22/04/2026
One of the first things I teach parents in my baby massage course is the permission sequence. This is where parents open their palms over baby’s face and ask “do you want a massage now?”
It sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? But this is an important part of baby massage for two reasons.
It allows space for the parent to determine if it is an appropriate time for massage.
It also teaches children from a young age that consent to touch should be sought. Parents can continue to use this phrase all throughout their child’s life, and encourage their child to respond accordingly.
Over time babies learn that the permission sequence signifies it’s time for massage – firstly by the non-verbal hand signals and eventually recognising the word massage.
Want to know more? Join me at my next baby massage course at MAMA Midwifery Practice on Tuesdays 5th, 12th & 19th May.
DM me for more information or book your spot here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1dqBXNRNSYeLnGqD8IsEm3aNxzR3EX0y-l6aQpDZ5CMk/edit