Written by The Busylizzy Club team.
Baby massage is more than just gentle touch – it’s a powerful way to connect with your little one while supporting their physical and emotional development. At The Busylizzy Club, we’ve seen how this ancient practice helps modern families build stronger bonds and create calm, nurturing routines.
Whether you’re a new parent looking for ways to soothe a fussy baby or simply want to enjoy quiet moments together, baby massage offers benefits for both you and your child that extend far beyond the massage session itself.
The 5 Key Benefits of Baby Massage
1. Enhanced Bonding and Attachment
The combination of gentle touch, eye contact, and focused attention during baby massage helps strengthen the emotional bond between parent and child. This dedicated time together, free from distractions, allows you to tune into your baby’s cues and responses, building the foundation for secure attachment.
2. Improved Sleep Patterns
Many parents find that incorporating baby massage into their evening routine helps their little one settle more easily for sleep. The calming strokes and peaceful environment signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down, often leading to longer, more restful sleep for the whole family.
3. Better Digestion and Reduced Colic
Gentle massage techniques, particularly around the tummy area, can help stimulate your baby’s digestive system and provide relief from wind and colic discomfort. The rhythmic movements support natural digestion and can ease the symptoms that often make babies unsettled.
4. Enhanced Body Awareness and Development
Through massage, babies develop greater awareness of their body and its boundaries. This sensory input supports their physical development and helps them understand where their body begins and ends – an important milestone in their growing sense of self.
5. Stress Relief for Both Parent and Baby
The act of massaging releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin for both you and your baby, while reducing stress hormones like cortisol. This creates a positive cycle of relaxation and connection that benefits your entire family’s wellbeing.
Getting Started with Baby Massage
Baby massage is suitable from the early weeks, once you and your baby have settled into your new routine together. The key is to follow your baby’s cues – some days they’ll love the full experience, other days just a few gentle strokes might be perfect.
At The Busylizzy Club, our qualified instructors teach you comfortable positions for both of you, safe massage techniques, and most importantly, how to read your baby’s signals. Our sessions are unhurried and baby-led, with plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, or changing whenever needed.
The beauty of our approach is that there’s no pressure to follow a rigid routine. Some babies love longer massage sessions, others prefer shorter, gentler touches. We’ll help you discover what works best for your unique little one.
Baby Massage and Child Development
Baby massage aligns perfectly with our philosophy of child-led development. Just as we believe babies learn best when they guide their own exploration, massage works best when you follow your baby’s responses and preferences.
This responsive approach mirrors the principles behind the 1curiosity toys we recommend – both recognise that babies develop at their own pace and benefit from gentle, respectful interaction. These award-winning toys, praised by child development expert Professor Sam Wass, encourage the same kind of mindful, observational parenting that makes baby massage so beneficial. You can explore the full range on Parent Picks.
Building Your Baby Massage Routine
The most successful baby massage routines are flexible and responsive. Start with just a few minutes and gradually build up as your baby shows they’re enjoying the experience. Many families find that incorporating massage into existing routines – like after bath time or before a feed – helps establish a natural rhythm.
Remember, this is about connection, not perfection. Even on days when your baby seems less interested, a few gentle touches or simply lying skin-to-skin can provide many of the same benefits.
Ready to Begin?
Join one of our welcoming Baby Massage classes where you’ll learn techniques in a supportive, relaxed environment. You can also explore our other baby development classes that complement massage beautifully, all designed around the same principles of responsive, child-led activities.
Find a friendly venue near you through our locations page and discover how baby massage can become a treasured part of your family routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is baby massage suitable for?
Baby massage is suitable from the early weeks once you and your baby are settled at home. Our classes welcome babies from around 4-6 weeks up to crawling age (typically 6-8 months). The techniques adapt to your baby’s developmental stage, ensuring comfort and safety throughout.
What oil should I use for baby massage?
We recommend using a simple, cold-pressed vegetable oil like sunflower or grapeseed oil. Avoid oils with strong fragrances or additives. Your instructor will guide you through doing a patch test first and show you how to warm the oil safely in your hands before applying.
What if my baby cries during massage?
Crying is completely normal and doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Babies cry to communicate their needs – they might be hungry, tired, or simply not in the mood for massage. At Busylizzy classes, we always pause to feed, cuddle, or change nappies as needed. The session is designed around real family life.
How long should a baby massage session last?
For newborns, even 5-10 minutes can be beneficial. As your baby grows and shows more interest, sessions might naturally extend to 15-20 minutes. Always follow your baby’s cues – some days they’ll want longer, other days just a few gentle touches will be enough.
Can I do baby massage if my baby has eczema or sensitive skin?
With appropriate precautions, babies with sensitive skin can often still enjoy massage. Consult your GP or health visitor first, and inform your instructor about any skin conditions. We can teach you gentle techniques and suggest suitable oils that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
What makes Busylizzy baby massage classes different?
Our classes are completely baby-led and pressure-free. We focus on building your confidence as a parent while creating a calm, supportive environment. As part of our broader baby development programme, you can combine massage with other classes like baby sensory or baby yoga to suit your family’s interests.
