Pamper them young

What could be more cute than a happy, gurgling baby indulging himself in a mini pool followed by a massage after the incessant cycles of feeding-nappy changes-naps-baths?

A haven for newborns and their parents, Baby Spa Perth "offers unique infant hydrotherapy sessions, baby massage and professional support in a peaceful and nurturing environment", says Kavita Kumar, co-director, Baby Spa Perth in Australia. Kumar and her sister Anita Yap opened the spa facility in May 2016, after Kumar's experience at Baby Spa London. After a rather complex birth in January 2014, Kumar, who lived in Londo0 years, before moving to Perth, observed several benefits of infant hydrotherapy — exercises in the pool — on her son Nadal. She began training with Laura Sevenus, who had established the first Baby Spa in Kensington in London around 10 years ago. Soon, Kumar became an accredited Infant Massage Instructor, training at the International Association of Infant Massage, and went on to establish Baby Spa Perth.

Nadal (Kumar's son) and Xavier (Yap's son) were both four days old when they attended Baby Spa, in London and Perth respectively. "My husband and I were really taken by the sense of calm it instilled in all of us along with Nadal's instant attraction to the water," says Kumar. "Anita and I wanted to share this with people in our hometown of Perth, and hopefully in the rest of Australia."

At each Baby Spa Perth session, which costs AUD$85, babies, as young as two-dato eight-week-olds, have their weight and milestones recorded and are given swim nappies and swimsuits before being taken for a hydrotherapy session in one of the two treatments rooms; the Neopod Room houses individual pods for newborns. "Babies under eight weeks swim in individual pods of purified water until they receive their first dose of immunisations." The second treatment room contains two larger spa pools where the water is UV sterilised. The floatation spas are heated to 34.5 degrees and the rooms are temperature controlled to be warm in cooler months. Babies are supported by the 'Bubby' — a patented floatation device developed by founder Laura Sevenus exclusively for Baby Spa. Developed over 40 years, "the Bubby supports babies of up to 25kg while in the water, giving them the freedom to gently float and enjoy a range of movements they wouldn't otherwise experience", explains 35-year-old Kumar.

A massage session follows after the hydrotherapy; the babies are massaged with natural grapeseed oil from South Africa. Gentle exercises are weaved into the massage routine to build flexibility and strength in their limbs. In addition to the water experience and massage, Kumar and Yap have created an atmosphere that encourages controlled stimulation of all the senses with especially selected music and lights for babies as well as toys appropriate to this stage of development.

The cost for 60-minute sessions – how is this relevant to Indian readers?

1 session $85
3 sessions $240
5 sessions $380
10 sessions $720
All prices include GST.

Benefits according to Baby Spa Perth

Reduces discomfort from colic, wind, constipation and reflux whilst regular visits benefit their cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Muscular and skeletal strength is increased.

As a baby floats and kicks around in water, innate swimming reflexes are stimulated and coordination develops as they learn to control their movements; ultimately supporting their ability to crawl, walk and swim.

Movement through the water has a positive effect on the digestive and circulatory systems, which can reduce meconium levels and lowers the risk of jaundice three or four days after birth.

Subtle water pressure on the chest can increase lung capacity by strengthening intercostal muscles and the respiratory system.