After looking at nearly every massage book out there, I decided to buy this one and have not been disappointed with my choice. The main thing that clinched it for me was the fact that it is illustrated so well - every stroke has a photograph and a detailed description, making it so easy to follow. I found that many other books have line drawings rather than photos for many of the strokes. I also like the fact that there is not too much information. It is clear and concise - just what you need when you're holding the book open with one knee while attempting to massage a wriggly newborn!

My 2 month old daughter absolutely adores massage time, and has done since the day we brought her home. This book is my number one "must have" for all parents. Massaging your baby is a wonderful bonding experience, and one which can be continued into the toddler years.

This book is nice, but for the same price you can buy a DVD on the subject. I like Aimee Ketchum's DVD because not only does she do a great job of demonstrating baby massage, but she also gives lots of information on how your baby develops. Her massage method lasts only 4-5 minutes per session. I really don't have the time to spend an hour giving my baby a massage. There is so much more information on her DVD about your baby and how simple exercises can help your baby's brain development and lots and lots of other stuff. I just don't see why you'd want to buy a book with only massage pictures in it when you can buy a DVD with not only lots of massage info, but also has tons and tons of other simple stuff you can do with your baby. It makes so much sense and you don't need to buy anything else. Plus Aimee has a nice personality and you can tell she really cares. She's very qualified and is a pediatric OT plus certified massage therapist for babies, like Gweneth Paltro hires to massage her baby.

This has been one of the best purchases I have made since the birth of my son nine months ago. It has taught me how to massage him in a way that has helped me gain his trust. Not only does it relax him before bed, but it gives us some precious bonding time that can't be matched! I sing his favorite song while I do it, and someday, when he can talk, I'm sure he will sing along. I have suggested this book to all of my 'Mom' friends, and I urge all Mom's (and Dad's) to buy this one!!

FIRST, A WORD ON HEALTH CARE PUBLICATIONS-

When looking for a book on almost any subject, it's always a good bet that DK books will have one on the subject. And whereas the overwhlming majority of them will be accurate in their presentation, it is good to remember that ALL information about health is subject to regular change and update.

Unfortunately, Doctors and nurses simply don't have the time needed to constantly pour over new journal articles and go to seminars. This is why WE must keep OURSELVES informed by doing just that. Medical libraries are FREE for use by anyone in this country that pays their taxes and their staff knows this and are more than happy to help you learn how to use them. They know that by doing this we are not only increasing our own knowledge of current practices and procedures, but we are actually creating an invaluable resource for our healthcare providers.

If your Doctor tells you that you have a condition that they are not familiar with, go to the medical library and look up any journal articles that have come out in the past year on the subject and make two (2) copies. Take one to your Doctor and keep one for yourself. The positive response you get may surprise you, and it will certainly prove to your health care provider that you are interested in being proactive in your recovery.

THE REVIEW!!

As a Clinical Massage Therapist and Father, I can tell you from experience that this book is not only well written and contains some really cute pictures, but the information contained within is mostly accurate and very easily digested. I have heard of both of the contributing authors and can say that both have good reputations in their fields.

Why not 5 stars? For the simple reason that the authors STILL not only illustrate the Indian "milking" technique, but recommend it. Being the only obvious and unmistakeable flaw in the book, it is excusable, but only just.

Indian milking is not only counter productive to the massage itself, but it does physically irreversible damage to the valves in the veins in the arms and in the legs. You should never, never, NEVER work from hip to foot or shoulder to arm; ALWAYS work with the flow of the vein, or in this case, towards the heart. To not do so is to force blood to move AGAINST natural veinous flow and can cause the leaflet valves in the veins returning blood to the heart to become damaged and useless.

Later on in life, this damage will cause painful vericose and spider veins. If you have anyquestion of this or of the medical research that proves it, just look on the legs of almost any East Indian man or woman and almost invariable you will see evidence of vericosities. There are even pamphlets being produced in India that are telling Mothers to work towards the heart to prevent this from happening.

Aside from this one problem, this is an EXCELLENT book. I say that not only because any book that promotes this kind of bonding with parent and child is on my "A" list, but also because the vast majority of the information is accurate and correct!

This book does a wonderful job of combining the physical nature of touching your baby with a calming goal. As a first father there appears to be a lot less available to help soothe a crying baby. This book shows how a simple circular motion on a chest, back or arms can help a baby feel more relaxed. This is extremely positive when we are biding time before Mommy and her food arrives.