Patter of Tiny Feet
"Infant massage is not a fad. It is an ancient art that connects you deeply with the person who is your baby."
Vimala McClure
What is baby massage?
Baby massage has been extensively practised by mothers for centuries in many Indian, Asian and African cultures to nurture and aid development for the baby. Positive touch and stroking is now recognised by more Western countries as part of daily childcare due to the benefits it offers mothers and babies including those born prematurely or have additional health needs.
Baby massage is the rhythmic stroking of your baby's body using your hands. As part of a massage routine, you may stroke the face, head, back, chest or abdomen and later your baby's legs, feet or toes, or their arms, hands, or fingers. Baby massage uses traditional techniques from Swedish and Indian style massage and yogic and reflexology principles to underpin the skills used.
Massage can be given without oil in some instances. Instructors will often recommend high quality, organic, cold pressed and fragrance-free oils as the most suitable for use with soothing massage strokes, whilst verbal and non-verbal interactions take place throughout the session between mother and baby.
What are the benefits for mothers and babies?
For mothers:
Feeling closer to your baby
Gaining a deeper understanding of your baby’s behaviour, crying and body language
Providing an enjoyable opportunity to spend one-to-one time with your baby
Feeling the relaxing effects of giving your baby a massage,
Increases confidence in your ability to care for and nurture your baby
Learning a life-long parenting skill
For babies:
Helping your baby to feel securely attached
Helping your baby to feel more loved, valued and respected
Reduced crying and emotional distress
Increased levels of relaxation and longer sleep
Development of body awareness and coordination
Relief from wind, colic, constipation and teething discomfort
Research has suggested that new mothers become more confident in handling their infants and better at recognising their needs (Bennett et al., 2022). The studies report improved positive interaction and communication with the baby. Baby massage is a great way for partners, family members and carers to bond with every baby.
Massage is good for condition of the skin, circulation and encouraging blood supply to the muscles and tissue of the whole of the baby’s body. Baby massage: encourages joint mobility and flexibility; encourages weight gain; improves digestion and can prevent/help with wind, colic and constipation. It stimulates endorphins – the body’s natural pain killers (Bennett et al., 2022). Massage is usually calming and relaxing and research reports that it improves sleep patterns.
My Baby Massage Courses : Strengthen Your Bond, Calm Your Baby
Midwife-led 1:1 or small group (4-6 maximum) classes, of four, hour long sessions. Each session offers gentle moves, with benefits for you and your baby and instructor supported practice. Your course includes organic baby-safe massage oil and handouts to continue your practice at home.
If you have any questions or would like more details about Baby Massage such as location, dates and times, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I am here to support you in any way I can.
📧 Email: patter-of-tiny-feet@outlook.com
📩 Contact Form: https://patter-of-tiny-feet.systeme.io/contact
NEXT COURSE 2026:
TOTTON SO40 3AP
COURSE 1: January 20th, 27th (Tuesdays) and February 6th and 13th (Fridays)
COURSE 2: March 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th (Tuesdays)
COURSE 3: May 5th, 15th (Friday), 19th and 26th (Tuesdays)
Message for details.
Bennett C, Underdown A, Barlow J. Massage for promoting mental and physical health in typically developing infants under the age of six months. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD005038. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005038.pub3.
Patter of Tiny Feet
© 2025 Systeme.io