Frequently Asked Questions
These Frequently Asked Questions were created to help you find out more about the world of Baby Massage.
If you can't find the answers you need, please use our contact page to send us your question.
What is Baby Massage?
Infant Massage is the very special art of using nurturing touch to communicate with your baby, to show them that they are loved, welcomed and respected, and that they can feel safe and secure in their new world. It is a wonderful way of bonding with your baby as it works on an emotional as well as a physical level, developing closeness between parent and baby that has lifelong benefits. Parents/Caregivers massage their own baby using a specifically designed series of strokes. This series combines Indian and Swedish massage along with Reflexology techniques and some gentle yoga based exercises into a routine designed to be beneficial for infants.
Who will massage my baby?
The person bringing the baby to the class will massage the baby. This could be mum or dad, a grandparent or a foster parent for example. Baby massage is a very intimate bonding experience with a baby and therefore the International Association of Infant Massage recommends that it should only be done by those closest to the baby.
Can my partner attend the classes with me?
You should check with the instructor to ensure that there is enough space at the venue where classes are held, but normally both parents are welcome to attend the classes together with their baby.
How old should my baby be to attend classes?
Classes are suitable for babies from birth to pre-crawling, so up to about 8 or 9 months should be fine for attending, depending on the individual baby. Some instructors prefer babies to be 4 to 6 weeks before they join a course so you should check with the individual instructor when enrolling. The reason for the upper limit is that it is more challenging to massage a baby who has begun crawling, as they will be more interested in moving off to explore their surroundings.
My baby cries a lot. What will I do if this happens during the classes?
These are baby classes and crying is welcomed and accepted. All babies cry! This is how they communicate. Classes are entirely “baby led” and you should feel free to tend to your baby’s needs in whatever way you need to by feeding, changing, walking around etc. while class is going on. The instructor will usually keep going as much as possible but if there is a general outcry a little “cuddle break” will often be taken.
How much does a baby massage course usually cost?
Cost of baby massage courses vary and are set by each individual instructor. The price will depend on how many weeks the course is run over, the duration of each class, and on such things as how much it is costing the instructor to rent the venue etc. You could expect to pay anywhere between about €100 and €150. You should inquire with individual instructors regarding their prices.
Can I get a refund of course fees on my health insurance policy?
YES. If you are on the appropriate plan with your health insurance company you will be able to claim a refund of fees. All the major Health Insurance companies (VHI, Aviva, Laya and GloHealth) refund up to €100 of the cost of a course. It is important to note that to qualify for this refund you must do a course with an instructor who is a member of Baby Massage Ireland. You should check with your health insurance provider to ensure you are on a plan that qualifies and your instructor will give you with a receipt which will enable you to claim the refund.
There are lots of different plans available with the various companies. We stress that you need to check with your insurer to see if you qualify for a refund of fees BEFORE doing a course.
I have twins, can I still attend a course and how will I manage to massage 2 babies?
Twins are very welcome at classes. You will need to check with the instructor whose classes you are planning to attend, but most instructors would advise that it is best to bring along another adult to massage one of the babies while you massage the other. Ideally you could bring along your partner, a grandparent, an older sibling perhaps, or a relative or close friend. As baby massage is intimate and a lovely way of bonding with the baby, you should try to bring someone who will have a close relationship with your baby.