Baby Massage and Sibling Bonding: Our Story

Brothers bonding.

All of my babies have experienced the benefits of massage in different ways. When Will was a newborn, his big brothers often watched me massaging him. He was far too tiny for them to get fully involved, so instead I introduced something simple — still touch. Just resting their hands gently on him. It was enough.

Jack and Sam would make up their own little songs and sing to him as they connected with his tiny body. The quiet didn’t last long (it never does!), but in those short moments, something really special happened. They slowed down. They were present. They connected. And that gentle, nurturing touch helped them bond — not just with Will, but with each other.

Massage also helps children learn to respect one another’s bodies. One of the things I always teach is the importance of asking permission before giving touch — even with babies. It’s a beautiful way to build early understanding around consent and personal space.

Now, it definitely hasn’t always been peaceful. Far from it. Sam didn’t bond with Will straight away. It took time. He did try though — I’ll never forget the moment he offered his 2-week-old brother a spoonful of cottage pie! 🙈😫

Jack, on the other hand, had a strong bond with Will from the start — even during pregnancy. He used to cuddle up to my bump every night and wanted to fall asleep holding it. ♥️ After Will arrived, Jack struggled a bit in school, which might have been his way of adjusting to all the changes. And of course, the sibling rivalry ramped up. Suddenly, they were both fighting for their baby brother’s attention. But one thing they all shared was this: they’d all been massaged as babies. It was a familiar experience. A safe space. Something that helped them feel calm and connected. And I really do believe that played a part in bringing them closer together.

If you’ve recently welcomed a new baby into your home, baby massage can be such a lovely way to support bonding — not just between you and your baby, but between siblings too.

And don’t forget, massage isn’t just for babies. There are so many ways to adapt the techniques I teach for older children as well. It can be a really special part of your family’s routine.

Massage for older children can offer:

♥️ Relief from growing pains

♥️ Support in releasing tension

♥️ A calming way to reconnect

♥️ Help regulating big emotions

♥️ A boost of oxytocin (our happy, feel-good hormone)