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Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents
Discover the gentle art of Infant Massage ...
In this completely updated version of her renowned classic, Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage , and its premier proponent in the United States, helps you master the techniques of infant massage so you can incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby's life. She shows you why a daily massage can be one of the greatest gifts you give your child...and yourself. For generations mothers the world over have known that the soft stroke of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. Now scientific research proves that massage can do all that and more.
In Infant Massage , McClure shares how massage benefits children--easing discomfort, releasing tension, helping premature infants gain weight, even helping asthmatic children improve breathing function. She explains each step of the massage process with simple easy-to-follow instructions and delightful photographs demonstrating each stroke. You'll also
Specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, chest and nasal congestion
Modified instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs
Helpful hints on dealing with crying and fussing
Lullabies, rhymes, and games to enhance the massage experience
Guidance for teaching children about "good touch"
A special chapter dedicated to fathers
Compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents
And much more
In this completely updated version of her renowned classic, Vimala McClure, founder of the International Association of Infant Massage , and its premier proponent in the United States, helps you master the techniques of infant massage so you can incorporate this joyful and wonderful healing art into your baby's life. She shows you why a daily massage can be one of the greatest gifts you give your child...and yourself. For generations mothers the world over have known that the soft stroke of their hands soothes, calms, and communicates their love to their babies. Now scientific research proves that massage can do all that and more.
In Infant Massage , McClure shares how massage benefits children--easing discomfort, releasing tension, helping premature infants gain weight, even helping asthmatic children improve breathing function. She explains each step of the massage process with simple easy-to-follow instructions and delightful photographs demonstrating each stroke. You'll also
Specific routines tailored to help relieve colic, fever, chest and nasal congestion
Modified instructions for premature infants and babies with special needs
Helpful hints on dealing with crying and fussing
Lullabies, rhymes, and games to enhance the massage experience
Guidance for teaching children about "good touch"
A special chapter dedicated to fathers
Compassionate advice for foster and adoptive parents
And much more
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
70 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Vimala McClure
19 books10 followersVimala Schneider McClure has been credited as one of the founders of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM®).
Vimala’s interest in infant massage began during her travels throughout India and while working orphanages. In India, McClure had the opportunity to experience massage first hand during a time of illness. This nurturing touch helped Vimala to feel cared for, comforted and encouraged her to become healthier faster.
Vimala McClure also observed massage techniques used by Indian mothers along roadsides. When these mothers had very little in the way of material wealth, they appeared to have, and give, an abundance of nurturing love. This love was expressed through their caring touch with their child.
Vimala’s interest in infant massage began during her travels throughout India and while working orphanages. In India, McClure had the opportunity to experience massage first hand during a time of illness. This nurturing touch helped Vimala to feel cared for, comforted and encouraged her to become healthier faster.
Vimala McClure also observed massage techniques used by Indian mothers along roadsides. When these mothers had very little in the way of material wealth, they appeared to have, and give, an abundance of nurturing love. This love was expressed through their caring touch with their child.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 22, 2025
2.5 stars
About 50 pages of this book are actually relevant.
Hearing the author describe what a "bond" is (she actually attempts to discuss this on a molecular level to make a point - and she is not a scientist) and report findings in monkeys was not helpful.
The parts about massage, and massage/techniques for various scenarios such as colic, were very helpful. These sections included illustrations, explained the proper order of techniques, and which techniques in which sequence to use for various infections/chest colds/stomach troubles.
It would have been interesting for the author to have expounded more on her own experience working with Mother Theresa and in Indian orphanages, but sadly she did not.
About 50 pages of this book are actually relevant.
Hearing the author describe what a "bond" is (she actually attempts to discuss this on a molecular level to make a point - and she is not a scientist) and report findings in monkeys was not helpful.
The parts about massage, and massage/techniques for various scenarios such as colic, were very helpful. These sections included illustrations, explained the proper order of techniques, and which techniques in which sequence to use for various infections/chest colds/stomach troubles.
It would have been interesting for the author to have expounded more on her own experience working with Mother Theresa and in Indian orphanages, but sadly she did not.
June 29, 2011
This book has some really beautiful ideas about how massage can help babies and parents and it clearly outlines safe and effective techniques for infant massage. The author also articulates some wonderful thoughts on what it means to be valued and respected and how to translate those feelings to your baby through massage. The one gripe I have with this book is that it talks to a specific type of parent even though it is said a few times that infant massage can be a great part of your routine no matter what your parenting style or philosophy may be. This book leans strongly towards attachment parenting, thereby excluding a number of parents who might be put off by some of the language in it. Overall, I would encourage any parent to read this book, definitely stressing the fact that infant massage is not just for those who embrace a certain lifestyle or parenting philosophy. It is for everyone.
