Baby massage is a wonderful experience shared between you and your baby. It provides numerous physical, psychological and emotional benefits for babies and the families who care for them. Joining a baby massage classes is a great way to spend quality time with your baby and to meet new mums. Did you know Baby Massage classes are a reclaimable maternity expense with VHI, Quinn and Vivas Health? (Read More).

Relaxation - Massage smoothes your baby and is a pleasurable experience for both you and your baby. Also, the relaxation element of the class, and the calm environment created is very nurturing for all mothers and can significantly help those affected by post natal depression.

Relief - Specific massage techniques are demonstrated which help to relieve colic, wind and constipation. In addition, baby massage can help baby deal with surgery or difficult birth.

Stimulation - When you massage your baby regularly, their physical growth and development is stimulated in a varietly of ways. Research studies show the respiratory, muscular, circulatory and immune systems all benefit from the positive effects of massage. Your baby may gain weight more easily and increase their ability to fight common infections which all babies are exposed to. In addition, massage promotes neurological development, and helps with the development of motor skills and coordination.

Bonding - Eye-to-eye and skin-to-skin contact and the exchange of soothing sounds and smells all help you and baby to bond.

Julie Xantho is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor and mom of two. After discovering the benefits of baby massage with her youngest, Julie trained as an instructor with the International Association of Infant Massage. Julie enjoys combining her passion for babies by encouraging new moms and helping them discovering the beauty of bonding!

ClapHandies have developed this special programme with the same quality and attention to detail their Baby and Toddler PlayLabs are renowned for, you will love the quality of the equipment and attention to every detail. In addition to the massage instructor, ClapHandies play leaders will be on hand to help you relax and enjoy your time with us.

The Baby Massage course is suitable for babies 6 weeks to 9 mths, the course run over four classes, held once a week, in a warm, clean, comfortable space. Massage stokes are taught in stages over the weeks so baby becomes used to touch and you can practice at home and ask questions when you return to class the following week.

Price €120 - includes oils and massage manual.

March 2010

• Terenure course starting Weds March 10th 10:30am (March 10th, 24th, 31st, 7th April) *(No Class March 17th Bank Holiday) - Spaces Available
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• Sandymount course starting Monday 8nd March 2pm (March 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th) - Spaces Available
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• Malahide course starting Friday 5th March 10:30am (March 5th, 12th, 19th 26th) - Spaces Available
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• Marino course starting Thursday 11th March 2pm (March 11th, 18th, 25th, 1st April) - Spaces Available
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April 2010

• Terenure course starting Fri 16th April 10:30am (April 16th, 23rd 30th & 7th May ) - Spaces Available
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• Sandymount course starting Monday 12th April 2pm (April 12th, 19th, 26th & 10th May) *(No Class May 5th Bank Holiday) - Spaces Available
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• Malahide course starting Weds 14th April 10:30am (April 14th, 21st, 28th & May 5th) Friday - Spaces Available
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• Marino course starting Thursday 15th April 2pm (April 15th, 22nd, 29th & 6th May) - Spaces Available
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• Up to 2 weeks before course start, full refund
• Up to 1 week before course start, 50% refund (unless we are able to rebook your place, then 100% refund)
• Less than 1 week before course start, no refund (unless we are able to rebook your place, then we will offer you a place on next available course)

To book and pay for your place just fill in the booking form, or call Liza on 087 919 6042 or email Liza@ClapHandies.com

VHI - Family Plan & Family Plan + up to €100 is covered. Instructor needs to be certified through the International Association of Infant Massage

Quinn - HealthManager and HealthManager Gold schemes up to €100 is covered. Instructor needs to be certified through International Association of Infant Massage

Vivas - Day to Day Plan: Up to €30 per visit (max 3 visits). Day to Day Plan 50: Up to €25 per visit (max 8 visits)