Role-modelling - Using a Realistic Demonstration Doll

The demonstration doll is potentially a useful and influential tool when teaching infant massage; and can help the parents’ feel that what they experience and learn during a class is positive and memorable.  As the demonstration doll is the Infant Massage Teacher’s ‘baby’, it is important that the doll is handled and treated realistically at all times during each teaching session.

The use of a realistic doll allows the Infant Massage Teacher to engage successfully with parents when:

• Demonstrating how to implement the strokes correctly
• Demonstrating safe practice
• Encouraging parents to observe and respond to their baby’s cues in a non-judgemental manner

To enhance teaching and to role-model effectively, it is important to:

• Use your doll to support your teaching at all times
• Give your doll a realistic name
• Handle your doll as you would a baby – during the whole of the teaching session
• Endeavour to keep your doll clean (plastic parts can normally be cleaned with baby wipes, or a little soap and water; soft bodied parts need to be protected to prevent soiling)
• Dress your doll in seasonal baby clothes
• Wash the clothes regularly, so that they do not appear soiled and unkempt
• Dress and undress you doll as you would a baby (keeping pace with the parents in your class, so that they do not feel rushed; and re-dress the doll at the end of the massage)
• Always use your doll to highlight important points