About baby massage
Many cultures have used massage as part of baby care for hundreds of years, and research shows it can have many benefits. Massage enables you to learn about and respond to your baby's body language. It is also a wonderful way to make your baby feel safe and secure by showing that he or she is loved and cared for. There is no set way to massage your baby - provided you know how to do it safely, you and your baby will discover what's best for you both. It is important to remember, however, that massage is something you do with, rather than to your baby. It is recommended that you learn from someone with a qualification in baby massage, or from a midwife or health visitor, to ensure you are doing it safely.
(From Baby massage: a guide for parents produced by the International Association of Infant Massage and Johnson's baby)
Articles about baby massage
- The benefits of baby massage
- Bonding and massage
- Research on baby massage
- Training courses
- Early Motherly affection leads to more stress resistant adults
- Research about baby massage
Useful publications
Baby Massage, by Alan Heath and Nicki Bainbridge (Dorling Kindersley, 2004). Covers key techniques, everyday care and massage for different age groups.
Baby Massage, by Helen McGuinness (Hodder Arnold, 2003). This is a guide for professional instructors and parents under instruction on how to massage their babies.
Baby Massage for Beginners, by Peter Walker (Carroll & Brown Publishers, 2002). This is a step-by-step guide covering massage for babies up to three years old.
Baby Massage for Dummies, by Joanne Bagshaw and Ilene Fox (Hungry Minds Inc, 2005). Covers the benefits of baby massage, massage strokes and easing health problems with massage.
Baby Massage: Expert Know-how at Your Fingertips, by Gayle Berry and Bo Lundberg (MQ Publications, 2005). Practical advice on the art of baby massage.
Soothe Your Baby the Natural Way, by Pamela Rhatigan (Hamlyn, 2005). Covers bonding, calming rituals, massage techniques and natural remedies.
Useful websites
Blossom and Berry
A resource on baby massage, baby yoga and holistic help for pregnancy, birth and childhood. The site also stocks a number of resources to help you learn baby massage at home.
Visit Blossom and Berry.
Guild of Sensory Development
GICM works to set standards for the safe, professional practice of positive touch with infants and children.
For more information tel: 01889 566 300 or go to Guild of Sensory Development.
Massage for Babies
Publishes news, comments and case studies about developments in baby massage, research and infant massage teacher training courses.
For more information go to its update page.
International Association of Infant Massage (UK)
Provides training, research. advise and support on baby massage and communication for parents and educators. For more infomation, visit their website Internation Association of Infant Massage UK.