August 6, 2018
Five stars for Chapter 13 which covers the actual massage. One star for everything else.
January 3, 2022
This book had excellent examples on how to do infant massages but the first half was mostly information about benefits, stress, bonding, etc. If I'm being honest, the few pages with pictures of the different massage motions were the most valuable of the whole book. Forrest is 8 months old now and although I was able to nurse him and get that closeness, I still feel like we are missing moments together. Especially since he has an older sister who needs attention also. I had always wanted to make routines to sing to him and give him baby massages but never got around to it. I am filled with regret that it took so long, but it's better late than never. When I finished this book, I changed him, gave him a massage, sang some songs, put on cozy clothes, and then we snuggled and nursed until we both fell asleep midday. It was the best ever and I am writing this review mostly to cherish the memory of that rare moment we could spend in quietness together.
February 7, 2018
nonfiction; infant care.
I skimmed over this, but here are some notes:
endnotes provide sources for scientific background but the author notes that she only included the original (old) studies which she says have been backed up again and again in newer studies (not cited). If you are looking for something heavier in science, this is maybe not it, HOWEVER
I do think there is a lot to be said in just paying attention to your baby's reactions (which she tells you how to do) and adjusting accordingly. She gives info on infant massage techniques as well as lullaby songs from various cultures (with sheet music notation), and also rhymes that you can use along with the gentle motions, so I give that a thumbs up.
I skimmed over this, but here are some notes:
endnotes provide sources for scientific background but the author notes that she only included the original (old) studies which she says have been backed up again and again in newer studies (not cited). If you are looking for something heavier in science, this is maybe not it, HOWEVER
I do think there is a lot to be said in just paying attention to your baby's reactions (which she tells you how to do) and adjusting accordingly. She gives info on infant massage techniques as well as lullaby songs from various cultures (with sheet music notation), and also rhymes that you can use along with the gentle motions, so I give that a thumbs up.
July 16, 2019
Illustrated, step-by-step instructions make it easy to learn and implement the techniques described in this book. McClure has done thorough research throughout the world to find the most effective and soothing massage strokes for young children and babies.
Every loving parent needs to read this book! Not only will it help your child's circulation, maintaining their overall health, but the time and positive energy spent between parent and child can help to establish a strong, healthy relationship that lasts far beyond infancy!
Every loving parent needs to read this book! Not only will it help your child's circulation, maintaining their overall health, but the time and positive energy spent between parent and child can help to establish a strong, healthy relationship that lasts far beyond infancy!
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January 26, 2025First book of the Chapter 25 reading challenge complete: non-fiction book
I’m not rating because I really don’t know how I want to rate non-fiction books.
I read this as I am becoming a baby massage instructor through my work. It didn’t add that much information from my training to be honest but I guess it was good to look over some things so it’s more solid in my brain.
I just feel like I read to relax and get away from the real world which is why I love reading fiction. Non-fiction just takes away from that
I’m not rating because I really don’t know how I want to rate non-fiction books.
I read this as I am becoming a baby massage instructor through my work. It didn’t add that much information from my training to be honest but I guess it was good to look over some things so it’s more solid in my brain.
I just feel like I read to relax and get away from the real world which is why I love reading fiction. Non-fiction just takes away from that
July 5, 2020
An amazing tool for learning to build a bond with your baby!!
March 21, 2021
A very informative and helpful book to provide you the basic kit of knowledge you might have as a man becoming to s father.
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January 8, 2023I read this book in English and in French every year, I take more and more from it every time. Good book!!
February 4, 2017
This was a fabulous book. One of my colleagues had taught me some of the techniques for doing infant massage, but even if I had walked into this book cold, I would have liked it. It is written with such care and love, so much awareness of how important early bonding and attachment are, that it really is a wonderful book to even just talk about how important touch is for new parents and their babies.
