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!

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!

There are lots of attractions for older children, such as soft play, theme parks and farms, whilst there's seemingly little for babies, but look around and you'll find there are plenty of activities for babies too! Babies will go almost anywhere and do almost anything, they are, after all, largely pram-bound and to them everything is excitingly new. Many activities designed for babies are community or group based, such as meeting with other mum's at toddler groups, attending baby massage groups and baby swimming lessons. If you find there's not a lot going on in your area, why not be a proactive mum and set up your own local baby groups? Even if there seems to be a dearth of baby activities, there's probably no shortage of babies. Make sure that you don't find yourself imprisoned in your own home for the first few months after having a baby, it will really help you to get out and meet and talk with other mums. Your baby will also enjoy the company of other babies, even though they don't interact or play together until they are much older.