Gentle Root Studio

Infant massage classes

Baby lying down maintaining eye contact with the camera, with an adult's hand resting gently on the baby's chest

What to expect

Our infant massage programme offers a gentle guided journey over 5 weeks for parents and babies to grow and connect together. The classes are both parent and baby-led: you are the one massaging your baby throughout, guided step by step, while your baby sets the pace.

In-person sessions are hosted in the warmth of a family home, in small, intimate groups, where you'll learn each stroke alongside other parents at your baby's own pace. If you'd prefer to learn one-to-one from the comfort of your own home, the same course is also available both privately and online: just you, your baby and me, with no group and no travel involved.

How long is the course?

The full programme runs weekly over 5 weeks, giving you and your baby time to build confidence together, one gentle stroke at a time.

How long is each session?

Each class lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, with plenty of time for the massage, questions and discussions together.

Who actually massages my baby?

You do, throughout. I demonstrate each stroke on a doll first, so you feel confident and supported, while the real connection through touch stays between you and your baby.

Where do classes take place?

In-person classes are hosted in the warmth of a family home, in a small group. If you'd prefer, the same course is also available online, one-to-one from your own home.

Book your class

Choose your format and your group size below.

Options are in-person or online, up to 5 families, from £95 per family.

If you're booking for a group, you'll need everyone's email address to hand.

Important: In-person classes are currently being offered in TFL zone 1 & Tower Hamlets. If you are within zone 2, please reach out prior to booking.

Gather a group of friends and learn infant massage together.

You'll choose a host for the sessions and book your full 5-week course as a group.

Of note: If a family has twins and both parents plan to attend the full course, still select the number of families, but a supplement of £50 will be requested after booking to cover extra costs.

* Not available if twins will be attending with both parents.

A more intimate version of the full 5-week course, just for your family, with the same warm, face-to-face teaching. I'll come to you, so there's no need to travel.

We'll cover all the same elements, at your own family's pace.

 

Of note: If you have twins and both parents plan to attend the full course, a supplement of £25 will be requested after booking to cover extra costs.

Enjoy the full 5-week course from wherever suits you, taught live over video call. No travel or hosting involved for either of us.

We'll be guided by you and your baby's rhythm, while covering all the same elements.

 

Group

Gather a group of friends and learn infant massage together.

You'll choose a host for the sessions and book your full 5-week course as a group.

2 Families £160 / per family
3 Families £125 / per family
4 Families £110 / per family
5 Families* £95 / per family

Of note: If a family has twins and both parents plan to attend the full course, still select the number of families, but a supplement of £50 will be requested after booking to cover extra costs.

* Not available if twins will be attending with both parents.

Private In-Person

A more intimate version of the full 5-week course, just for your family, with the same warm, face-to-face teaching. I'll come to you, so there's no need to travel.

We'll cover all the same elements, at your own family's pace.

Private class £275 / per family

A more intimate version of the full 5-week course, just for your family, with the same warm, face-to-face teaching. I'll come to you, so there's no need to travel.

We'll cover all the same elements, at your own family's pace.

Online

Enjoy the full 5-week course from wherever suits you, taught live over video call. No travel or hosting involved for either of us.

We'll be guided by you and your baby's rhythm, while covering all the same elements.

Online course £250 / per family

Live availability is shown when you book.

Class dates & times:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays at 9:30am, 12:30pm & 15:30pm

Wednesdays at 7pm

Weekly availability chart for Gentle Root Studio classes. Tuesday and Friday have sessions at 09:30 to 11:00, 12:30 to 14:00 and 15:30 to 17:00. Wednesday has the same three sessions plus one at 19:00 to 20:30. Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday are closed.

In your own words...

FAQs

When can babies attend?

Babies from birth up to 12 months of age are welcome in classes, once they have been safely discharged home. This includes babies born prematurely too.

Who actually massages my baby?

During classes, only parents massage their own baby. Both parents are more than welcome to attend, we'll just ask you to choose who will be giving the massage that session, while the other can watch or practise on a spare doll if one is available.

Can I bring someone along for support?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring someone for support, like a grandparent or friend. We'd just ask that they don't massage your baby directly during stroke practice, since it can be quite a stimulating experience. If possible, we would appreciate it if you could let us and your host know ahead of time, so that the set-up can be accomodated.

I have twins, can I still attend?