"The sense of touch has been detected in human embryos less than eight weeks old. Though the baby is less than an inch long and has no eyes or ears, her skin sensitivity is already highly developed." Page 15
"Developmental psychologists today agree that infants are natural learners and will extract from a warm, loving environment whatever information they need. The basic security provided by a strong parent-infant bond enables babies to reach out to their world and to develop to their full capacity physically, mentally, and spiritually. Infant massage provides a wealth of fascinating sensory experiences. Your eyes, your hairline, your smile, your scent, and the sound of your voice telling a story or singing a lullaby provide not only the interesting contrast your baby looks for but also warm, loving feedback. It not only speeds the myelination of her nerves, it lets her know she has come into a living breathing world. There is no sweeter music than the sound of a mother singing; there will never be a toy that can tell a story the way a real, live daddy can. No one can invent a substitute for a parent's loving touch. No vestibular device can compare with being rocked and carried in loving arms. And as for white noise, nothing can surpass the sounds of breath and heart in synchrony." Page 21
"A study reported in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology confirmed this idea, indicating that the higher the subject's self-esteem, the more he communicates through touch. Before the age of twelve, children are more tactile-kinesthetic - that is, they use feeling more than sight or hearing for information about the world. Therefore a warm touch can often trigger an outpouring of feeling or thoughts more than verbal communication. Saying "I love you" to your child is important, but more important is communicating your love through eye contact, through focused attention, and through your loving touch. In addition, for children, when praise is accompanied by touch. In addition, for children, when praise is accompanied by touch, it is taken in eighty-fave percent of the time, whereas praise given only with words is believed or absorbed only fifteen percent of the time." Page 179
"The sense of touch has been detected in human embryos less than eight weeks old. Though the baby is less than an inch long and has no eyes or ears, her skin sensitivity is already highly developed." Page 15
"Developmental psychologists today agree that infants are natural learners and will extract from a warm, loving environment whatever information they need. The basic security provided by a strong parent-infant bond enables babies to reach out to their world and to develop to their full capacity physically, mentally, and spiritually. Infant massage provides a wealth of fascinating sensory experiences. Your eyes, your hairline, your smile, your scent, and the sound of your voice telling a story or singing a lullaby provide not only the interesting contrast your baby looks for but also warm, loving feedback. It not only speeds the myelination of her nerves, it lets her know she has come into a living breathing world. There is no sweeter music than the sound of a mother singing; there will never be a toy that can tell a story the way a real, live daddy can. No one can invent a substitute for a parent's loving touch. No vestibular device can compare with being rocked and carried in loving arms. And as for white noise, nothing can surpass the sounds of breath and heart in synchrony." Page 21
"A study reported in the Journal of Humanistic Psychology confirmed this idea, indicating that the higher the subject's self-esteem, the more he communicates through touch. Before the age of twelve, children are more tactile-kinesthetic - that is, they use feeling more than sight or hearing for information about the world. Therefore a warm touch can often trigger an outpouring of feeling or thoughts more than verbal communication. Saying "I love you" to your child is important, but more important is communicating your love through eye contact, through focused attention, and through your loving touch. In addition, for children, when praise is accompanied by touch. In addition, for children, when praise is accompanied by touch, it is taken in eighty-fave percent of the time, whereas praise given only with words is believed or absorbed only fifteen percent of the time." Page 179
July 24, 2015
Overall a good book. The author describes how and why you would want to massage your infant, and describes how to do so with helpful pictures. I read this for a continuing education course for my massage license. The massage techniques themselves are easy, and are aimed at parents, with simple explanations and alterations for different situations.
The author also talks about how massage can fit into an infants early experiences and create bonding, better sleep, better mood (for baby and parent). Her claims that infants who are massaged do better as adults is a bit of s stretch in places. I just think she overstates the effect. But touch is super important, as she writes and as the evidence from various studies show. Massage is organized touch, and can really help organize our brains too.
One part of her discussion bothered me, and it was her discussion of crying and babies. She talks about crying being a release and how we need to cry to vent, and grieve, and so on. And she says that babies need to do this too. In my experience, very young babies do not cry from grief. Or for venting. They cry to communicate a (usually) physical need. Learning their cues and resolving the need typically stops the crying. Colic can be an exception, but again, there are things you can do. Just holding and letting a baby "cry it out" is sometimes all you can do, but it's not because they are grieving or venting. That part was just odd. (She brings up grief with adopted or fostered babies. I could see if it was a toddler or older) Other than that bit, she does advocate attachment parenting styles and infant massage fits well with that too!
The author also talks about how massage can fit into an infants early experiences and create bonding, better sleep, better mood (for baby and parent). Her claims that infants who are massaged do better as adults is a bit of s stretch in places. I just think she overstates the effect. But touch is super important, as she writes and as the evidence from various studies show. Massage is organized touch, and can really help organize our brains too.
