Explore Baby Massage with Elms Wellbeing

Baby Massage: A Gentle Touch

Baby massage is a wonderful way to connect with your newborn or baby. It involves gentle strokes and movements that can soothe and comfort your baby, and fosters a deep connection and communication between parent and infant.

Recommended for babies up to 6 months old, but some babies continue to enjoy massage for many months and the techniques can be used to settle toddlers and children too.

The Benefits of Baby Massage

1. Bonding: Positive nurturing touch is a powerful way to bond with your baby. Massage helps create a strong emotional connection between parent and infant.

   
   

2. Relaxation: Just like adults, babies can benefit from relaxation techniques. Massage can help calm an unsettled baby.

   
   

3. Improved Sleep: regular massage can help your baby sleep better.

   
   

4. Digestive Health: Gentle massage can aid in digestion and relieve gas or colic.

   
   

Techniques for Baby Massage

• Leg and Foot Massage: Gently stroke your baby's legs and feet. This can help them relax and feel secure and is a good place to start to explore baby massage. You will be guided through every step of the way in Baby Massage Circles, with a free comprehensive booklet and massage diary to take home with you to continue practicing whenever you can and develop your baby massage journey further.

  
  

• Tummy Massage: Use circular motions on your baby's tummy to aid digestion. We explore a range of techniques in Baby Massage Circles for wind removal, trapped wind, dispersing air bubbles, and soothing and settling tummies.

  
  

• Back Massage: Lay your baby on their tummy across your lap or thighs, and gently stroke their back, always avoiding the spine. This can be very soothing and comforting, and encourage babies to have a few relaxed moments of tummy time too.

  
  

• We explore a full body massage during Elms Wellbeing Baby Massage Circles, beginning slowly and gently with different areas each week over the course, going at your pace with plenty of recap and practice, and sessions are always baby-led and parent centred.

Incorporating Baby Massage into Your Routine at Home

These are my top tips to make Baby Massage a simple and relaxed habit at home:

1. Choose a Comfortable Space: Find a quiet, warm place where you and your baby can relax. prepare this area first before settling your baby into it. Think towel, comfy blanket, oil (if using) etc...

2. Use Gentle Oils: Using natural oils, such as coconut or sunflower oil, is easily absorbed into your babies skin, improves skin condition, and helps your hands glide smoothly over your baby's skin. Food safe oils are best without scents or essential oils added.

3. Start Slowly: Begin with short sessions, gradually increasing the time as your baby becomes more comfortable. This is exactly what we do in Baby Massage circles, keeping sessions baby-led, slow, gentle and relaxed.

4. Relaxed Parent equals Relaxed Baby: Take time to prepare everything first, have a drink for yourself nearby (avoid hot drinks for safety), and take a few deep breaths to relax and calm yourself first. You are your babies mirror so if you are stressed, tense or rushed, they will pick up on this. If you take time to be slow, and relax yourself first, your baby will feel more relaxed and settled too.

5. Pay Attention to your Baby's Cues: Watch your baby's reactions. If they seem uncomfortable, unsettled, are showing signs of hunger, tiredness or need changing, pause, tend to your babies needs and try again later. Better to do short and calm sessions every now and then than try and force a longer session or keep going if your baby is not feeling it.

Baby Massage is a beautiful way to bond, connect and communicate with your baby. Elms Wellbeing classes are gentle, guided and relaxed. Come just as you are and learn a nurturing skill that will benefit both you and your baby.

Classes coming soon in 2026 in Brecon, Hay and Abergavenny!