When picturing the demographic of typical spa-goers, most probably imagine mainly women somewhere between 30 and 50 years old. However, some spas are catering towards a younger demographic – much younger. A common phrase in beauty spaces is “it is never too early to start caring for skin,” and a global trend in self-care, baby floating spas, is taking this phrase to a whole new level by offering relaxation services to infants as early as two weeks old. 

FLOAT ON

Originating from Japan, baby floating spas are facilities that offer a unique experience for parents and their infants. During their time at a floating spa, babies are placed in an inflatable, plastic ring that fits around their neck, cradles their head, and keeps them afloat in a tub of water. At some spas, the water is infused with essential oils that nourish newborn skin and salts that help create buoyancy. Floatation therapy allows for babies to freely move their limbs in the water, which, according to some studies, increases muscular strength, skeletal health, cognitive development, improves motor skills and balance, and helps new parents bond with infants. Floating time, which typically lasts around 60 minutes, is followed by infant massage, which stimulates the immune system and alleviates digestive issues. The combination of these services is purported to offer a multitude of benefits to infants from the ages of two weeks to six months old. 

References

1. Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Do Not Use Baby Neck Floats Due to the Risk of Death or Injury.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, June 28, 2022. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/do-not-use-baby- neck-floats-due-risk-death-or-injury-fda-safety-communication. 

1. Freedman, Françoise, and Shawn Tomlinson. “The Hidden Risks of Floating Neck Rings for Babies.” Swimming Teachers’ Association. Accessed November 14, 2023. https://www.sta.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/The-Hidden-Risks-of- Floating-Neck-Rings-for-Babies.pdf. 

1. Melati, Agrystina Ryma, C Tjahjono Kuntjoro, Sri Sumarni, Kamilah Hidayati, and Sri Endang Pujiastuti. “Effect of Solus Per Aqua (SPA) on Infant Weight.” Belitungraya, August 31, 2017. https://www.belitungraya.org/BRP/index.php/bnj/article/view/154. 

1. “Q&A’s.” Oh Baby Spa, December 22, 2022. https://ohbabyspa.com/qas/. 

1. Wayan, Noviani Ni, and Fitria. “The Impact of Baby Spa on the Growth and Development of Infants Aged 3-6 Months at Puskesmas I Denpasar Selatan.” International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 6, no. 8 (July 6, 2018): 2601. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20183239.