Does Your Baby Need a Massage?
If you feel like massage is a luxury, then you may be surprised to hear it is very important for all babies to have regular massage. Massage helps with gas and colic, improves sleep patterns, reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, and improves both neurological and physiological processes - not to mention the bonding that occurs during each session.
Let’s start with those that benefit the most—preemies. While the massage technique does vary a bit due to their fragile state (please seek trained educators to help you), studies have shown that preterm infants that are massaged regularly gain almost 50% more weight and are discharged about six days earlier.i Also, tactile stimulation promotes more complex brain development, which we know is essential for any baby.
Massage improves sleep patterns in healthy newborns, as well. It also boosts the immune system, increases oxygen and nutrient flow to cells, aids digestion, and improves sensory awareness. Additionally, babies that are massaged regularly are shown to have a more positive interaction with their caregivers and develop a better sense of self. Furthermore, they develop knowledge of good touch that continues throughout their years and helps them define boundaries. All of these amazing benefits can be had in a short 10-15 minute routine.
Two of the most common complaints new parents have (besides their own fatigue) are if their infant has colic or gas, sometimes both. Massage helps with colic through pain management and the release of tension. Gas can be helped through specific tummy techniques that facilitate proper intestinal movement.
Let’s not forget about you. As the massage giver, you will also experience many gifts and benefits. It helps with your confidence in parenting, soothes your own stress level, and enhances communication with your child. One study found that fathers who did massage had a greater day-to-day involvement with their babies and also tended to have a better self-esteem because of their interactions.ii
Now if you haven’t already noticed most of us are naturally inclined to massage babies. Who does not pick up a precious little one and automatically start rubbing their back? The benefit of actually learning a massage routine helps with proper techniques, some of the nuances in timing, and also promotes individual focused time developing the parent-infant relationship.
A typical infant massage class is usually given as a series, so as not to over stimulate the infant or overwhelm the parent. It can be taken as early as two weeks and, while it is never too late to learn massage, once your child becomes mobile it becomes much more difficult to be taught in a group setting (it can be done though, so don’t let it deter you if you are a little late to the party).
The great thing about learning massage for your child (besides all of the above) is that as they grow, your massage can too. It can become a soccer massage or a massage for the ballerina. It can be one of the most precious rituals in you and your child’s life. You may be surprised by what you learn about them and about yourself.
iField TM, et al. Tactile/kinesthetic stimulation effects on preterm neonates. Pediatrics. 1986;77:654-658.
iiScholz K, Samuels C. Neonatal bathing and massage intervention with fathers, behavioral effects 12 weeks after birth of the first baby: The Sunraysia Australia Intervention Project. Int'l. J. of Behavior Development. 1992;1~5:67-81.
