Everything You Need to Know about Infant Massage (Baby Massage)

Welcoming a new baby into the world is magical and sometimes overwhelming. Infant massage (often referred to as Baby Massage)offers a beautiful way to slow down, connect and tune into your baby’s cues. After training with the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) and teaching countless families (as well as massaging my own three babies), I’ve gathered the questions parents ask most often.

This guide is here to help you feel confident, prepared and excited for your first Infant Massage class.

🌱What’s the best age to start Infant Massage?

The course is suitable for babies from newborn to 12 months, and there truly isn’t a “perfect” age.

Each stage brings something different:

• Younger babies may sleep more making it harder to find their awake alert window. But they may be happier lying on their backs making it easier to find a reclined position for massage. .

• Older babies may be more interactive and expressive and have longer awake alert windows, though they might wriggle a bit more! But that’s ok I always say it’s better to meet baby where they are than keep trying to get them to be still.

The best time is simply when you feel ready. You’ll learn the techniques in class, but the real massage magic happens at home. Many parents even return when their baby is older to experience the difference.

👜 Do I need to bring anything?

Just bring:

• A towel or blanket for your baby

• Your usual changing/feeding essentials

I provide everything else, including:

• Massage oil

• Handouts

• Comfortable seating

• And a warm cuppa to enjoy during the session

😢 What if my baby cries during class?

Crying is completely normal — it’s how babies communicate. You’re encouraged to respond just as you would at home.

If your baby cries during the massage, you can pause and attend to them. We never massage a crying baby, as they may be telling you they’ve had enough or that they have a different need for now.

👕 What should my baby wear?

Choose clothing that’s easy to take on and off. We use oils directly on the skin, and in Week 1 we start on the legs as this is most commonly an area of the body baby is happy to have touches.

All venues are kept warm and cosy so you and your baby are nice and comfortable.

🕊️ When is the best time of day to massage my baby?

Look for your baby’s awake alert window — when they are:

• Calm

• Bright‑eyed

• Relaxed

• Making gentle movements

• Content and engaged

Some families love including massage in the bedtime routine, but this doesn’t suit every baby. Younger babies, especially, may be tired or hungry after a bath.

Massage can be part of your daily rhythm or even done more than once a day if your baby enjoys it. The key is to keep it relaxed and enjoyable — never a chore.

🧴 What oil should I use?

I provide a bottle of cold‑pressed, vegetable‑based oil (often rapeseed) for use in class and at home.

You can also use oils you already have in your kitchen, such as:

• Olive oil

• Sunflower oil

• Vegetable oil

IAIM recommends oils that are organic, cold‑pressed and unscented.

👨‍👩‍👦 If I can’t attend a session, can my partner come instead?

Absolutely. Infant massage is a wonderful bonding tool, and it’s encouraged that the person massaging the baby is a parent or primary carer.

While mums often attend, dads are always welcome. I also run a dedicated weekend course called Daddy and Me Time especially for dads who want to complete the full programme.

🧸 Will you, the instructor, massage my baby?

No — this course is all about you and your baby. Touch is a baby’s first language, and massage gives you a powerful way to communicate and connect.

I demonstrate each technique on my teaching doll, Baby May, and I move around the room to support you and answer questions.

🚗 Is there parking available?

Yes — I always run classes at locations which offer free on site parking. Spaces are easy to find, and you’re welcome to arrive a little early to get settled without rushing. If you’re bringing a pram or car seat, there’s plenty of room inside to store it duringInfant Massage classes.

💬 Final Thoughts

My aim is to give you the skills, confidence and space to bond deeply with your baby through Infant massage. I also hope you leave with new friendships and a supportive network of parents who understand the journey you’re on.

If you ever have questions — before, during or after the course — I’m always here to help.

✨ Ready to Join a Class?

If you’re feeling curious, excited or even a little nervous about starting infant massage, you’re in the perfect place. These classes are designed to be calm, welcoming and completely pressure‑free — a space where you can learn at your own pace and tune into your baby’s cues with confidence. A space where you can meet other parents and be met by an experienced instructor whose also a parent and at the end the session enoy a cuppa with others and home made cake (always egg and dairy free  and I cater for allergies ).

If you feel that gentle pull to begin, I’d love to welcome you.

You can explore upcoming dates and secure your space whenever you’re ready. You can find details either via my website or social media accounts. I am always just a message away.