Infant massage requires that you use only gentle pressure (think of 10 to 30 percent)! There is a lot that can be accomplished with this amount of pressure, and we explain precisely the areas of the body that are being affected as we move from sequence to sequence. We also offer suggestions for where to hold your baby and how long to continue each technique for optimal benefits. Modifications are also suggested for children who have limited mobility. However, if your child has been diagnosed with a specific medical condition or if something does not seem right to either you or your baby, we encourage you to ask your medical provider if infant massage will work for your family. As a good rule of thumb, it is always recommended that you share with your provider that you are massaging your little one!

You actually don’t need any oils or lotion in order to massage an infant. However, if you would like to add essential oils for added benefits, feel free! We have a handout within the course that talks about some of our favorite essential oils, their benefits, and some of our go-to carrier oils.

Infant massage does not require that you remove your baby’s clothing. In most cases, the massage is performed right over your baby’s clothes. However, if you choose to use this opportunity to allow for some skin-to-skin contact, then go right ahead! One of the most important things to remember is that the room temperature should be comfortable - not too warm and not too cold.

While it may seem like the time when your baby needs it the most, our number one rule in our massage courses is to never massage a sleeping or crying baby. It’s important to always ask permission before beginning the massage. While this may sound silly to some, babies have their own way of communicating whether they want to be touched or not. In the course, we outline for you some red light cues and green light cues that you can use as a guide to know if your baby feels comfortable with the massage. All children, including babies, should be respected and taught to have full autonomy of their own bodies. As they grow older, we’d like for them to enjoy getting massages for the many benefits it provides, so they should learn early on that if they feel uncomfortable, they have the ability to communicate that they do not want to be touched. By adhering to this strict rule, we’re helping to raise the next generation to set clear boundaries when it comes to their own body.