MANCHESTER, Vt. — Caregivers seeking deeper nonverbal bonds with their youngest household members now have a new local resource, courtesy of the Manchester Community Library.
A Free Five-Week Series for Caregiving Circles
The library is hosting a five-week parent-and-baby connection program led by Lori Pandolfo. Pandolfo serves as an Occupational Therapy Assistant and is a Certified Infant Massage Instructor.
The free series welcomes parents, grandparents, and other family members alongside infants ranging from birth to the pre-crawling stage. Organizers encourage entire caregiving circles to attend together so everyone involved in a child’s daily routine feels supported.
Practical Tools and Registration Rules
Class details provided by the library show the curriculum is designed to teach nurturing touch techniques. These methods help foster a calm, happy environment while giving participants practical tools and a local support network.
Because class size is limited, registration in advance is required. By registering, you are committing to all five weeks of the class.
Step-by-Step Physical Routines Across Five Weeks
The program follows a structured, multi-week progression designed to introduce physical routines gradually.
Week one focuses on the fundamentals of nurturing touch, learning to read infant cues, and reviewing a full-body massage overview demonstrated on an instructional doll. The opening session aims to help caregivers build trust and confidence in soothing their babies.
Week two shifts focus to tummy massage for comfort, chest and heart-opening movements, and arm and hand strokes designed to ease gas, reduce tummy discomfort, and encourage sleep. Week three introduces leg and foot strokes, gentle range-of-motion stretching, and rhythmic movement intended to support digestion and promote body awareness.
The fourth week covers back massage, lower back and bottom comfort, soothing holds, and strategies for handling fussiness. In the final week, participants review the complete full-body massage flow to establish a home routine.
Families Receive Take-Home Guides During Closing Community Celebration
This closing session also includes self-care guidance for parents, a question-and-answer period, and a community celebration marking the completion of the program.
Each family receives a take-home guide, designated practice time during sessions, and ongoing resources.
The library emphasizes that space remains restricted, and registration requires a full five-week commitment.