Absolutely! We'll just ask that you decide at the start of each session which baby will receive the massage that day, and not swap in the middle of the session. If both parents are attending, you're welcome to each massage one baby throughout the class.

What oil is used?

We recommend using a vegetable oil, preferably organic, cold-pressed and unscented. A sample will be provided in class, but don't hesitate to bring your own if you have any preferences or your baby has any sensitivities.

What is included in the course?

Your 5-week course includes all five sessions, a parent handbook and an oil sample to take home.

Why is the course taught over 5 weeks?

Each week, we build upon what we covered in the last session, introducing new strokes gradually so that you and your baby can gently settle into a rhythm together. We find that infant massage is much more than just the stroke practice, and the 5 week course allows us to spend time developing this aspect too. We will always review what was previously covered, alongside time for discussions and a little theory behind what we are doing.

What should I bring?

Nappies and whatever you need to feed your baby (whether that be breastfeeding, expressed milk or formula), plus a travel changing mat or towel, a change of clothes and a spare blanket. It is very usual for a baby to feel hungry or tired during or after the massage: it can be quite stimulating!

If you have a specific oil or lotion you'd prefer to use, for personal or medical reasons, please bring that along too.

What if my baby needs a feed, cuddle or change during class?

The class is entirely baby-led, so please feel free to tend to your baby's needs, whenever they need it. If they need a cry, or would rather have a cuddle, be walked around or sleep through the class, that's completely fine.

What does the host's space need to look like?

Enough floor space for every parent and baby pair to sit comfortably, alongside me and my demonstration doll. The room should be warm enough for the babies to be undressed, and quiet enough for us all to focus. It would be lovely if the host could offer water and glasses, though not essential, and if cushions could be made available for parents to sit on, that would be much appreciated.

Hosts will be asked to share buggy, parking and stair access details with the group beforehand, along with their consent for their address to be shared with everyone attending.

Can I take photos or videos during the class?

Please don't take photos or videos during stroke practice, so that everyone can remain fully present with their own baby. There's usually an opportunity to take photos of your own baby at the end of the class.

How do I book?

You can book directly through the link above. Just select your class type, choose your 5 time slots and complete the payment and your 5-week course will be booked. If you are booking on behalf of a group, please include everyone's emails, since that is how we'll set up registration and course communications.

How does group sizing & pricing work?

Pricing depends on your group size and class type. You can find the full breakdown in the "Book Your Class" section above.

If we have twins attending, does that change anything?

If both parents plan to massage one twin each throughout the course, this does take up an additional family's worth of space and materials, so a small supplement does apply. Just select the add on at the time of booking and your booking will be complete.

What if someone in our group needs to drop out partway through the course?

Please let us know as soon as possible. Since your group books and pays together at the start, any changes are managed on a case by case basis. So do get in touch and we'll find a fair way forward together.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 7 or more days before your first class receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 7 days up to 24 hours before your first class receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of the first class, or at any point after the course has started, are non-refundable.

What if I miss a class?

If one family misses a session for any reson, including illness, that class is missed rather than refunded or reschaduled.

If your host is unable to host that particular week and an alternative location cannot be arranged, we will do our best to arrange a catch-up class for the whole group, usually during the week after the course was due to finish.

Can our group's host change partway through the course?

Yes, with at least 24 hours notice. The new location will need to be within a reasonable distance of the original host's home.

What if my baby or I are unwell that day?

Please do not attend if you or your baby are feeling unwell or are  contagious, both for your own comfort and out of care for the rest of our group. This is treated the same as any other missed session.

What if you cancel a class or the full course?

If we need to cancel a session for any reason, a catch-up class will be arranged for the group, usually the week after the course was originally due to finish.

If we need to cancel the whole course, you will receive a full refund.

Is this a substitute for medical advice?

No, these classes are educational and relational, rather than medical. If you are ever unsure whether massage is suitable for your baby that week, for example following a vaccination or an illness, we always recommend checking with your GP or health visitor first.

Is this right for us?

When can babies attend?

Babies from birth up to 12 months of age are welcome in classes, once they have been safely discharged home. This includes babies born prematurely too.

Who actually massages my baby?

During classes, only parents massage their own baby. Both parents are more than welcome to attend, we'll just ask you to choose who will be giving the massage that session, while the other can watch or practise on a spare doll if one is available.

