Parents of infants from birth to one year old are warmly invited to participate in a series of free baby massage sessions this week at the All Saints Parish & Community Centre.
The sessions, hosted as part of an ongoing baby massage training course, will take place on Tuesday, 25 March, Wednesday, 26 March, and Thursday, 27 March, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day.
This unique opportunity is open to all local parents and caregivers eager to learn nurturing techniques that support their baby’s development and strengthen the parent-child bond.
The initiative aligns with the mission of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM), a globally recognised organisation dedicated to promoting nurturing touch and communication through training, education, and research.
According to their ethos, available at www.iaim.org.uk, the IAIM seeks to ensure that parents, caregivers, and children are loved, valued, and respected within communities worldwide. These free sessions in Ballymena embody that vision, offering a welcoming space for parents to connect with their little ones through the power of touch.
Event Details and Booking Information
The sessions will be held at the All Saints Parish & Community Centre, located at 9 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HA.
Parents are welcome to arrive from 1:45 p.m. to settle in before the classes begin at 2:00 p.m.
The centre is providing a relaxed environment, with cushions available for seating on the floor, so attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. Participants should also bring a small towel for their baby to lie on and a baby blanket for added comfort.
To secure a spot, parents are asked to contact Caroline, the instructor leading the sessions, at 07368 250505 or via email at carolinenurturingtouch@gmail.com.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
What to Expect
The free sessions are a taster of a broader five-week baby massage course typically offered by the IAIM.
While attendees are welcome to join all three classes this week, those who can only manage one or two are still encouraged to come along. “Even attending a single session can provide valuable benefits,” Caroline explains. “We’d love to see as many parents and babies as possible.”
During the classes, parents will be the only ones massaging their babies, guided by instructors who demonstrate techniques using dolls. The sessions will cover simple strokes designed to alleviate common infant discomforts such as wind or constipation.
Beyond physical relief, the classes will highlight the profound role of touch in fostering emotional, mental, and physical development, as well as supporting the bonding process between parent and child.
Participants will also receive practical resources to take home, including a bottle of massage oil and handouts detailing the techniques learned. The centre will provide massage oil for use during the sessions, ensuring everything needed is on hand.
A Nurturing Experience for Parents and Babies
Baby massage is more than just a soothing activity—it’s a scientifically supported practice that enhances wellbeing for both infants and their caregivers.
Research promoted by the IAIM underscores how nurturing touch can reduce stress, improve sleep patterns, and aid digestion in babies, while also boosting parents’ confidence in understanding their child’s needs.
Caroline, an experienced instructor with a passion for nurturing touch, emphasises the accessibility of the sessions. “This is a wonderful chance for parents to learn something new in a supportive, relaxed setting,” she says. “Whether you’re a first-time parent or have older children, these techniques can make a real difference in your daily life with your baby.”
For those unable to attend all three dates—Tuesday, 25 March, Wednesday, 26 March, and Thursday, 27 March—the flexibility of the programme means that even a single visit can leave a lasting impact.
“Every moment you spend learning to connect with your baby is worthwhile,” Caroline adds.
How to Get Involved
To book your place or find out more, contact Caroline directly at 07368 250505 or email carolinenurturingtouch@gmail.com. With numbers limited, prompt booking is advised to guarantee your spot at this special event.
Don’t miss this chance to discover the joys and benefits of baby massage, right here in Ballymena.
Whether you’re looking to ease your baby’s discomfort, deepen your bond, or simply enjoy a peaceful hour together, the All Saints Parish & Community Centre welcomes you and your little one with open arms this week.