For Professionals

Professionals who work with infants recognize that early sensory input, motor development, and primitive reflex integration form the foundation of long-term neurological organization.

Best Beginnings is an evidence-informed infant massage and movement program built on a clear developmental progression.

While parents often enter through infant massage for bonding and soothing, the program intentionally builds upon a developmental sequence:

Touch supports movement organization.

Organized movement supports primitive reflex integration.

Best Beginnings layers touch and movement experiences in a deliberate progression that feels natural and enjoyable for families, reinforcing integrated neurological development.

This progression allows these principles to extend beyond the clinic through enjoyable, developmentally appropriate activities parents can confidently implement at home.

The Developmental Progression Model of the Five Pillars of Healthy Brain Development

Illustration of the Five Pillars of Healthy Brain Development—Touch, Movement, Primitive Reflexes, Rhythm and Sound, and Sensory Play—showing how each pillar supports Baby’s growth, learning, and emotional connection

Best Beginnings is built on five interconnected pillars that reflect key domains of early neurological maturation.

Each pillar builds upon the one before it, creating a deliberate developmental sequence:

  • Touch establishes sensory stability.

  • Movement organizes the sensory-motor system.

  • Primitive Reflex Integration emerges within that organized foundation.

  • Rhythm and Sound reinforce regulation.

  • Sensory Play supports higher-level adaptive responses.

The result is a program that supports neurological development while remaining accessible, engaging, and realistic for families to follow through with.

Touch – Foundational Tactile Input

Intentional infant massage provides structured tactile stimulation that supports autonomic regulation, early sensory processing, bonding, and digestive function.
Tactile stability creates the groundwork for organized movement.

Movement – Sensory-Motor Organization

As tactile processing stabilizes, movement experiences are layered in to stimulate proprioceptive and vestibular systems. Floor-based mobility, tummy time progression, and intentional movement patterns support postural control, coordination, and cortical organization.
Organized movement supports reflex integration.

Primitive Reflex Integration – Functional Maturation

Primitive reflexes are addressed within this sensory-motor context. Rather than approaching reflexes separately, the program reinforces integration through developmentally sequenced tactile and movement input.

This progression supports posture, balance, motor planning, attention, and behavioral regulation.

Rhythm and Sound – Regulatory Reinforcement

Patterned sensory input further supports nervous system regulation, auditory processing, and early communication pathways.

Sensory Play – Adaptive Integration

Structured and unstructured sensory experiences promote cortical development, body awareness, and adaptive responses as higher-level systems mature.

How Professionals Use Best Beginnings

health professional sharing the Best Beginnings Infant Massage and Movement Program with a new mom, demonstrating how parents can support Baby’s bonding and brain development through touch and play

  • Recommend as a structured home program that families are more likely to engage with consistently

  • Reinforce sensory-motor development between visits

  • Support primitive reflex integration within a broader developmental framework

  • Strengthen continuity of care

  • Encourage consistent, developmentally appropriate at-home engagement

The program is designed to complement clinical assessment and treatment, not replace it.

Because developmental input is embedded within natural touch and playful movements, families often demonstrate stronger follow-through and greater engagement.

Why Early Integration Matters

Higher cortical functions develop upon organized sensory and motor foundations. When tactile processing, movement organization, and reflex integration are addressed intentionally and early, children are better supported in developing coordination, attention, emotional regulation, and learning readiness.

Parent education within this framework strengthens developmental trajectories and reinforces clinical care.

Professional Resources for Your Clinical Practice

Best Beginnings is available for professionals who wish to recommend a structured infant massage and movement program as a complement to clinical care.

Clinics may:


Educational updates and resources are shared regularly through Best Beginnings professional channels:

Instagram: @bestbeginningsinfantmassage
Facebook: Best Beginnings

About Dr. Melanie Beingessner

Dr. Melanie Beingessner is a pregnancy and pediatric chiropractor with over 25 years of clinical experience, having cared for more than 1,000 infants at Blessingways Family Wellness in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.

Best Beginnings was developed through decades of clinical observation and patient education in pediatric chiropractic practice.