Benefit of Baby Massage

Baby massage is a longstanding tradition in many cultures, including Chinese, Indian, African and Swiss.  Baby Spa combines techniques from Western and Chinese massage techniques to give your baby a tailored massage experience.  Baby Spa strongly encourages parents to learn how to massage their own babies so this can be done daily at home.  Please see benefits of baby massage below.

Interaction in Infant Massage May Include*:
•Promotion of bonding and secure attachment
•Verbal/non-verbal communication
•Development of trust and confidence
•Using all the senses
•Feelings of love, respect, and being valued

Each Massage May Stimulate:
•Circulatory and digestive systems
•Hormonal and immune systems
•Coordination and balance
•Learning and concentration
•Muscular development and growth
•Mind and body awareness

Parents May Find that Infant Massage Helps Relieve:
•Gas and colic
•Constipation and elimination
•Growing pains and muscular tension
•Teething discomfort
•Cramps

The Massage Promotes Relaxation which May be Shown Through:
•Improved sleep patterns
•Increased flexibility and muscle tone
•Regulation of behavioral states
•Being calm and being able to calm themselves
•Reduction in stress hormones


* Benefits quoted from International Association of Infant Massage

Benefits of Swimming or Hydrotherapy

Baby swimming or hydrotherapy from birth is fantastic for your baby's health & development, and could spark a lifetime’s interest in the sport. Each swim provides a complete physical work-out, strengthening your baby's heart and lungs and in turn aiding development of the brain — including stimulating all 5 senses (taste, smell, touch, sight and sound). And with each lesson burning up to 300 calories, you’ll get a work-out playing with your baby too!

Here are top 5 reasons why we believe early swimming for babies are a must*:

1. It boosts confidence

Introducing children to water at a very young age helps prevent a fear of water developing later. Exercises that involve moving independently in water and holding on to the side are wonderful for your baby’s confidence.  You’ll be so proud of what your baby can do.

2. It develops their co-ordination

Being in the water helps improve co-ordination and balance. For example, a 2009 study by the Norwegian University of Science & Technology found that babies who swim have better balance and can grasp objects more easily.

3. It builds their strength

Buoyancy and water-resistance mean that babies exercise more muscles, more effectively, in water than on land. Finnish research showed that swimming babies crawled later but walked earlier, thanks to their excellent muscle control.

4.  It enhances their well-being

Warm water relaxes your baby, and swimming stimulates their appetite; for you, the good news is improved sleeping and eating patterns!

5. You can start from birth

Even the NHS agrees! You don’t need to wait until your baby has had his or her vaccinations before they go swimming (even underwater).

* Benefits quoted from WaterBabies.