Infant massage facilitates the development of deep bonds between parents and their babies. Infant Massage USA states that while infant massage is new to many Western societies, it is a traditional practice in older cultures. Massage for infants is easy to learn and its benefits are evident for both infants and their parents.
Benefits to Infants
Infant massage has a variety of benefits for babies. It promotes relaxation and lowers their stress levels. When babies are more relaxed, they also sleep better. Babies with bowel or intestinal issues such as colic, constipation or gas are often relieved of these symptoms when massaged regularly. Additionally, circulation is improved and muscle tone is balanced. Physical touch raises sensory awareness and increases the stimulation of the brain. The close bonds developed through massage allow parents to be more in tune with their babies and more responsive to their needs.
Benefits to Parents
Parents who engage in massage with their babies also lower their own stress levels and feel more relaxed. Furthermore, their confidence and comfort level in caring for their baby increases. Infant massage provides parents with tools to support their baby as well as to develop and improve their own nurturing skills.
Classes
Parents can learn infant massage through classes in their communities. Many yoga studios, parenting centers and medical facilities offer infant massage classes. Parents bring their babies with them and learn massage skills by practicing on their babies in class. Instructors guide parents through appropriate techniques on each area of the body. They also offer specific support for issues such as constipation or colic. Many books are available on infant massage for parents who are unable to attend a class in person.
What You Need
As babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults, it is important to have a warm space in which to do the massage. Having a consistent time of day that the massage takes place is also beneficial. Using oil facilitates more effective massages. Grapeseed and olive oil are appropriate to use on babies' sensitive skin.
Baby Massage Basics
Your baby should be awake and calm when you give a massage. Massage is not appropriate for babies who are very tired or have just eaten. Sit on the floor with your baby resting on a towel or blanket between your legs. Talk with your baby in a gentle voice about what you are doing and begin the massage with long gentle strokes from head to toe. Then massage your baby's limbs, hands and feet using gentle pressure. Various strokes used in infant massage are rubbing in circles, long strokes down the limbs, and gently tip-toeing of your fingers around the baby's body.
Research
The Touch Research Institute has demonstrated that infant massage has significant health benefits through a variety of research trials. Some noteworthy examples of these benefits are decreased levels of cortisol, increased weight gain, improvement in muscle tone and motor skills, increased flexibility, and improved social functioning. The institute's research also indicates that parents exhibit improved interactions with their children after massaging their babies on a regular basis.