One part of her discussion bothered me, and it was her discussion of crying and babies. She talks about crying being a release and how we need to cry to vent, and grieve, and so on. And she says that babies need to do this too. In my experience, very young babies do not cry from grief. Or for venting. They cry to communicate a (usually) physical need. Learning their cues and resolving the need typically stops the crying. Colic can be an exception, but again, there are things you can do. Just holding and letting a baby "cry it out" is sometimes all you can do, but it's not because they are grieving or venting. That part was just odd. (She brings up grief with adopted or fostered babies. I could see if it was a toddler or older) Other than that bit, she does advocate attachment parenting styles and infant massage fits well with that too!
September 22, 2014
I LOVED this book!!! Well who doesn't like a massage to relax. It is a no brainer that massaging babies will be beneficial to the baby, but how about to the parent as well. As an author, a researcher and an educator I can not emphasize the importance of reading Vimala's book. It provides a succinct yet comprehensive description of the importance of massaging babies. I kept her book as a ready reference for my own research on Fathering. I researched fathers experiences massaging their babies and completed a detail literature review of 33 articles on Infant Massage. I credit this book for my passion of Infant Massage!
No one has to have a massage background to massage their own baby. What they do need especially first time parents is SUPPORT from friends and family. If a parent is having a hard time interpreting the massage techniques offer to purchase the CDs available for instruction and/or an infant massage class from an instructor. Look Infant Massage up on you tube so they can see the techniques at the same time they are reading the book. I have a blog and a YouTube channel with some excellent videos on infant massage. Do come visit my site as I offer recommended Amazon reads for parents and caregivers of all families!
No one has to have a massage background to massage their own baby. What they do need especially first time parents is SUPPORT from friends and family. If a parent is having a hard time interpreting the massage techniques offer to purchase the CDs available for instruction and/or an infant massage class from an instructor. Look Infant Massage up on you tube so they can see the techniques at the same time they are reading the book. I have a blog and a YouTube channel with some excellent videos on infant massage. Do come visit my site as I offer recommended Amazon reads for parents and caregivers of all families!
April 6, 2011
This book is by the initial proponent of infant massage in the US. She walks through her theories behind infant massage and then presents a system of massage you can use on your own child. I very much like the idea of using massage with my baby and am familiar with some of the literature on the benefits of touch on stress hormone levels and development.
One thing I disagreed with was how McClure discussed the idea of adults' inner infants and that this may impact how they treat their babies. I don't think memories are laid down in any systematic way during infancy though we probably learn things as we get older about how culturally we are supposed to treat infants. My other very minor argument with the book was that she mentions infants may need to cry at times to release emotions. my understanding is that small infants cry to communicate distress that they need action taken on.
One thing I disagreed with was how McClure discussed the idea of adults' inner infants and that this may impact how they treat their babies. I don't think memories are laid down in any systematic way during infancy though we probably learn things as we get older about how culturally we are supposed to treat infants. My other very minor argument with the book was that she mentions infants may need to cry at times to release emotions. my understanding is that small infants cry to communicate distress that they need action taken on.
March 22, 2011
I love that, right off the bat, Vimala McClure delves into the "Why's" and benefits of Infant Massage. So many new parents are afraid of "spoiling" their children that they're reluctant to hold them for any length of time. This book is an excellent resource for refuting this ridiculous belief.
From a massage therapy student's point of view, the actual techniques are very basic and familiar -- just condensed and miniaturized. The descriptions are easy for non-therapists to follow; no jargon here!
There are sections for fathers, teenage/young parents, ill babies, special needs babies, premies, siblings, and adopted and foster children. In the back is an extensive list of references and recommendations.
I dig it, and you should, too!
From a massage therapy student's point of view, the actual techniques are very basic and familiar -- just condensed and miniaturized. The descriptions are easy for non-therapists to follow; no jargon here!
There are sections for fathers, teenage/young parents, ill babies, special needs babies, premies, siblings, and adopted and foster children. In the back is an extensive list of references and recommendations.
I dig it, and you should, too!
July 8, 2012
A very quick and easy read that outlines the importance of touch. The sense of touch is developed at 7 weeks gestation and is an important aspect of continued development. Vimala brings together Indian Massage, Sweedish Massage, Yoga, and reflexology to provide parents and infants a beneficial and healthy relationship. Vimala explains, with pictures, each stroke and provides explanation for modifications due to disabilities, temperament, and age.
As a recently trained, in Vimala's theory, Infant Massage Instructor, it is recommended that parents read this alongside the training as a resource to turn to after training is complete.
As a recently trained, in Vimala's theory, Infant Massage Instructor, it is recommended that parents read this alongside the training as a resource to turn to after training is complete.
