Baby massage is taught to parents/carers of infants during a five week period. Sessions are run weekly and each lasts approximately one hour.

The sessions take place within a warm, relaxed atmosphere and includes time for a relaxation exercise with parents, the opportunity to learn new baby massage strokes by parents/carers massaging their own infant and informal chat time (Peer Support).

Massage oil, a baby massage information booklet (giving details of the benefits of baby massage) and ongoing support are provided during the sessions.

Parents/carers are taught baby massage skills to allow them to massage at home in their own time.

(Note: There may be slight differences between groups).

Please bring the following items along to the baby massage sessions:

• Towel
• Nappy change
• Changing mat (optional)

If you would like more information on Baby Massage please contact your health visitor, midwife or Sure Start (details below).

Some benefits of these sessions may include:

• Learning a new skill
• Social interaction
• Gaining support from peers
• Promoting bonding between parent/carer and baby
• Building confidence in parenting skills
• Promoting communication between baby and parent/carer
• May promote sleep in the infant and reduce pain caused by colic, constipation etc.

If you are currently involved in a group for young children, would like to see more groups developed or you are looking for new activities, a Sure Start worker would be happy to come along and discuss ideas with you.

Sure Start
Unit G
Kirkton Business Centre
Kirk Lane
Livingston Village
EH54 7AY

Telephone:  01506 775836
Fax:  01506 775839
e-mail:  surestart@westlothian.gov.uk