What is Massage+ 30, 10, 5, and how does it help baby?

What is Massage+ 30, 10, 5?

Massage+ 30, 10, 5 is a simple, quick, and powerful intervention using massage to help improve the health and development of premature and full-term infants. This is a massage of baby’s head, arms, legs, belly, and back, and also incorporates communication and movement.

Massage+ 30, 10, 5, also referred to as ATVV (for Audio, Tactile, Visual, Vestibular), was developed by Rosemary White-Traut, PhD, RN, FAAN. This medical expert-backed method showed proven benefits for premature and full-term infants.

What does Massage+ 30, 10, 5 help with?

There are many benefits to this baby massage intervention. Some of the benefits include improvements in:

What ages is Massage+ 30, 10, 5 for?

This intervention was originally developed for premature infants but after 40 years of research was found to have great benefits for full-term newborns and infants. Massage+ 30, 10, 5 is recommended for use on babies, from birth to up to 1 year old.

Want to learn more about this baby massage?

Take our on-demand course, made for parents, to learn more about how to do the massage, cues you’re getting from baby, and more.

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Pathways' information fills in the gaps in education for my NICU graduates as they transition home. I can't possibly provide them with the detailed education offered on your site and I love that we have such a great resources to provide for our families.
-Danika, Pediatric Physical Therapist

Why is it called Massage+ 30, 10, 5, and how is it different?

Why is it called Massage+ 30, 10, 5?

The numbers 30, 10, 5 refer to the length of time involved in the massage. They stand for:

  • Talk to baby for 30 seconds
  • Massage baby’s head, arms, legs, belly, and back for 10 minutes
  • Rock baby for 5 minutes

How is Massage+ 30, 10, 5 different from other baby massages?

Massage+ 30, 10, 5 is:

  • A simple 15-minute intervention
  • Originally designed to help premature babies, but proven to have benefits for all babies — from newborns (including preemies) to 12 months
  • Based on more than 40 years of research funded by the National Institutes of Health
  • Research conducted by Rosemary White-Traut, PhD, RN, FAAN, a member of the Pathways.org Medical Roundtable
  • Also known by medical professionals as ATVV (Audio, Tactile, Visual, Vestibular)
  • Helpful at home and in the NICU

By doing Massage+ 30, 10, 5, you are getting to know your baby better.

Watch the full intervention here.

How does Massage+ 30, 10, 5 help premature infants?

Massage+ 30, 10, 5 was originally designed to help premature babies, but has now been proven to have benefits for all babies. Here are some of the benefits specifically for babies born prematurely.

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Is there research behind Massage+ 30, 10, 5?

Yes! This intervention was developed after 40+ years of research by Rosemary White-Traut, PhD, RN, FAAN and is also known by healthcare professionals as Audio, Tactile, Visual, Vestibular (ATVV) intervention. Places like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have granted millions of dollars in research funding over the years. ​

How do you do Massage+ 30, 10, 5?

How to Apply Massage+ 30, 10, 5

Follow these steps to apply Massage+ 30, 10, 5 to your baby. The same steps apply for premature and full- term infants.

Some best practices to remember:

  • Allow enough time so you are not rushed
  • Best to do in a dimly lit, quiet room
  • Do the massage at the same time each day
  • Give baby 100% of your attention

Step 1: Talking

This step should last 30 seconds. However, even when you move on to the other steps, continue to talk and look at baby during all parts of Massage+ 30, 10, 5.

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Steps 2-6: Massage

These steps should last 10 minutes. Repeat the steps baby liked until you complete a full 10 minutes.
Please note: If baby shows signs of disengagement during the massage, return to massaging areas baby prefers

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Step 7: Rocking

This step should last 5 minutes.

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If baby shows signs of disengagement during the massage, return to massaging areas baby prefers.

What are disengagement cues?

If baby shows signs of disengagement during the massage, return to massaging areas baby prefers.

Some possible disengagement cues include:

  • Crying
  • Whining
  • Fussing
  • Spitting up
  • Hiccups
  • Placing hand out to stop
  • Frowning
  • Refusing eye contact
  • Struggling movements
  • Sticking out tongue
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See the how-to sheet for a step-by-step walk-through of Massage+ 30, 10, 5.

Download the free how-to guide

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Read more about Massage+ 30, 10, 5 and its benefits.

Download the free brochure