Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Baby Massage course?

Our enjoyable 5-week IAIM baby massage course, held by our experienced neonatal nurse and instructor Laura, will show you how to massage your baby with confidence. We will solve various daily problems such as colic and constipation, understand the best time and way to massage the baby, and share all the informative discussions on the benefits of massage.
Our classes are extremely relaxed, and the non-judgmental environment allows you to feed, change and generally take care of your baby's needs during the class without any constraints. Classes last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the opportunity to relax with refreshments during the class. Take your time, enjoying the calm and safe environment in which we conduct the course.

Group sizes are kept small to ensure that each family gets the most out of the course. Each week we massage a new area of the body, until we arrive at a complete routine.
The 5-week course includes organic oils, refreshments and detailed handouts. At the end of the course, each baby receives their own certificate.
We offer a welcoming, calm, and non-judgmental environment where we believe that you are the experts of your babies. Nurturing touch provides the appropriate stimulation to encourage healthy brain development, as supported by the latest scientific research.

How old does my baby have to be to join Baby Massage?

The course is aimed for babies from birth until 12 months. It is fair to mention that in the first weeks of life your little one may not have long periods of alertness.
It is a personal choice to have initial health checks before practicing a massage.

BABY MASSAGE

What is the best oil to use for Baby Massage?

The best oil to use is organic sunflower oil.
It is a vegetable-based oil filled with nutrients, 100% natural, safe for use on dry skin, easily absorbed into the skin, doesn’t block pores and is very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Furthermore, it does not sting the eyes and is safe if ingested, just in case your baby might get any on their hands.
If your baby has hyper sensitive skin, coconut oil is a great alternative option to try.

What do I need to massage my baby?

Everything is provided for you in our classes, all you need to bring is you and baby! (The usual essentials for going anywhere with a little one are always great to bring too).
To massage at home, I would recommend creating a relaxing space where you will not be disturbed or distracted, place baby on a nice fluffy towel, dim the lights, make sure you are comfortable too and have your oil to hand. Relaxing music can always be a nice touch to help you relax too, baby massage can be a lovely relaxing experience for the parent as well.

What if my baby cries in class or doesn't want to join in?

This is totally expected! Babies will be babies and I would expect no less.
All of our courses are baby led, please do not worry if your baby cries or is unsettled. Do whatever you need to do to make your baby, and yourself, happy and settled.
The moves are repeated every week, and the massage course includes an instruction booklet and access to a complimentary video of the entire course. I always encourage parents to remember that it is better to do one minute of massage on a happy baby than to try for longer on an unsettled baby, even short amounts of massage still have the same amazing benefits.

When is the best time to massage my baby?

Put simply, the best time to massage your baby is at a time when both you and baby are relaxed and unlikely to be disturbed.
For baby, the best time is when they are in a behavioural stage known as quiet alert; this is when they are relaxed and comfortable but still alert and not hungry or sleepy.
Signs to look for are: bright open eyes, observant and making eye contact, cooing and relaxed limbs and face.
A major benefit of baby massage is helping to strengthen the parental bond and your ability to tune into your baby, you'll soon become the expert at knowing the best time for your baby.

I have twins, do I need to pay for two spaces?

Of course not! You only have to pay for a space per parent, so whether you have twins or triplets, you'll only pay for one space.
You've got enough things you need to buy multiple of, but my course is not one of them. Just let me know beforehand, so I can make sure there is enough set up for all of your babies.
If there is anything else I could do to help make it any easier for you at all as well, please just let me know, I'd love to hear from you and I'd be more than happy to help in any way.

What should I bring to the lessons?

We offer a welcoming, calm, and non-judgmental environment where we believe that you are the experts of your babies. Nurturing touch provides the appropriate stimulation to encourage healthy brain development, as supported by the latest scientific research.

Here is a short list of things you will need for the classes:
- Changing mat and a towel, to lie baby on
- A blanket
- Milk, babies usually get thirsty during classes

Of course, like every good baby group, there will also be a good cup of tea, biscuits (also gluten-free), and fruit over a group chat. A lovely way to make new local friends: you will find that you have a lot in common!

