Cuddle & Connect

Baby Sensory & Massage

Cuddle & Connect

Baby Sensory & Massage

Four relaxed weeks of baby massage, sensory play and connection, designed for babies from around 6 weeks to crawling.

Learn simple ways to soothe, play and connect with your baby, while enjoying time with other mums who are navigating these early months too.

2026 - 6 weeks • Tuesdays • Napier • $120

2027 - 4 weeks Tuesdays Napier $99

Have you ever noticed how your baby responds to a gentle touch, a familiar voice or the discovery of something new?

Those little moments of connection, curiosity and play are exactly what Cuddle & Connect is all about.

Every cuddle strengthens your bond. Every play sparks discovery.

Across four relaxed weeks, we'll combine baby massage and sensory play, giving you simple ideas you can enjoy together in class and continue using at home.

You'll learn gentle massage techniques to help your baby relax and settle, while exploring sensory experiences using things like colour, texture, sound, movement and bubbles. It's not about overstimulating your baby or filling your days with activities. It's about noticing their cues, following their lead and discovering simple ways to connect and play together.

And Cuddle & Connect isn't only about your baby.

It's also a chance for you to slow down, enjoy some dedicated time together and meet other mums who are navigating these early months too.

A young child lying on a blanket holding a toy with a red and orange top, surrounded by adults during a gathering or playtime.

What to Expect

  • A new massage focus each week (legs, tummy, arms, feet, chest, back).

  • Playful sensory themes like Rainbow Colours, Nature Adventure, and Starry Night.

  • Time for bonding, giggles, and gentle exploration.

  • A friendly group of parents to share the journey with.

Close-up of a baby's foot being gently held by an adult hand against a plain white background, with bold black text overlay about baby foot massage cheat sheet.

Touch is one of the most powerful ways to comfort your baby.
This simple baby foot massage guide shows you gentle reflexology points that can help soothe upset tummies, ease teething discomfort, and support better sleep - all through loving touch.

Grab your FREE Baby Foot Massage Guide now.

Download Guide

Please note: Cuddle & Connect classes are designed for bonding, relaxation, and sensory development. They are not a replacement for medical treatment. Always consult your health professional if you have concerns about your baby’s health.

FAQs – Cuddle & Connect Baby Massage & Sensory Play.

  • Cuddle & Connect is designed for babies from around 6 weeks to crawling. Once babies are on the move, they’re ready for different kinds of play, so this class is focused on those early weeks and months where bonding, massage, and gentle sensory exploration are most beneficial.

  • Not at all! I’ll guide you step by step. Each week you’ll learn simple, soothing massage techniques — by the end of the course, you’ll know a full baby massage routine.

  • That’s completely normal (and expected!). Please feel free to stop, feed, cuddle, or change your baby whenever they need you. The sessions are relaxed and flexible.

  • Bring a soft blanket or mat for your baby to lie on, and anything that helps them feel comfortable (like a favourite toy). I provide all sensory equipment and props.

  • Yes, baby massage is safe, gentle, and has many benefits. You’ll be shown the correct strokes, and I’ll always remind you to follow your baby’s cues. If your baby has any medical conditions, just let me know beforehand.

  • Baby massage can:

    • Ease colic and tummy troubles

    • Help with relaxation and sleep

    • Improve circulation and muscle tone

    • Support bonding and attachment

    • Boost your confidence as a parent

  • Sensory play helps your baby’s brain and body develop. Through colours, textures, sounds, and movement, babies learn to explore, focus, and make sense of the world around them.

  • Each class runs for 50–60 minutes, which is the perfect balance of engagement and downtime for babies.

  • Yes! These classes aren’t just about babies — they’re also a chance for you to connect with other parents in a warm, supportive environment.

  • Life with a baby can be unpredictable, and I completely understand.

    If you miss a class, I’ll make sure you still receive that week’s handout so you don’t miss out on the massage strokes and sensory play ideas.

A woman with sunglasses on her head, smiling and sitting cross-legged, holding a baby who is lying on her lap. The woman is wearing a pink shirt and black pants, inside a room with furniture and bags visible in the background.
A wicker basket filled with colorful plastic children's teething toys and small books, placed on a floral bedspread.
An adult man playing with a baby on a colorful floral blanket, holding the baby's head and feet while the baby grips purple and pink ribbons.
Several women are gathered in a room, holding a large, colorful parachute overhead, creating a playful environment. On the floor, there are multiple baby dolls lying on blankets with toys around them, suggesting a nurturing or educational activity.
A woman kneeling on a floral blanket taking pictures of a baby lying on the blanket, with bubbles floating around, and another woman sitting nearby looking at the baby.

Benefits for your Baby & You

  • Deepens your bond through positive touch.

  • Supports sensory and brain development.

  • Relieves tension, aids digestion, and encourages better sleep.

  • Creates calm, connected moments in your week.

  • Builds lasting friendships and memories.

Dates for 2026:

Class 4: 15th Sept - 20th Oct

Class 5: 10th Nov - 15th Dec

2027 Course Dates

Course 1

23rd February – 16th March

Course 2

4th – 25th May

Course 3

3rd – 24th August

Course 4

12th October – 2nd November

Tuesdays, 10.00am – 10.50am

Each Cuddle & Connect Baby Sensory & Massage course runs for four weeks, with the same group of mums and babies coming together each week.

Places are limited, so booking early is recommended.

An adult giving a gentle head massage to a baby lying on a blanket, with colorful toys nearby inside a room.

Class Details

  • Who: Babies aged from 6 weeks to crawling

  • Length: 50–60 minute session

  • Format: 6-week course 2026 4-week course 2027

  • Days: Tuesday’s unless otherwise stated

  • Cost: $120 2026 $99 2027

“I loved having dedicated one-on-one time with my baby, watching her joy as she explored new sights, textures, and toys. It was wonderful to see her socialise with other babies while I connected with other parents too.

Janine is always warm and welcoming, creating a safe, judgement-free space to feed, change, or calm your baby.”
— New Mum
“We highly recommend Janine’s baby sensory and massage course. The classes were the perfect length and both my baby and I got so much out of them. He loved seeing and hearing other babies, as well as exploring new items we didn’t have at home. I really enjoyed the chance to chat and laugh with other mums. Janine created such a safe, inclusive space and always offered alternative ways to do things if a baby wasn’t enjoying a particular activity — something I really appreciated.”
— T. Power
“I would highly recommend cuddle and connect. My baby left extremely tired and calm every time! I loved looking at the recaps so I could practice the exercises at home with her and also having the side note why each massage and pressure point is beneficial. My baby learnt the recognition that her feet were hers and now loves them being massaged before bed! She absolutely loved watching other babies and being in a small group meant it wasn’t over whelming for either of us. Such a safe space to bond with your baby and meet their needs without feeling like you’re missing out. Really enjoyed this”
— New Mum

Twins & Multiples

Bringing twins? You're very welcome.

The four-week course is $175 for twins, rather than $198 when booking two places separately.

For triplets or other multiples, please get in touch and we can work out the best option for your family.