October 2, 2007
I didn't read any other infant massage books, so I have nothing to compare this one to, but I found this book easy to understand and I was able to get started quickly. I'm a massage novice with no aspirations of becoming a massage professional. I just wanted to be able to massage my baby, but I needed a book to give me some confidence and guidance. This book accomplished that for me.
Let me also say that massaging a baby is fun and relaxing (as long as there is no crying). And what can convey love more simply and effectively than a mother's (or father's) touch.
Let me also say that massaging a baby is fun and relaxing (as long as there is no crying). And what can convey love more simply and effectively than a mother's (or father's) touch.
July 20, 2008
I read this book twice. Once with William and again with Evey. I am the kind of mom that sticks the kid in the sling and does 7 other things at once all day. This helped me to turn a diaper change into a prolonged massage session/ real mommy-baby time. I could tell it helped William at night to calm down and Evey's tummy to relax (I still do it with her sometimes).
I use coconut butter and they both responded with smiles when I started to warm up the oil in my hands by rubbing them together fast.
I have no other book to compare this one to but it's easy and the pictures are simple.
I use coconut butter and they both responded with smiles when I started to warm up the oil in my hands by rubbing them together fast.
I have no other book to compare this one to but it's easy and the pictures are simple.
April 14, 2011
I enjoyed learning how to bond with and sooth my baby. There were some things in the book that I don't use, and some things that are a little hokey for me too. But all in all I found it to be a useful and beneficial read. I think touch is a wonderful way to heal or release tension. Just think how good a massage feels for adults, then think about all the ways babies are learning to use and develop their muscles. Not only was our nightly routine relaxing and enjoyable, it released tension and the strain on her muscles so she could wear them out again the next day!
April 22, 2014
Really good instructional book that also has interesting facts about infant massage and its benefits. I got the book as part of an infant massage class I took, but I think the pictures in the book are good enough that you could learn the technique from the book alone. Also has sections on massage for specific problems -we have used the routine for gas and the facial massage for nasal congestion and I think both helped. My little guy certainly seems to enjoy his massages, so that is enough for me!
September 19, 2009
I've always thought that infant massage was simple. And it is, but the illustrations and recommended strokes are helpful to start. In particular, I appreciated the recommendations for premature infants and children with physical disabilities.
The author does express some outdated and, to me, offensive opinions about infant daycare (and I'm not even a parent) in the early chapters. Feel free to skip that and get right into the hands-on chapters.
The author does express some outdated and, to me, offensive opinions about infant daycare (and I'm not even a parent) in the early chapters. Feel free to skip that and get right into the hands-on chapters.
April 30, 2016
I loved this book and think it's a great resource. There are tons of photos and great descriptions of all the techniques. I loved that she addressed bring calm and peace to your relationship with your baby and that crying is sometimes a good release for your baby (and the only way they can communicate. I also liked that she talked about using massage to relieve different illnesses (fever, cough, congestion, etc.). I think this would be a great read for all expecting/new parents.
December 8, 2008
A great book for parents looking to connect and build a relationship with their baby in an intuitive way. More and more studies are showing that skin-to-skin contact helps a babies overall development including: physically, mental and emotional. I like this book because it gives great background about infant massage as well as full techniques with pictures. So glad I came across this book!
April 12, 2016
Not a very useful book. It is difficult to massage looking at the book as you won't understand half of the strokes. Better to watch a video than read about it. But if you have no idea why massaging is needed for babies or you have no idea about massaging at all, then pick this book. My mom already knew how to massage and I learnt it from her, so I hardly referred to this book.
September 27, 2011
I thought this gave a good background and basis for why to do infant massage. A neighbor lent me this book and it was a quick and informative read. The instructions and photos really make it clear what to do, and I was able to start practicing right away. It's a good reference to have.
June 20, 2014
Its a little hard to follow the techniques. Better as a video I imagine.
Still there's some nice chat at the start and it seems like a fun way to interact with the little guy so i'll probably give it a go.
Still there's some nice chat at the start and it seems like a fun way to interact with the little guy so i'll probably give it a go.
February 23, 2015
Informative and encouraging, this book is all about facilitating bonding between baby and parent. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a baby, especially those who experienced medical problems or were adopted.
September 4, 2007
really, i skipped everything but the routine and the massage strokes, because i didn't need to read 200 pages on why massage is beneficial. i went to massage school, i am WELL AWARE.
March 14, 2008
I think every parent should learn how to massage their infant. It's a great way to bond, calm them, and help with intestinal issues.
October 17, 2016
great so far, wish I'd had massage growing up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews