Infant massage

Release Date: October 18, 2025

Last Updated: September 9, 2025

Today we share a wondrous insight into the incredible mindful practice of a dedicated educator at the very first Curiosity Approach® Accredited childcare service in QLD Australia. This guest blog is written by the service Manager Stacey Gough and will share insights into best practice and showcasing their award winning service.

“Gillian our baby whisper as she is famously known as! has worked across all ages of children within the Early Childhood Sector and for our company Sesame Lane for 23 years! Since Jan 2010, Gillian has specialised in the care for infants, providing a cue based development- approach that enables children to learn and develop as individuals underpinned by the Pikler Approach. 

Gillian views on infant learning styles, has evolved as her experience caring for children birth to two years progressed, throughout the time specialising in this age range and since engaging in the Curiosity Approach Accreditation through our service Sesame Lane Regency Street. Gillian has also engaged in extensive research around viewing infants as capable learners, the value placed on free movement play, as well as the importance on building connections with infants, strengthening bonds with Educators. 

By engaging in the Curiosity Approach® accreditation through her service Sesame Lane Regency Street Kippa Ring this has supported Gillian in evolving her viewpoints on developing an infant-based curriculum, creating learning environments using open ended resources, authentic real life materials and freedom of movement philosophy, to enhance learning outcomes for children.

Gillian does not utilise movement restricting resources such as bumbos, bouncers or play centres within the curriculum and strongly supports infants exploring their learning environments, in safe and unrestricted ways, choosing where they would like to engage in play.Gillian’s personal philosophy on building connections with infants and supporting families to strengthening their bonds with their children, led Gillian to pursue her interest in researching infant massage. Gillian wanted to be able to support her families in strengthening children’s development through massage techniques and research. This approach promotes nurturing touch and communication between families and children and has benefited Educators working with Infants in care. 

Gillian utilises this knowledge within her daily practices and with discussion with other Educators, supporting the benefits of infant touch, building connections with infants, creating a safe circle of security for all children.By engaging in this specific training and becoming an international qualified infant massage instructor Gillian has used her skill set in baby massage to teach families the fundamental skills of massage and the health & connection benefits associated with this to new enrolling families of our service. This has allowed the opportunity to create strong respectful relationships with families prior to their children commencing with us and given the opportunity for Gillian to get to know families and children before commencement, which in turn has created a smoother transition into our care not only for children but for our families!  To support Gillian in her role we decided to upcycle and unused storeroom to create a beautiful inviting infant massage room for Gillian to share her knowledge and skills with our community.

Benefits of infant/ baby massage 

Baby massage offers a wonderful array of benefits for both infants and parents. For babies, it can help improve sleep quality, promote physical development, and even reduce crying. The soothing touch of a massage can foster a deep sense of security and attachment between the baby and their parent/ carer, enhancing their bond. Additionally, it can assist in managing digestive issues and relieve discomfort, making babies feel more at ease. For carers, engaging in baby massage increases confidence in understanding and responding to their child's needs, while also providing a precious opportunity to connect and communicate with their little one in a loving way.

What a wonderful insight into the practice at Sesame Lane, Regency Street, Kippa Ring. This blog is testament to their amazing work, revenue and respect for infants and young children in their care. If you’d like to know more about The Curiosity Approach, our slower pedagogy then please head to our website www.thecuriosity approach.com