Benefits of Infant Massage

Sarah didn’t need a watch to know what time it was. Every evening at six-thirty, baby Ethan switched gears from a happy, calm baby to a fussy baby who struggled to settle down. “Dinner time at our house could be pretty chaotic, trying to prepare food and get two toddlers to wash their hands and sit down to eat. Bob was usually getting home from work and everyone might be talking at once. I think the tension and noise just got to be too much for him.” Sarah read an article about the benefits of infant massage and decided to try it. She found that massage was a great way to relax with Ethan, and that it had benefits for her and Bob, as well.


Relaxation

Bob was very familiar with the relaxation benefits of massage. After a tough presentation at work or a strenuous game of tennis, he often scheduled a massage to unwind and relax. Though a baby doesn’t have to meet with clients, he can still become stressed due to noise and stimulation. Living with two big sisters, Ethan’s typical day includes loud noises and lots of sister attention that can push him into overload.

“Scheduling time to massage Ethan makes us aware of providing him with stress-relief,” says Sarah. “One of us takes him into the nursery, undresses him and turns down the lights. A change of venue and change of pace is a benefit both to us and him, reminding us to unwind, which allows him to unwind.”

Ethan enjoys a massage as a transition from dinnertime to bedtime. The quiet atmosphere and gentle touch relax him, and he sleeps longer and more soundly.


Pain Relief

Remember the last time you overdid it at the gym? Babies work out their muscles every day as they learn to roll over, sit and walk and they can become tense and sore just like adults. A gentle massage is blissful for tense, sore muscles.
Colic and gas pain can also be relieved by relaxing stomach muscles, and massage has been shown to enhance digestion. Babies who are teething can also experience relief.


Bonding and Interaction

Massage is a great way for any family member or caregiver to bond with baby. “Bob and I alternate nights massaging Ethan while the other cleans up after dinner and spends time with the girls. It gives us each some one-on-one time with the baby,” says Sarah.

Often dads don’t get as much time with their babies as moms, and can feel left out. Participating in massage gives them an opportunity to spend special time and bond with their baby. Siblings can also be taught basic massage techniques. Bonding between siblings is important and both baby and sibling benefit from special time together during massage.


Stimulation and Growth

Studies have shown that babies who are massaged grow better. Massage stimulates growth-promoting hormones and can actually help baby gain weight. In a recent study, premature babies who received massage gained 47% more weight than those who didn’t.

Massage might even make your baby smarter! Researchers believe that massage increases development of myelin (the insulation surrounding nerves).

Some babies have poor circulation that can be benefited by massage. If your baby’s hands or feet seem cold, massage will promote circulation and blood flow. Digestion is also enhanced and can ease constipation.

For Sarah and Bob, infant massage has made a huge difference. “Evenings are much more enjoyable with a calm, happy baby,” notes Sarah. The family enjoys the bonding time during massage, and Ethan is much happier.