JHIill - BucksOctober 1, 2007 7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I own quite a few infant massage books but I can honestly say that this is the best! It is very easy to follow with the strokes described clearly and accompanied by a diagram. The yoga exercises are great fun. I also found it to be a very useful source of information on why massage is good for baby and mum. It gave excellent advice on how to 'set up the room' and how to choose suitable oils. There was also an interesting section on how to adapt the massage for premature and special needs babies and how to alter the massage for your growing child.
A lovely gift for new parents?September 27, 2007 8 out of 8 found this review helpful
The authors Anita & Pauline have written this excellent book using their extensive experience as mothers and Infant & Child Massage Teachers. Its philosophy throughout is of helping parents to understand their child and to respect the individual needs of children; it is not another 'prescriptive' childcare manual - thank goodness!
As an Infant & Child Massage Teacher I give this book to parents as part of my 'package'. It not only gives in depth, clear instructions on massage techniques and routines but also 'talks' about many of the parenting issues that todays new parents find so worrying, how to understand your baby, the cues he gives you, what do they mean, common childhood illnesses, including colic!!!!! And how the 'age old' art of massage can help.
There are lovely quotes, research evidence and case study's along with all the nursery rhymes you probably have forgotten and will need to know as a parent!! Safety aspects of massage - using a safe massage oil, when not to massage your baby and how to massage correctly are highlighted as are the benefits of massage for baby and parent/carer. Toddler and special situations; the preterm baby, autism, adoption are discussed and the authors explain how the positive touch of massage can help. A section on yoga for infants completes the book. Really recommended - will reinforce a formal class or help you to 'teach yourself' !
The two other Teach Yourself books "Baby Sleep" & "Green Parenting" complete a set of excellent, informative books - would be a nice gift to give to new parents ?
Brilliant BookJuly 12, 2007 10 out of 10 found this review helpful
Just what I was looking for... a book that told me everything I needed to know with simple, easy to follow pictures and explanations. I felt confident enough to try the massage strokes with my 6 month old. I can't wait until we have worked through the full programme and move on to the yoga exercises. It is packed with loads of helpful hints and tips and is a lovely read for a sleep deprived mum!
