The aim of this functional and development-oriented thesis was to plan and men-tor three music group sessions as a part of parish family work. The purpose was to support the mother's health and early interaction with her baby and to gain information to develop a model for the baby club sessions.

In this thesis was discussed how to strengthen early interaction between a mother and her infant by using music in group activity. This study includes the planning, processing and assessment phase of the study. The theoretical framework con-sisted of early interaction between a mother and the baby, infant’s growth and development and the perspective of music in health promotion. The functional part of the thesis presented music sessions where music was combined with singing, playing an instrument, relaxing, massaging and dancing. Three music group sessions were implemented in the autumn of 2017. Feedback was collected after the sessions.

As a result of the study, the feedback from the sessions was positive. The music sessions were implemented according to the planning and succeeded well. The created model, the procedure for music group sessions is a usable tool for church and other similar institutions. It is necessary to consider if more support is needed to mothers and babies.