TWO local mothers from Midsomer Norton and Temple Cloud have introduced infant hydrotherapy to the South West through a new Bristol-based spa.

Louise Rickman and Jennifer Alexander have launched one of the UK’s first baby spas, with only one other known to operate in Cheshire. Baby spas are well established in other countries, where they are reported to provide benefits for both parents and infants.

The spa uses specially designed hydrotherapy tubs for infants, allowing babies to float and relax in warm, supportive water, while giving parents an opportunity to rest and spend time bonding with their child.

Infant hydrotherapy is reported to support muscle development, ease tension, and may help with issues such as reflux, colic, or torticollis. It is also said to promote better sleep patterns, providing potential benefits for both babies and their parents.

Jenny and Louise were made redundant in 2024, with Jenny leaving her role while on maternity leave and Louise while 28 weeks pregnant. They decided to turn the situation into a positive and established Leteau, based in Bristol, registering the business when Louise’s baby was six months old.

The pair were introduced to infant hydrotherapy while in the Netherlands and noted that the service was not widely available in the UK.

Infant hydrotherapy is reported to offer a range of benefits for both babies and parents, including strengthening muscles, supporting abdominal and leg development, easing muscle tension such as torticollis, and potentially improving sleep patterns.

Both founders are mothers of three young children and draw on their own experiences in developing the business. Leteau is based in Bower Ashton and offers parents the opportunity to observe and participate in sessions while spending time bonding with their infants.

For more information, visit www.leteau.com