Visitors to MOMS Orange County’s Mommy & Me class are typically welcomed by the gurgling, commotion and rumblings one would expect walking into a roomful of babies and toddlers.  Yet, on Thursday night, the babbling of babies had been quietly replaced by the sounds of dozing infants–completely and utterly relaxed by a soothing session of Infant Massage.

Parents in the infant development series held at MOMS were being led by Health Educator, Gabriela, on methods to “communicate their love” to their babies through the power of touch.  Many studies have shown the tremendous effectiveness of nurturing touch in the healthy growth and development of babies.

(Check out dozing baby in the top of the picture below)

Some benefits of infant massage for parents and caregivers include • Provides essential indicators of intimate parent-infant bonding and attachment such as eye-to-eye, touch, voice, smell, and movement • Encourages pre-verbal communication between caregiver and infant • Helps parents feel more confident and competent in caring for their children • Provides parents with one-on-one quiet time or interactive play with their children • Teaches parents how to read their infants’ cues and recognize their states of awareness
• Provides a positive way for fathers to interact with their infants/children

MOMS was also happy to welcome the Newport 2nd Young Women’s Group from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Costa Mesa who donated lovely hand-made hats and assisted with the Baby Footprints activity.