There is a lot to be said for a nice, relaxing massage; it soothes away worries and stress, relieves tension and can make mummies feel like new. But, don't forget the benefits of massage for babies. Infant massage can be beneficial for babies in so many ways.

You can go to scheduled classes and learn how to massage from a professional. But, if you are gentle, careful and sensitive to your baby's needs, you can do some basic massage at home.

Benefits of massage include:

• weight gain
• encourage peace and calm
• bonding with baby
• reduce pain
• help with digestion
• strengthen immune system
• improve sleeping
• plus and possibly most importantly it is a great chance to spend some quality time with baby.

How long to massage? 15 minutes is probably enough, but if baby is enjoying it you can go on longer. Similarly if they are not enjoying it, stop and try again later.

What to do?

• Gentle strokes down each leg, from the thigh to the ankle
• Walk your fingers over their arms and upper torso
• Gentle circular movements with the thumb and fingers over the foot area
• Gentle strokes down each arm and onto the hand
• Avoid massaging the head and back

What to use?

Pure and simple extra virgin, 100% olive oil is best! It is not sticky and great for massaging. Try warming it up a bit first my rubbing your hands vigorously. This will make it more comforting and easier to use.  Enjoy!

A new nasal spray has been developed for mums that are not bonding with their babies, the spray allegedly helps them become closer to their babies.   The trials of the new spray took place in Sydney last year where a chemical version of the naturally occurring oxytocin is created and used in a spray format.

Oxytocin is also known as the love-drug or bonding hormone.

For Mums with low levels of oxytocin, it is harder to respond to the needs of their babies.  They don't notice or respond to the baby's cries as quickly as other mothers. So the spray helps them with their low levels of oxytocin by giving it to them in a chemical format.

Oxytocin is vital during child birth as it triggers uterine contractions, and helps the delivery of the placenta and then it helps to stop bleeding. After the baby is delivered it helps in breast feeding by causing the 'let down' reflex which means milk will flow.

Whether a Grandparent or Aunty, or even a parent, babysitting a new born baby can be boring!  Here are a few tips to make it fun for both of you!

• Cuddle up with a good book:  It could be a kiddie book and you can read in a nice, quiet voice to the little bundle and enjoy a nice cuddle. It could be your own novel!  Try reading aloud and seeing how happy baby is just to be warm and safe and listening to your voice.
• Watch TV together and chat about what you see.  They will love the moving pictures, the sound and comfort of your voice and the attention!  A little bit of television is fine!
• Have a gentle massage.  Lie them down safely and tickle their toes, stroke their hands and gently give a massage.
• Count fingers and toes and get their hands moving.  Sing Round And Round the Garden and watch their delight!
• Have a sing: singing, and music, are a great comfort to a baby.  Listen to all sorts of music together, it needn't just be soft, baby music - as longs as it's not too loud.
• Get down on the floor and encourage crawling or playing depending on the age.  They will love the attention and to have someone new spending time with them.
• Carry on as usual: you can still get on with your regular tasks and jobs when babysitting.  If you make sure the baby is safe, you can leave their side.  Perhaps chatter as you do things  and talk through what you are doing.
• Go for a stroll: it's nice to get some fresh air even in winter, so wrap up baby and go for a walk whenever you can to get you out.  As long as baby is warm you will be fine!
• Have a nap: babies do get tired, so if you think they are getting sleepy, put them down for a nap.  Watching them when they sleep is just magical!