Infant Massage has been practiced by many cultures for thousands of years, but this art form has only recently been introduced to the U.S. Massage is so important in certain societies that the thought of not massaging your newborn would be as absurd as if I suggested that you should not brush your teeth daily.

This old parenting practice has been modernized and is in active use today supported by evidence-based research that demonstrates that the benefits to both babies and parents are enormous.

For babies, positive physical contact makes them feel loved and valued which allows self-esteem and confidence to develop. Research shows that babies that are massaged regularly are healthier, cry less often, and sleep more soundly. I am certain that many first-time parents would love to learn techniques that encourage their babies to be calm and content!

For parents, giving massage enables you to focus solely on your baby, helps you to watch and interpret your baby’s non-verbal cues, and fosters confidence in handling your baby.

There also exists a tremendous amount of research that shows that massage is beneficial for the pre-term baby. Dr. Tiffany Fields, the leading researcher at The Touch Research Institute in Miami, FL, has shown that premature babies, massaged with a certain technique, gained 47% more weight than those babies that were not massaged.

As an added bonus, we will talk about the benefits of baby wearing. Essentially, babies want to be held all the time. Wearing your baby gives you the mobility you need to get things done. Baby wearing has a calming effect on the baby because he/she is experiencing constant proprioceptive input which is the sensation of our body in space that allows us to coordinate our movements (i.e. zipping your jacket without looking). This tactile input also helps develop an infant’s sense of self, meaning that babies begin to understand where he/she begins and ends in space. This is how babies begin to develop a sense of his/her own identity. Please make sure to have your carriers, slings and wraps available.

Benefits of Infant Massage for Baby

• Helps your child to sleep more deeply and soundly
• Aids digestion and relieves discomfort from colic & gas
• Provides a special time of communication that fosters love, compassion and respect
• Reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increases growth hormone levels that encourage weight gain
• Learn your child’s non-verbal cues which fosters parent-child communication, trust and security
• Increases lymphatic drainage, strengthens the immune system, improves circulation and enhances neurological development

Benefits of Infant Massage for Parents

• Helps parents feel more confident and competent in their parenting skills
• Teaches parents how to read their baby’s non-verbal cues in order to recognize their baby’s states of awareness
• Encourages pre-verbal communication between parent and baby
• Establishes a daily massage routine that fosters intimate, parent-baby attachment and bonding

Infant Massage Rates

60-90 minute private sessions:

1 session

$125

2-4 sessions are recommended. 100% pure massage oil and (1) infant massage manual are provided. Please have available a soft blanket that your baby can associate with massage time, a warm room, and dim lighting. All caretakers are welcome.

Rates are based on most NYC locations, are subject to change, and are non-refundable.

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy.

Please inquire about group rates.