lousie shared about her experience on Facebook, writing: “My little one loved the class & Emily is a natural with babies.”
Baby Glo pricing
For pricing, get in touch with Baby Glo.
Where to book Baby Glo classes
Get in contact at babyglolondon.com to book and find out more.
Baby Physio
Areas: Belgravia, SW1; Clapham, SW4; Monument, EC3
Services: bonding with parents, massage techniques, physiotherapy
Reviews: 4/5 stars from 12 reviews on Google
These baby massage sessions focus on the psychological and developmental benefits of stimulating skin and sensory receptors with baby massage.
Baby Physio reviews
Baby Physio had 4/5 stars from 12 reviews on Google and a 5/5 rating from 10 reviews on Facebook. Reviewers for Baby Physio found professional help and advice from the physios.
They also found good service and availability. Agnos praised Baby Physio with “Great service,” writing that “the physio was amazing treating my gran daughter; Thanks a lot for your help.”
Baby Physio pricing
An initial baby massage session costs £70 for 45 minutes with 5 different practitioners to choose between.
Where to book Baby Physio classes
Find the full range of services from Baby Physio on their website, babyphysio.com.
Holistic Babies
Ages: 6 weeks+
Areas: Shepherds Bush, W6; Fulham, SW6; Vauxhall, SW8
Services: step-by-step massage, linking massage strokes, relaxation techniques for parent and baby
Holistic Babies teaches communication with your baby and ways to soothe ailments such as colic and teething.
Instructor Stephanie is an Accredited Baby Massage Instructor with a Diploma – Hands on Babies.
Holistic Babies reviews
There were 5/5 stars from 32 reviews on Google for Holistic Babies. Reviewers found Stephanie to be supportive and knowledgeable.
Christine shared about her experience on Google writing: “I’ve done her baby massage course… which have all been super fun, rewarding and extremely interesting.”
Holistic Babies pricing
The course costs £100 for 5 sessions.
Where to book Holistic Babies classes
Find out when the next course is running by getting in contact via holisticbabiesouthlondon.com.
Which baby massage class in West London to choose?
Deciding which baby massage course is for you depends on what you are looking for in a baby massage class.
For help with common ailments such as colic or constipation, try West London Babies with a highly qualified instructor.
For development advice, you may want professional support from Baby Physio. Babies with Claire features a discussion space for connecting with other parents.
If you’re a dad, check out the dad-only sessions with Milestones or Baby Glo. Both Katherine Clarke and The Baby Experience offer a range of different techniques to try. Your Baby Spa is something a bit different with pool time.
The cheapest West London baby massage is The New Parent Company, costing £55 for the full course.
What is the difference between Baby Massage and Baby Reflexology?
Baby reflexology deals only with the feet, whereas baby massage is for more areas of the body. Both assist with common ailments and are a way of bonding with your child.
Baby reflexology is a form of reflexology designed for infants and young children. It involves gently stroking reflex points on the feet to assist with caring for your child with common ailments such as coughs, colds and colic. (6)
Baby massage also assists with these ailments but tends to focus on massaging techniques for multiple areas of the body.
Both baby reflexology and baby massage are great ways of bonding with your child and spending quality time together.
FAQs
What age/month should babies start massage?
There is no set age to begin baby massage classes; however, a good age to start baby massage is 6-8 weeks. Many parents prefer to wait until their baby has a settled routine. (1) (2)
Is it safe to massage my baby?
It is safe to massage your baby with no potential harm to your baby when taught baby massage by a qualified instructor. (3)
In baby massage, using oil to reduce friction is recommended. You should only use oil that is safe for babies and is recommended by a qualified instructor in baby massage.
References
- “Baby Massage Tips and Benefits”, NCT
- “Baby Massage”, Starting Well, NHS Chesire and Wirral Partnership
- “Infant massage: The practice and evidence-base to support it”, Alison Cooke, British Journal of Midwifery
- “About Baby Massage”, International Association of Infant Massage
- “The Effectiveness of Baby Massage in Increasing Infant’s Body Weight”, Kurniarti Puji Lestari et al., Journal of Public Health Research
- “Baby Reflexology”, Jenny Tanner, Netmums
