People communicate with much more than just words. Touch conveys powerful messages, especially between mother and child, according to the International Association of Infant Massage. Aside from conveying these messages of love and nurturing, there's scientific evidence that infant massage can help your baby with certain medical conditions such as sleeplessness and colic. Dads can use infant massage as a powerful way to bond with their babies as well.
Bonding
Infant massage plays a powerful role in baby-parent bonding. As you touch your baby during the massage, it causes an increase in oxytocin in both mother and baby. Oxytocin is the love and nurturing hormone, according to the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). Dads and moms can use infant massage as a way to establish their own infant bonding routines.
Colic
Infant massage is an effective treatment for colic, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Aside from strengthening the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract, it soothes the baby and helps ease pain. The Foundation for Healthy Family Living points out that massage also eases the emotional and psychological discomforts that come with colic.
Sleep
Massage can be a part of your baby's healthy sleep cycle. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developing a relaxing bedtime routine to help your baby get consistent sleep and fall asleep easier. Massage before bed is an ideal addition to this routine because it reduces blood pressure, relaxes muscle tissue and releases accumulated stress. As babies bond and relax through massage, they feel nurtured, safe and secure, which contributes to healthy sleep.
Development
Infant massage can help stimulate your baby's development, according to the Foundation for Healthy Family Living. Massage improves circulation and muscle tone, which helps improve muscle movement and body awareness. Massage also strengthens the digestive system, which can help with growth and weight gain. Babies who receive infant massage also develop increased hormone production, which aids in growth.
References
- A Foundation for Healthy Family Living: Touch Communication, The Power of Infant Massage
- University of Michigan Health System: Colic
- American Academy of Pediatric's Healthy Children: Getting Your Baby to Sleep
- International Association of Infant Massage: Benefits of Infant Massage
- Kid's Health: Bonding With Your Baby
