Where parents and babies connect, learn and play together

Learn baby massage in a calm and supportive space, with other parents and babies in a similar phase of parenthood

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Every parent’s village looks different and support can come from many places. We support parents with becoming attuned to their baby’s baby cues and non-verbal communication. We do this by teaching parents baby massage, an ancient art and practice that can easily be incorporated into baby care and routines. Our approach is guided by research that highlights the role of gentle, nurturing touch in infant regulation and parent-baby interaction.

What we do

Parents and babies come as they are to our classes. There is no expectation for babies to be quiet, settled and engaged during class.

Baby massage is a responsive, baby-led and cue-based practice. It’s an opportunity for parents and babies to learn from each other and explore a new way of communicating and growing together.

Parents also have the option to connect with other parents and babies in a similar phase of parenthood, or use the time to quietly connect with and care for their baby.

A welcoming space is ready when you and your baby are.

More About Us

“Infant massage…connects you deeply to…your baby, and it helps you to understand your baby's…nonverbal language and respond with love and respectful listening.”

— Vimala McClure, Founder of International Association of Infant Massage

 FAQs

  • Jenna is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. Importantly, it is only the parent that massages their own baby. Jenna only facilitates the classes and teaches the massage strokes with a baby massage demonstration doll. Learn more about her on the About page.

  • Between six weeks and 12 months old. Most importantly, when you and your baby feel ready during that period.

  • Parents don’t need any prior baby massage experience. Every parent is welcome! We’ll support you through each class and taking breaks as you need is encouraged.

  • Cold pressed organic coconut oil is provided for use during class. Parents are welcome to bring their own massage oil. Cold pressed vegetable oils are generally safe for external use on a baby’s skin for massage. Parents should do a patch test first.

  • Never massage your baby when they’re asleep. The ‘quiet alert’ state is the optimal time to massage your baby. It’s important to know there are times when you shouldn’t massage your baby. We’ll talk about that and other safety considerations in more detail in class.

  • We encourage you to care for your baby as you would at home, without leaving the class. You’re welcome to step out of the room if that is more comfortable for you though. Babies will be babies during class and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We have two spare baby massage demonstration dolls for parents to use (if they want to) if their baby falls asleep during class.

  • We ask parents to bring water to stay hydrated during class. If parents need to eat, food is welcome before and after class. Please be mindful of allergen foods when bringing food to class. We provide mats, towels, oil, hand sanitiser and face cloths to wipe your hands after using oil.

  • Parents are welcome to take photos of their own baby before and after the baby massage class. We respectfully ask parents to put phones and cameras away during baby massage because it can be overstimulating for babies and we want all parents and babies to get the most out of baby massage. We may occasionally have a Fuji Instax camera for parents to get a photo with their baby after class!

  • Only if you want to. The space is set up to feel safe, supportive and free of any pressure to share a lived experience or contribute something. Any discussions are parent-led and we ask everyone to be respectful if a parent shares a lived experience or personal approach. Parents are very welcome to use the time to focus on quietly connecting with their baby if that works best for them.

  • Grounded Babes baby massage classes are non-clinical and not advice-based or prescriptive. Parents will be offered general, evidence-informed information about baby massage and baby cues which can be adapted to suit the needs of each baby and family. None of the information provided is personalised or individualised guidance. The space is parent-led with an emphasis on connection, observation and parents responding to their baby in a way that feels right for them. Please also read the disclaimer on the About page.