Gently does itBefore you start the baby massage, ask your baby's "permission", suggests Pauline Carter, chair of the Guild of Infant and Child Massage. ‘Put your hands on her and look for clues. If she maintains eye contact or smiles, then she

Massage has a host of health benefits for your baby, from calming him down to improving his sleep, skin and digestion. 'Touch is your baby's first language, so massage is a great way of establishing trust and confidence between you both,' says

Babyexpert RecommendedGood points: Easy to use, comfortable and with great results. One of our testers' favourites for effectiveness and efficiency.Not so good: Parts fiddly to sterilise and re-assembleAvailable from larger branches of Boots, Babies

. Here are some ways to help restore the peace.Massage me, MummyMassage can calm an unsettled baby. Make sure the room's warm before undressing him, then use olive or sunflower oil and gently stroke down his arms, legs, back and tummy - though never push

MassageWhat is it? - The practice of putting light pressure on different areas of the body to alleviate stress and tension. Why it's good - As well as being a great relaxation technique and helping to reduce pain, it can give an extra feeling

, tummy or chest as it can be unsettling.Baby boost: like massage, brushing is a calming sensation that will stimulate your baby's sense of touch.Brush-a-bye baby

damage occurring to your nether regions is by perineal massage during the last few weeks of your pregnancy.Massaging the perineum with sunflower or olive oil increases the elasticity of the area, allowing it to stretch nore easily around your baby's head

, massage, story, sleep – it will help your baby wind down and settle.Play some soothing musicLullabies or calming classical music have a soothing effect on your baby’s mood and therefore help him to fall asleep.Sweet scentIf your baby is older than 3 months

will push down on the neck of your womb, helpingto open it up.Squatting:This is a good position once you've begun to push. Your birth partner can massage your back, or crouch down in front of you so you can rest your arms on their knees.On all fours

. There's also a couple's room for treatments, should you both fancy a massage to wind down.Two night's half-board with one 60-minute treatment starts from £580 for two people.Vist armathwaite-hall.com for more details.