Optimizing Children's Fitness with Baby Massage Training and Baby Gym

Abstract

Child fitness and development are important aspects in creating a healthy and high-quality generation. One effort to improve infant health and fitness is through early stimulation programs such as infant massage and baby gym exercises. However, many parents still lack adequate knowledge and skills to perform these activities correctly and safely. This community service program aims to improve mothers' knowledge and skills in performing infant massage and baby gym as an effort to optimize child fitness. The methods included health education, demonstrations, hands-on practice, and mentoring sessions. The program was conducted among mothers with infants aged 0– 36 months. Evaluation was carried out using pre-test and post-test assessments as well as observation of participants' practical skills. The results showed an increase in participants' knowledge regarding the benefits and techniques of infant massage and baby gym. Participants were also able to independently perform infant massage procedures and baby gym movements with good competency levels. High enthusiasm was observed throughout the training sessions, and participants expressed willingness to apply the practices regularly at home. Infant massage and baby gym training effectively improves parental knowledge and skills in providing early stimulation, thus supporting the optimization of children's fitness, growth, and development.