AbstractInstruction in baby massage and the Burleigh Relaxation Bath technique was given to one‐half of our sample of 32 couples who had just had their first child. This brief intervention, given at 4 weeks post‐partum, led to beneficial behavioural and psychological effects for the family system when assessed at 12 weeks postpartum. Depression and marital satisfaction were assessed with mothers and fathers at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the birth of their child, and self‐esteem was measured at 12 weeks only. The mothers and fathers who were shown baby bathing and massage techniques showed higher degrees of marital satisfaction and self‐esteem, as well as lower levels of depression at 12 weeks post‐partum, than parents who did not receive instruction. It seems likely that brief interventions which educate new parents concerning functional techniques of baby care may favourably affect their feelings of competence and be of benefit to the entire fami