A spa for your infant? It has arrived in Sioux Falls

It’s a unique space where massage meets water therapy all in the name of baby wellness.  

Your Nurtured Baby is the first locally owned, independent infant wellness studio and spa of its kind in the area and only the fourth in the nation offering services for families with babies as young as 2 weeks old. 

Mother-daughter duo Laura and Liz Hanson, who are Sioux Falls natives, started Your Nurtured Baby in April 2022.

In Laura Hanson’s search to find care for youngest daughter Mara – who was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect – she discovered the benefits of infant massage, water movement and eventually looked into continuing education and certification. 

In September, the business opened its doors along 85th Street west of Western Avenue and since then has added a boutique, infant massage area, a milk bar and four infant water tubs. 

“The tubs feature a clear side so the educator and parents can monitor their movement in the water,” Laura Hanson said. 

Hanson said the water movement pairs well with infant massage but each has its own set of individual benefits. 

“Water movement is a safe way to help baby discover movement independently before they’re walking around on land,” Hanson added.

Other benefits of water movement include increased muscle strength, confidence and relaxation — all in water temperature to match the womb. 

“Infant massage can really strengthen a relationship between parent and baby, or whoever is giving the massage,” Hanson said. “Benefits include relief from gas or colic, constipation, growing pains and muscular tension. It can promote and improve sleep, appetite, interaction, relaxation and awareness.” 

Through training and building their business, the Hansons learned of numerous business franchises all over Canada, Europe and Australia.

“This is not a new concept to the world, but this is the fourth business of its kind in the United States,” she said. ​

“We’re hoping people in Sioux Falls see the benefits like the rest of the world has and that more states throughout the nation can see the benefits of water movement and infant massage and increase access to services like ours.”

Both Laura and Liz Hanson are certified educators of infant massage, newborn care specialists and are certified in CPR and first aid.

According to their website, the role of the certified educator of infant massage is “to facilitate and enhance the loving relationship between infants and parents. Infant massage is an ideal medium because it naturally encompasses all of the elements of the bonding process, including eye-to-eye contact, warmth, scent, vocalizations, skin to skin and responsiveness”.

“When we think about infant wellness, we talk about the relief from gas and colic, but I always love seeing how parents interact and engage with their babies,” she said. “Infant massage is known to help moms with postpartum depression because it gives another tool for them to experience something new with their baby.”

Your Nurtured Baby offers a variety of class education and packages for families depending on their needs. 

Families can opt for courses focused on infant massage or water movement – or both – which can start as soon as the umbilical cord is healed. 

“When babies come in, we weigh them to select the proper flotation device and slowly introduce them to the water,” Hanson explained. 

“Our floats are made with an anti-flip design and are composed of a hard foam, providing a safe float for babies.”

Depending on the baby’s comfort level, water movement can last anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes.

If families combine their visit with infant massage, they move to a separate space to begin the course. 

Guests also will find a boutique with a variety of products for mom and baby, made with safe, organic, eco-friendly and sustainably sourced materials aligned to their mission. 

Brands include Mushie, Colored Organics, Earthley, Goumi, Ali+Oli, Tru Earth and Eureka Bamboo Socks, plant-based diapers and compostable wipes – among others that aren’t found locally.  

Your Nurtured Baby will celebrate its grand opening Thursday with a ribbon-cutting at 4:30 p.m. 

It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Find information about services and class packages on the business’ website and social media pages.