What to expect at my baby massage classes?

If you're thinking about coming to baby massage classes, you might wonder what will happen when you and your baby get there, how will it be set up and what your instructor will be like.

I remember how nerve-wracking it was getting out and about into the community to attend groups with my own babies. So I thought I'd give a bit of an intro to how my baby massage classes work. My approach stays the same regardless of the location we're in. 

What to bring

Other than you and your baby, you only need bring the same things you would take on any outing with your baby, as well as a blanket or towel from home so they have something familiar-smelling nearby. This helps them feel relaxed in what is likely to be a new environment for them. 

I always have spare blankets, and provide comfortable, supportive seating (because all new parents spend too long balancing/leaning/craning and getting general back and neck aches!), heated spaces in winter, cool spaces in summer, printed handouts to remind you of the strokes when you're at home, a hot or cold drink and some homemade baking. 

It's important to me that my classes are a time for parents to rest, relax and feel taken care of alongside learning a new skill with their baby. 

I provide the oil we use to massage our babies, which are chosen in accordance with recommendations from the International Association of Infant Massage. The oil will be safe for your baby's delicate skin (unless they have very specific dermatological needs), which means: edible, unscented, free from essential oils, and as close to the natural form as possible, such as cold-pressed varieties. 

A baby-led environment

My classes never run from start to finish without us tending to the needs of the babies - whether that's a nappy change, a feed, a cry, a hug or to facilitate a nap! I'm here for all of it. One of the fundamental principles of the course I teach is about tuning into and respecting your baby's needs. We talk a lot about cues and non-verbal communication, which deepens bonding and our babies' trust in us. Sometimes, if the timing dictates, babies will sleep through the entire class!

I never mind if people are running late or need to leave early. It can be hard to get out of the house with little ones, and sometimes you just need to call it and retreat if the day is going south! The most important thing is respecting yours and your baby's needs.

You are the masseuse!

I'm never going to massage your babies during the course. This might surprise some people, but it's a fundamental principle of the International Association of Infant Massage and of my approach to classes. Not only would me massaging your baby undermine and disrupt the bond between you, but your baby may find it confusing and stressful to have a stranger touch them in this way and therefore not be in a state to enjoy or benefit from the massage. It could give them a negative association with the experince as well.

The purpose of the massage course includes deepening your understanding of your baby as well as learning the skill of nurturing touch. Therefore a babies' parents (and other very close family members who they see regularly) are always the most appropriate people to give massage.

My role is to teach you the skills and techniques so that you can incorporate massage into your family routine, and the best massage, where your baby is the most relaxed and engaged, will always be done at home. (If you ever need me to hold or rock a baby while you take care of something, I will of course be very obliging!)

Shared experiences

I encourage lots of sharing between parents in my classes and do my best to create a safe and confidential environment where people can connect with others going through similar experiences. My infant massage and doula training included trauma-informed approaches to care, and I use these skills to make sure people feel emotionally safe and supported.

The wisdom and support that comes from other parents who truly understand your journey is invaluable as you'll likely know from friends and family with young children, and you might have found in antenatal groups. The feedback I get from my baby massage students usually refers to the great chats we have during class, and how helpful they found it to share their experiences.

Sounds good?

Register for a baby massage course with me and discover the amazing benefits this gentle practice can bring to you and your baby. Even if no dates are currently advertised, I will always get back to you and be in touch when the next course dates are available.

Baby massage is more than just a technique—it's a beautiful way to deepen your connection with your little one while learning skills that will benefit your whole family. I'm here to support you every step of the way, respecting your parenting instincts while sharing the knowledge and experience I've gained through my ongoing professional development. The skills you learn will serve you long after the classes end, creating opportunities for bonding, relaxation, and communication with your child.