Can I bring someone along for support?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring someone for support, like a grandparent or friend. We'd just ask that they don't massage your baby directly during stroke practice, since it can be quite a stimulating experience. If possible, we would appreciate it if you could let us and your host know ahead of time, so that the set-up can be accomodated.

I have twins, can I still attend?

Absolutely! We'll just ask that you decide at the start of each session which baby will receive the massage that day, and not swap in the middle of the session. If both parents are attending, you're welcome to each massage one baby throughout the class.

What oil is used?

We recommend using a vegetable oil, preferably organic, cold-pressed and unscented. A sample will be provided in class, but don't hesitate to bring your own if you have any preferences or your baby has any sensitivities.

What is included in the course?

Your 5-week course includes all five sessions, a parent handbook and an oil sample to take home.

Why is the course taught over 5 weeks?

Each week, we build upon what we covered in the last session, introducing new strokes gradually so that you and your baby can gently settle into a rhythm together. We find that infant massage is much more than just the stroke practice, and the 5 week course allows us to spend time developing this aspect too. We will always review what was previously covered, alongside time for discussions and a little theory behind what we are doing.

On the day

What should I bring?

Nappies and whatever you need to feed your baby (whether that be breastfeeding, expressed milk or formula), plus a travel changing mat or towel, a change of clothes and a spare blanket. It is very usual for a baby to feel hungry or tired during or after the massage: it can be quite stimulating!

If you have a specific oil or lotion you'd prefer to use, for personal or medical reasons, please bring that along too.

What if my baby needs a feed, cuddle or change during class?

The class is entirely baby-led, so please feel free to tend to your baby's needs, whenever they need it. If they need a cry, or would rather have a cuddle, be walked around or sleep through the class, that's completely fine.

What does the host's space need to look like?

Enough floor space for every parent and baby pair to sit comfortably, alongside me and my demonstration doll. The room should be warm enough for the babies to be undressed, and quiet enough for us all to focus. It would be lovely if the host could offer water and glasses, though not essential, and if cushions could be made available for parents to sit on, that would be much appreciated.

Hosts will be asked to share buggy, parking and stair access details with the group beforehand, along with their consent for their address to be shared with everyone attending.

Can I take photos or videos during the class?

Please don't take photos or videos during stroke practice, so that everyone can remain fully present with their own baby. There's usually an opportunity to take photos of your own baby at the end of the class.

Bookings & groups

How do I book?

You can book directly through the link above. Just select your class type, choose your 5 time slots and complete the payment and your 5-week course will be booked. If you are booking on behalf of a group, please include everyone's emails, since that is how we'll set up registration and course communications.

How does group sizing & pricing work?

Pricing depends on your group size and class type. You can find the full breakdown in the "Book Your Class" section above.

If we have twins attending, does that change anything?

If both parents plan to massage one twin each throughout the course, this does take up an additional family's worth of space and materials, so a small supplement does apply. Just select the add on at the time of booking and your booking will be complete.

What if someone in our group needs to drop out partway through the course?

Please let us know as soon as possible. Since your group books and pays together at the start, any changes are managed on a case by case basis. So do get in touch and we'll find a fair way forward together.

Changes & cancellations

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 7 or more days before your first class receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 7 days up to 24 hours before your first class receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of the first class, or at any point after the course has started, are non-refundable.

What if I miss a class?

If one family misses a session for any reson, including illness, that class is missed rather than refunded or reschaduled.

If your host is unable to host that particular week and an alternative location cannot be arranged, we will do our best to arrange a catch-up class for the whole group, usually during the week after the course was due to finish.

Can our group's host change partway through the course?

Yes, with at least 24 hours notice. The new location will need to be within a reasonable distance of the original host's home.

What if my baby or I are unwell that day?

Please do not attend if you or your baby are feeling unwell or are  contagious, both for your own comfort and out of care for the rest of our group. This is treated the same as any other missed session.

What if you cancel a class or the full course?

If we need to cancel a session for any reason, a catch-up class will be arranged for the group, usually the week after the course was originally due to finish.

If we need to cancel the whole course, you will receive a full refund.

Is this a substitute for medical advice?

No, these classes are educational and relational, rather than medical. If you are ever unsure whether massage is suitable for your baby that week, for example following a vaccination or an illness, we always recommend checking with your GP or health visitor first.

"Every baby in the world should receive nurturing touch as its fundamental birth-right."

— Vimala McClure, founder of IAIM