Parenthood comes with its share of challenges, and sometimes, a little relaxation is in order not just for adults, but for babies too. Enter the innovative concept of baby spas, with Float Baby leading the way in Houston, Texas. This unique spa has garnered international attention since its opening in February, offering babies a delightful and soothing experience that not only brings joy but also contributes to their physical and cognitive development.
Founder Kristi Ison, a certified infant massage instructor, has created a haven where babies from two weeks old up to eight months old can float in a warm pool for 20 minutes while wearing waterproof swim diapers and a specially-designed donut-shaped flotation device around their necks to keep them comfortably afloat. The inflatable rings are adjusted to ensure the babies’ comfort during each visit.
Known as hydrotherapy, this gentle water immersion technique allows the little ones to move freely, promoting muscle and bone structure development. The purified water is maintained at a comfortable temperature of 95-98 degrees Fahrenheit, offering a serene and safe environment. The pools are meticulously cleaned every day, ensuring a hygienic experience for each baby.
Following their pool time, the babies receive a pampering session in the form of infant massage, performed by their parents under Kristi’s guidance. This nurturing touch contributes to the overall well-being of the babies, fostering deeper parent-child connections.
The experience offered by Float Baby comes at a cost of $65 and lasts approximately an hour. While there is no scientific research as yet to definitively support claims about the water’s potential for enhancing infants’ strength and cardiovascular health more than other exercises, testimonies from parents speak to the positive impact of the spa experience. Many report improved sleep, better eating habits, and increased happiness and strength in their little ones.
Kristi drew inspiration from the Baby Spa in Kensington, London, which offers a similar water immersion and massage experience for infants. The U.K. service, provided by neonatal and pediatric nurses, costs £60 for an hour.
With the success of Float Baby, Kristi has ambitious plans to enhance the studio by introducing individual tubs for younger babies in the upcoming fall season. Additionally, she envisions expanding her concept by opening 10 more franchises across the United States in early 2015. It seems that baby spas are set to become a welcome trend in the parenting landscape, offering babies and parents alike a moment of tranquility and bonding in today’s busy world.
