Mums the word: testimonial

"Thank you so much for yesterday, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the feedback from the other mothers has been great, Kate reported that Olivia slept brilliantly and my Alex has been a very happy baby.

You are an excellent instructor and I will be sure to recommend you to all the other mothers I know. I also wanted to say a big thank you for your generosity both with your time and products."

Alex's mum (6 months).

Tips on getting started

Always "Ask" permission from your baby before giving a massage. Do this by asking whether they would like a massage in a neutral tone and rubbing your hands together and holding them flat in front of your baby's face. Observe the body language.

Timing is everything. Choose a time that suits both you and your baby. It is important that your baby is happy to lie on the floor and receive a massage. For babies under five months it is recommended that bath time and massage time be separated by a nap or a night time sleep so as not to overstimulate.

Make sure you are relaxed and that you won't be distracted. Turn the TV off and put the phone on silent. For safety it is always best to massage your baby on the floor, as their skin can become slippery. Make sure you are comfortable by sitting on a cushion or leaning against a sofa.

Set the scene. Make sure there are no lights shinning directing in your baby's eyes, the room temperature is comfortable and that you have everything you need including towels, oils, music and clothing. Try and keep your hand on your baby at all times to maintain contact and ensure they feel secure.

Remove any jewellery that could scratch your baby.

Choose the right oil. Organic, pure cold pressed, vegetable, nut, seed or fruit oils are recommended for baby massage. These oil are easily absorbed into the skin and are not harmful if ingested.

Observe your baby's body language throughout the massage and stop when they have had enough, even if you haven't finished the sequence.

When massaging use long firm strokes. Light feathery touch can irritate or tickle your baby.

Never massage a crying baby. The only exception is if you are using specific strokes to relieve wind, colic or constipation.

Start the sequence by massaging your baby's legs. After the legs, move to the feet, buttocks, tummy, chest, arms, hands, face, ears, head and back. When massaging your baby's tummy massage in a clockwise direction (if they are lying in front of you) and only massage the lower half of their tummy. Avoid tummy massage if your baby has recently been fed or has the hiccups.

Maintain eye contact throughout the massage and speak in a soft soothing voice. Use the massage to observe your baby's body language, what they like, what they dislike.

Many parents use massage time as a learning experience: labelling parts of the body, singing songs and counting aloud.

Enjoy. Massage should be enjoyable for the giver as well as the baby.

For more information contact Alicia on 0458 682 518 or e-mail.

10 double passes to the Baby Show

Blissful Bambini will be spreading the baby massage message at the Baby Show in Sydney, 18-20 September. If you have a bump or a bub, the 3-day event at the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park, has all the latest essentials and luxuries a new parent will need.

Come and find some peace and calm at the Blissful Bambini stand where we will be conducting massage demonstrations and giving advice on incorporating baby massage into your little one’s life. Please pop in and say hello. You'll find us at stand G22 near the all-important changing area.

We are also giving away 1 double pass to the Baby Show every week for the next six weeks. All you need to do is e-mail alicia@blissfulbambini.com with Baby Show in the subject line and tell us why you're interested in baby massage. Winners will be notified by e-mail at the end of each week.

For more information visit: www.thebabyshow.com.au

Baby Massage Week Special

Baby Massage Week is the perfect time to learn more about this wonderful method of relaxation. Whether you’re pregnant, a new parent or an old hand, you will be amazed at the difference baby massage can make to you and your little bundle.

To celebrate Baby Massage Week, Blissful Bambini is offering a two-for-one deal on all introductory one-hour private and group lessons booked before 9 August 09. Invite a friend and double the fun.

All around the world parents and bubs are celebrating the joys of baby massage this week. Why not join them. Contact Alicia on 0458 682 518 or alicia@blissfulbambini.com today.

As seen in the Daily Telegraph

The word is out. Blissful Bambini has arrived. Check out the double-page spread in today’s Daily Telegraph, page 22 of the health section.

Blissful Bambini’s founder, Alicia Caplice, said baby massage has been a well-kept secret for too long and that once tried, parents and babies will become devoted fans.

“Mums constantly tell me they wished they’d found baby massage sooner. Baby massage has so many benefits for both parents and bambini. It’s simple to learn and incorporate into daily life, and is incredibly rewarding.” she said.

Special thanks to Blissful Bambini Andrew and Oliver and their mums Mel and Sarah for their baby massage dedication. Please e-mail Alicia or call on 0458 682 518 to discuss which class is most suitable for you and your bambini.

Classes to suit every baby

Massage is beneficial for children of any age, however the earlier you incorporate massage into your baby’s life, the sooner they start to receive the benefits.

At Blissful Bambini we adapt our classes to suit your child whether they are newborn, crawling or fully mobile. Our classes are conducted in a relaxed setting and your baby is not expected to lie still for an hour.

Throughout the class you will be encouraged to attend to your child’s needs, which may include putting your baby to sleep and using one of our lifelike demonstration dolls to practice the massage sequence.

Please e-mail Alicia or call on 0458 682 518 to discuss which class is most suitable for you and your bambini.

A gift that keeps on giving

Looking for that perfect present to celebrate the arrival of a new bambini or as a gift for a baby shower? A baby massage voucher is a unique and wonderful present that keeps on giving. Baby massage is simple, effective and incredibly rewarding for both parents and baby.

Gift vouchers are now available for Blissful Bambini's introductory and complete course. Please e-mail Alicia or call on 0458 682 518 to discuss which option is most suitable for you and your bambini.