04.7 Baby and Child Massage

It is recognised that massage is beneficial for babies and young children, promoting relaxation of mind and body, as well as other benefits. The best people to massage babies and young children are their parents and opportunity to learn to do this should be available. While children can benefit from this in day care, concerns about children’s personal safety mean that it should only be done under strict conditions.

If babies and young children are massaged in the setting the following conditions are met:

• Members of staff carrying out massage are qualified or have had some training by a qualified person and are aware of contra-indications (a medical condition that may restrict or prevent a treatment being carried out).
• Parental consent is obtained, and contra-indications checked and signed by parents. Any contra-indications would mean a child is not to be massaged unless the parents gain agreement from a GP.
• Massage sessions are planned, organised and supervised so that they fit into the daily routine.
• Massage carried out by a single member of staff is never undertaken away from the group.
• Babies remain clothed in vest and nappy; young children wear vest and shorts.
• Rooms are warm and draught free; noise is at a minimum; rest period is a good time.
• Massage only takes place on hands, arms, shoulders, neck, head, feet and lower legs.
• Children’s consent for massage is sought and their preferences are respected.
• Young children can be taught to massage each other’s hands, feet and heads.
• Massage is empowering and educative; it should be undertaken in conjunction with educating children about body awareness, ‘good and bad touches’, recognition of tension; development of their own sensitivity to touch.
• Confirmation is received from the insurance provider to ensure these activities can take place.
• This Policy was created by Suzannah Arnfield on 1^st June 2024

Reviewed by Niamh Herron Date 03/06/2024