Why Every Dad Should Learn Baby Massage

Becoming a dad brings great joy and responsibility, and baby massage is a reliable, high-impact tool for any parenting toolkit. It’s simple to learn, can be used daily, and gives fathers a clear, practical way to practice nurturing care. For many dads, especially those new to hands-on infant care, mastering baby massage builds confidence by offering predictable steps and immediate feedback: a calmer, more settled baby and noticeable improvements in bonding. Over time those small, consistent interactions strengthen a father’s sense of competence and reinforce his role as a trusted caregiver.

This holds true for all caregiving situations, including fostering and adoption. For dads who welcome a baby into their family through fostering or adoption, baby massage provides a gentle, consistent ritual that helps establish safety and familiarity. Regular, sensitive touch supports attachment even when biological bonding pathways aren’t present, because it communicates care, predictability, and responsiveness - key elements for building secure relationships. In short, baby massage is a practical, inclusive practice that helps any dad create warm, dependable connections with his little one.

Here are some practical benefits:

Faster bonding

Gentle, regular touch increases oxytocin and helps babies recognise and trust their dad, speeding emotional attachment.

Greater confidence

Learning baby massage techniques gives dads a concrete caregiving skill they can use every day 

Better soothing ability

Baby massage helps reduce fussiness, colic symptoms and crying, giving dads an effective tool to calm their little one.

Improved sleep routines

A short massage before bed can relax baby and lead to easier sleep onset and longer stretches.

Shared parenting role

Active physical caregiving helps balance responsibilities, reduces maternal load, and normalises dad-led nurturing.

Stronger sensitivity to cues

Practising baby massage increases a dad’s ability to read the baby’s signals, like hunger, tiredness, or overstimulation.

Stress reduction for both

Touch lowers cortisol for dad and baby, helping dads feel calmer and more connected.

For a more comprehensive outline of the benefits of baby massage, please read my earlier post, "Understanding the Benefits of Baby Massage."

Baby massage is a low-cost, low-tech way for dads to be actively involved, soothe their baby, and strengthen lifelong attachment. Start small, follow your baby’s cues, and build a comforting ritual that works for your family. Remember, always consult your paediatrician, clinician, or a certified baby massage instructor to learn the correct techniques, dos and don'ts.

Ana, Certified Baby Massage Instructor

Hermanus and the surrounding areas.