What happens in a baby massage class?

With the average baby class lasting anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes you might wonder why my IAIM baby massage class lasts 90 minutes. First of all, this extended time allows you to come in with baby and take time to settle. When everyone is settled; whether that be feeding baby, cuddling baby, changing baby or sitting with baby on the mat, we’ll briefly chat about what we will do in class before sharing a wee ice-breaker so that everyone gets to know each other.

Before we start learning any massage, we take part in a small relaxation exercise to relax ourselves. I’ll also chat about different poses you can massage baby in, the most important thing is that you are comfortable. If baby is happy to be massaged we’ll learn our new massage strokes and recap ones previously learned, building up to massaging the whole body. If baby has other needs and is not happy to be massaged that’s absolutely fine too. You are free to see to baby’s needs and join in the massage when and if you can. If baby is sleeping you are welcome to practice on my spare demonstration doll or sit and enjoy some time to yourself while you watch. This class is as much about you as your baby.

We usually have a small break half-way through class for some chat and home-baking before recapping the new stroke when everyone is ready. We then go over some short theory that reinforces our practical learning, for example the best time to massage your baby. Our theory then leads on to a discussion where you are welcome to share your experiences on a given topic. Once again there is no pressure to join in. To finish class I share a short reading or poem and pop some relaxing music on as you take your time getting ready to leave. There’s no rush.

So that’s my baby massage class in a nut shell. 90 minutes might seem like a long time but it allows for a relaxed, unhurried class and you’d be surprised how quickly the time goes.