Baby massage is a lovely way to bond and enjoy time together with your baby. Parents have been massaging their little ones for many years. Babies cannot communicate with you but through massage, babies associate the comfort of touch which is a great bonding experience for you both.

What is baby massage?

Busylizzy Baby Massage

Baby massage is the gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby’s body using your hands. As part of your baby’s bedtime routine, you might incorporate 20 min of massage to sooth you both.

It’s important you are comfortable before beginning. Perhaps sitting in a cushion with your baby between your legs. Make sure your hands are warm by running the gently together. Strip your baby down to their nappy (or if you are feeling brave, take their nappy off). You might also talk softly or sing to them while massaging to create a sense of calm and reassurance for your baby.

The benefits of baby massage and how it supports your family

Baby massage is a gentle, rhythmic way to connect with your baby through touch and attention. It’s been used for generations to strengthen the bond between parent and child and to support early physical and emotional development. At The Busylizzy Club, we’ve seen how this simple practice can become a special part of your daily routine.

What is baby massage?

Baby massage involves slow, comforting strokes over your baby’s body using your hands. It’s a nurturing activity you can include in everyday moments, such as after bath time or before bedtime. Over time it becomes a familiar cue for calm and closeness between you and your little one.

Five key benefits

Strengthened emotional bond

Massage gives you dedicated time to focus on your baby’s cues and responses. This calm, attentive connection builds trust and helps your baby feel safe and understood.

Improved sleep

The calming effect of gentle touch can help babies settle more easily into sleep. Making massage part of a bedtime routine can signal to your baby that it’s time to relax. Busylizzy

Better digestion

Soothing strokes around the tummy area may support the digestive system and help relieve wind and colic discomfort.

Enhanced physical awareness

Through massage, babies learn more about their body and its boundaries. This sensory input supports their early motor development and body awareness.

Calm and stress relief

The shared experience of massage encourages the release of positive hormones like oxytocin while reducing stress hormones. This can create a peaceful moment for both parent and baby.

When to start and how it works

Baby massage is suitable once you and your baby have settled into a home routine, often from around 6 weeks of age up to when they start crawling. It’s important to follow your baby’s cues – some days might be all about longer sessions, other days just a few gentle touches will be enough.

At The Busylizzy Club, our baby massage classes are relaxed and baby-led, with instructors showing gentle techniques, safe positions, and how to read your baby’s signals. You’ll also meet other parents and share the experience together. Learn more or find a class near you on our baby massage class page.

Make the most of baby massage

Here are a few simple tips to help you start:

• Choose a calm time when your baby is content and not too tired or hungry.

• Create a warm, quiet space with minimal distractions.

• Use gentle, slow strokes and stop if your baby shows signs of discomfort.

• Follow your baby’s cues and keep sessions short and responsive.

If you’re enjoying baby massage, you might also like to explore other developmental classes at The Busylizzy Club such as Baby Yoga or Baby Karma sensory play to support your baby’s growth and engagement.

Ready to try it?

Our classes are designed to be supportive, unhurried and baby-led. You can find a friendly venue close to you using our club finder or explore all our baby and family classes on the classes page.