A Good Start

Babies love to be cuddled and be spoken and sung to, baby massage brings positive touch.

A Good Start

This programme includes a five-week block of Baby Massage whcih is reported to promote sleep and reduce Colic.

Benefits of Baby Massage

• Positive touch
• Better understanding of baby’s needs
• Confidence in handling babies
• Can help with bonding and attachment
• Gives one to one time with baby
• The interactive songs can help with babies language development
• Both mum and dad can do it (as can older children/grandparents/carers)
• It’s relaxing for both parent and baby
• Massage can lower the stress hormone cortisol, helping improve the immune system
• It can help with sleep, colic, constipation and teething
• It’s free
• It’s simple
• It’s fun
• Meeting other parents and babies

Things you should know

Baby massage is usually carried out after the babies 6/8 week doctor’s check until they can roll over, this ensures that all is well with the baby before a full baby massage sequence is carried out.

Before 6-8 weeks the baby may not like to be undressed and they lose heat faster the younger they are, it may be possible to massage their hands and feet and to use holding techniques to help calm them.

If a baby has additional needs this does not always stop them having massage, permission should be sought from the doctor/consultant looking after the baby and the movements and positioning can be adapted to suit the baby.

Group sessions are carried out over 4 to 5 weeks and last 1 to 1½ hours.

If you are a parent living in Midlothian, baby massage can be accessed at a local Midlothian Sure Start centre for free.

Service Expectations

A Good Start –  Baby Massage

Baby Massage is a key element of this programme. To get the best benefit please note:

The baby massage sessions are facilitatet by fully trained Infant Massage Therapists. Parents / Carers have said they enjoy the 1-1 time with their baby.

Please bring towel, changing mat, nappy and a bottle of milk if not breastfeeding.