The birth of a baby is a lifelong change and a relationship like no other. The process of all this can also be quite daunting. Becoming a parent is a transformative experience, and not only can it leave you exhausted and overwhelmed, but it can also be lonely. Thank goodness for baby groups!
Baby group activities can include trips to the library, the zoo, and the pool. It can be a simple outing even just to the park. Or maybe you want to try one of the newest and most popular baby activities: a baby spa party!
Babies and children don’t keep track of how many different places you take them. All they want is love, care, time and to be taken care of, and a baby spa party is a great way to bond with your baby and other parents and caregivers.
Here are some great ideas on how to throw a baby spa party. Baby spa parties work best with no more than 6 to 8 babies and parents or caregivers. You can even host the party for you and your baby.
If you know someone who also just had a baby, this is a great article to pass on and enhance your new bond with your baby as well.
The first step is to set the mood in your home.
Keep the lighting comfortable but not too dark.
Play your baby’s instrumental lullaby softly in the background.
Use lavender essential oil around the house. Either in a diffuser, liquid potpourri burner, or bring a pot to a simmer on the stove ¾ full of water and add 10 drops of oil (keep on low and watch the water doesn’t evaporate).
The second step is to make your home comfortable for all babies.
Place baby blankets for all babies attending in a circle and spread them out.
Place a baby book and small toy on each blanket to keep babies entertained after the massage (use your own baby’s toys, blankets, and books—no need to go shopping for new ones).
Keep your home warm but comfortable (temperature is a key element for massage).
In the middle of the circle, have a few bottles of baby massage oil to pass around and some towels to wipe up any excess oil.
On each blanket, place a copy of The Benefits of Infant Massage and Massaging Your Baby.
Benefits of infant massage
Improves the loving bond with the baby.
Increases the sense of acceptance, respect and trust.
Relieves the symptoms of gas and colic.
Promotes longer and deeper dreams.
Helps strengthen and regulate the baby’s digestive, respiratory and circulatory system
Relaxes both baby and parents.
Provide time to share.
Provide quality time
Promotes parenting skills.
massage your baby
Infant massage is best done when the baby is calm.
Keep the massage below 10 minutes.
Maintain as much eye contact as possible and describe the massage to your baby.
Warm baby massage oil by gently rubbing the oil between your hands.
With the baby facing you, hold the baby’s ankle and stroke it up the outside of the leg and around the thigh. Use your thumbs to make small circles down your legs toward your heart.
Massage the soles and tops of the feet in circular motions with your thumbs.
Use the same technique for the arms as for the legs.
Gently massage the baby’s tummy clockwise with your fingertips or palms.
Turn the baby over on his stomach and massage the back with one hand on each side of the spine. Never put pressure directly on the spine.
Avoid massaging your face and hands to minimize the risk of the oil getting into your eyes or mouth.
The third step is to have appropriate snacks and snacks.
For newborn babies, offer mothers healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, cheese crackers. Herbal tea, juice, and water are also the best drinks to serve. Some mothers may be breastfeeding and may not even have time to eat. A simple glass of tea will be greatly appreciated.
If babies are older and eating, offer them finger foods, again, select good food choices. Small pieces of cut fruit, tiny cookies, small cubes of cheese, and mini yogurts are great selections. (Do not serve any kind of nuts or anything very hard or sticky). Remember that babies are just learning to eat and their eating habits require monitoring.
The fourth step is to have your schedule set.
Baby spas are best done after babies’ morning naps so they aren’t too fussy.
Once the guests arrive, have everyone settle into the circle.
Offer guests refreshments and ask them to diaper their babies (recheck to make sure your house is comfortable and warm).
Once everyone is settled, ask the parents or caregivers to read the massage page. If they need guidance, make sure you are familiar with massage techniques so you can offer help.
Pass around the bottle of massage oil and ask the parent or caregiver to begin the massage.
Have everyone speak quietly to the babies and use facial expressions throughout the massage; this may continue for about 10 to 15 minutes, but no more.
Wipe excess oil off babies with towels and then dress them. Consider tossing clothes in the dryer quickly (to keep babies warm), just remember who’s who.
After all the babies are dressed, let the baby play with the provided toy and ask the parents to gently read the baby book. Remember that babies are little sponges and they absorb everything. At this point, the babies have had enough and you don’t want to over stimulate them.
The fifth step is to have fun and relax!
Invite your guests to share your snacks and the beautiful food you have prepared.
Share your parenting experiences, laugh and relax.
To really impress your guests, use Ballymoon Angel Wings Massage Oil. Only use apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and pure essential oils, as this will not clog baby pores.
Create a spa bag for parents and baby.
That’s right, a spa bag, not a loot bag or goodie bag.
Include a travel-size baby barrier cream, travel-size body butter (for parents or caregivers), baby bath sachet (for diaper rashes), and a spa salt sachet (for parents or caregivers). Ballymoon will even put it in a cute little bag for you.
Your guests will be safe and will talk about this for a long time. And your babies will love the experience.