BABY YOGA

When can you start Baby Yoga?

Most experts recommend starting baby yoga after six weeks, once your newborn has gained some basic strength and stability.
At this age, babies typically begin to develop better neck control, making gentle assisted movements safer. Always look for signs that your baby can hold their head more steadily and is comfortable with short periods of tummy time.
For preemies or babies with special health needs, it’s best to wait longer and consult a pediatrician before beginning. A doctor can advise on the right timing and any modifications, ensuring that your little one practices safely from the start.

What are the benefits of Baby Yoga?

Baby yoga isn’t just about movement; it’s about bonding, comfort, and healthy growth. Here are some of the wonderful benefits it can bring for both you and your little one:

1. Motor skills, flexibility, digestion, better sleep
   Baby yoga supports healthy development by improving motor coordination, flexibility, and digestion. It also encourages more restful, consistent sleep cycles.
   These gentle movements help babies explore their bodies safely, boosting strength and mobility over time. Many routines also soothe tummy troubles, easing gas and discomfort.
   By combining relaxation with physical engagement, baby yoga offers a holistic foundation for growth, ensuring both body and mind benefit during the earliest stages of development.

2. Emotional calm and reduced fussiness
   Gentle yoga movements promote relaxation, helping babies feel calmer and less fussy. This practice can reduce overstimulation and support emotional balance. By focusing on slow, mindful stretches, babies learn to process sensory input in a more soothing way.
   Parents often notice fewer crying spells and easier transitions into naps or bedtime. Regular sessions build a sense of predictability, helping babies adjust to daily rhythms while staying calm and secure in their environment.

3. Bonding through touch and interaction
   Baby yoga deepens the parent-child connection by combining movement with nurturing touch. These moments of closeness strengthen trust, security, and communication.
   Simple routines allow caregivers to read cues and respond with gentleness, reinforcing emotional bonds. Babies begin to associate touch with comfort and safety, which supports healthy attachment.
   This shared experience also creates joyful memories, allowing parents to feel more present. Over time, both baby and caregiver grow more attuned to each other’s needs.

4. Stress relief and postpartum recovery support
   For parents, baby yoga provides an outlet to reduce stress while gently engaging the body. These routines can ease postpartum recovery. Movements and stretches encourage relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and support mindful breathing.
   Practicing with a baby fosters emotional grounding, helping caregivers manage early parenthood’s demands with more patience. This shared calm also improves household balance, creating a nurturing space.
   Regular sessions promote healing and emotional wellness, making baby yoga an effective self-care tool for parents.

5. Confidence in caregiving
   Baby yoga builds caregiver confidence by providing safe, structured ways to handle and engage with infants. Learning gentle movements reassures parents. Each pose becomes a chance to bond while practicing safe support and positioning.
   Over time, parents feel more skilled in reading cues, soothing fussiness, and encouraging development.
   This hands-on practice strengthens trust between caregiver and child, empowering parents to face daily challenges with ease. Confidence gained during sessions often extends into other caregiving activities.

6. Stronger parent/baby communication
   Baby yoga enhances nonverbal communication, helping parents tune into subtle cues. Touch, eye contact, and movement become powerful ways to connect.
   As parents practice responding to small signals, babies feel understood and supported, which nurtures trust. These routines encourage back-and-forth interactions that go beyond words, making care more intuitive.
   Parents gain insight into what comforts or excites their baby. Over time, this communication builds stronger emotional bonds, laying a foundation for healthy social and language development.

What is Baby Yoga?

Baby yoga is a gentle practice that combines simple stretches, movements, and mindful touch to support an infant’s physical and emotional growth. It is rooted in traditional yoga principles, adapted specifically for newborns and young babies.
Unlike toddler yoga, which focuses on more active poses and playful movement, baby yoga centers on assisted motions guided by the caregiver.
It also differs from “mommy-and-me yoga,” where the parent performs yoga poses alongside or while holding the baby.
Parents are drawn to baby yoga because it encourages bonding, eases fussiness, and provides a calm, shared activity that benefits both baby and parent.