8 Of The Best Baby Massage Classes In London
This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.
Parenting can be tough and we’re always looking for ways to spend quality time with our babies.
Baby massage is a lovely way to enjoy bonding time with your little one, while also learning some techniques that may help to calm them down at sleep times.
What Is Baby Massage And What Are The Benefits?
It is thought that baby massage was initially introduced to neonatal wards to help premature babies with their development.
It is now generally seen as a wonderful, positive way for new parents to bond with their babies.
Touch is first introduced between mother and baby during pregnancy, so this is a great way to continue that special connection.
When deciding on a good time to start baby massage classes, there is no apparent minimum age to start so you could begin by getting your baby used to it at home before committing to a full class.
If you have any concerns then you can always consult your midwife or health visitor.
Otherwise, baby massage is a safe, and relaxing activity to do – just go with when it feels right to try for you and your little one.
8 Of The Baby Massage Classes In London
When you feel ready to start a class the next decision is which one to go to.
In London especially there are a plethora of classes to choose from!
We want to take the stress out of choosing, so we’ve put together this roundup of the best baby massage classes in London.
1. NCT
Did you know NCT offers Baby Massage courses across London?
Its website has a wealth of information about the benefits of baby massage and some small steps to take at home to get your baby used to it before you take a structured class.
The cost of the course is based on the location and the number of hours it runs for, discounts can be made for lower income families.
Enquire via the NCT website.
2. Your local SureStart Centre
Your midwife will usually advise you to join the list at your local SureStart centre so that you and your newborn will be informed of any new classes or fun groups to join.
This is a lovely way to meet fellow mums or parents in your area and try some of the regular classes on offer throughout the year.
Many SureStart Centres offer a Baby Massage class; prices vary but courses are often fully or partially funded.
To find out more please enquire with your local centre.
Try lessons designed to show new parents how to safely massage their baby.
The sessions are split between four classes, during which you will learn the correct way to perform massage and the basics of baby anatomy.
Classes are available at their practices in Belgravia, Westminster and Clapham but they also offer home visits.
An initial Baby Massage appointment costs £65 for 45 minutes.
4. Milestones
This lovely class offers a number of different options, with groups in Islington, Kensal Rise and West Hampstead.
They also offer at home classes, private groups and Daddy only groups.
They sell wonderful gifting options, so you can gift the experience in a number of ways to other expectant parents or even ask for it as a gift for yourself.
A 6 week course starts at £50.
Emily offers a range of services to new parents such as sleep and routine consultancy and mother’s help.
She is also a qualified Baby Yoga and Baby Massage Instructor with accreditation from The Royal College of Midwives.
Classes are very much focussed on the physical and mental benefits of massage for babies and can be offered over a five week period in various locations across London as well as at home.
She also offers private parties and Daddy only time.
Get in contact for pricing information.
6. Zen-A-Tots
Zen-A-Tots is a baby wellness brand ran by Steph Swain who worked in childcare for over 12 years both within nurseries and as a nanny.
She cares deeply about both baby and parent’s wellbeing and strongly advocates the bond between these two which can be reinforced through wellness activities such as baby massage and baby yoga courses.
A four week Baby Massage course costs £65 and is suitable for babies from four weeks old to pre-crawling.
A four week Baby Yoga course costs £65 and is suitable for babies from seven weeks to pre-walking.
The classes, held in various London locations, will guide you through each movement and massage stroke, teaching you how to understand your baby’s needs and create a peaceful and harmonious experience for both of you.
With a focus on relaxation and mindfulness, the courses provide the perfect space for you to unwind and recharge, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle the challenges of parenting with ease.
Hush Baby provide IAIM (International Association of Infant Massage) accredited massage classes, they say they offer ‘soothing sessions in a modern and zen environment.’
They also provide mats and practice dolls as well as a choice of oils, handouts and a certificate upon completion to show the massage training you’ve undertaken.
Classes are held across multiple locations such as Bethnal Green, Old Street, Bow and Greenwich as well as at home sessions.
They offer a follow-on class for those who complete the baby massage sessions and wish to carry on with something else.
Prices start at £65 for five sessions (gift vouchers are also available).
8. DIY
If you want to do baby massage at home, try using R&R Luxury Unscented Shea Oil.
Shea Oil is great to use on dry and flaky newborn (and adult skin, especially if suffering from psoriasis and eczema).
To use Shea Oil in baby massage; simply follow the steps below:
- Legs are a good place to begin the massage as they’re slightly less sensitive. Using a bit of oil, wrap your hands around one thigh and pull down while squeezing down gently. Switch legs and repeat.
- Take one foot and rotate the ankle a few times in each direction, then stroke the top of the foot from the ankle towards the toes. Move to the soles and use your thumbs to trace tiny circles all over the bottom of the foot. To finish off, take each toe between your thumb and forefinger and pull gently. Switch feet and repeat.
- Next, the arms. Repeat the same gentle downwards squeezing motion on the arm from armpit to wrist. Then gently rotate her wrists a few times in each direction. Switch arms and repeat.
- Move from arms to hands by tracing tiny circles over the palm of each hand with your thumb.
- Then, like the toe massage, gently take one finger between your thumb and forefinger and gently pull down. Repeat for all fingers.
- Next, place your hands over the baby’s heart. Stroke outward slowly, flattening the palms over the chest. Repeat several times.
- Roll your baby onto their stomach. With your fingertips, trace small circles on both sides of the spine from the neck downward. Finish the massage with long, firm strokes from the shoulders all the way to the feet.
- Put on the baby’s nappy and give them a cuddle – they’ll probably already doze off!