Australia has opened its first baby spa, which offers appointments for babies as young as two-days-old.
Baby Spa Perth offers hydrotherapy sessions, infant massage and professional support.
“There is often a misconception with the name ‘baby spa’ which leads people to presume the service offered is a beauty treatment. This couldn’t be further from the truth,” says the spa’s director Kavita Kumar.
A baby tries out one of the neopods. Image supplied.
"Hydrotherapy stimulates all the senses, the comforting experience strengthens muscles and bone structure of babies whilst providing an environment where they can build confidence in the water and learn to control their reflexes.
"The water immersion improves sleep quality, reduces discomfort from colic, wind and constipation whilst regular visits benefit the cardiovascular and respiratory systems," she said.
During hydrotherapy sessions, the babies are fitted with a lightweight flotation device (a Bubby) that is put loosely around the baby’s neck.
The sessions are performed by "medically qualified staff" and mothers are encouraged to learn the spa's baby massage techniques.
"Infant massage can help with post-natal depression. It’s also a bonding experience to watch your baby in the water and see how relaxed they are and how they react and explore in the water. Some just go to sleep, others kick off the walls and splash," said Kumar.
Top Comments
Just give your baby a massage and a bath yourself? I massaged my daughter from birth (gently) till 8 months when she wouldn't sit still any longer.