There are so many benefits to baby massage that is has been a tool used by humans to soothe and aid our young for centuries. Baby massage is one way to promote healthy development in infants and recent research shows that it offers many benefits beyond bonding with your little one. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the benefits of baby massage.
Benefits for baby:
Better sleep
Massage can help promote better sleep for both babies and parents. Research has shown that infants who receive massage before bedtime have a more extended period of deep sleep and better overall sleep quality.
Aids digestion
Massage can help promote better digestion in babies, particularly those with colic or other digestive issues. Gentle massage of the abdomen can help relieve gas and constipation, leading to less discomfort and easier passing of stool.
Relaxation
Massage can help reduce stress in both parents and babies. For infants, massage has been shown to reduce crying, fussiness, and colic. Massage also helps babies regulate their breathing and heart rate by reducing adrenalin and cortisol (stress hormones).
Boosts Immune system
Massage can help boost the immune system in babies. Studies have shown that infants who receive regular massage have higher levels of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infection and illness.
Other benefits
Baby massage stimulates brain development and increases sensory awareness. It can also help assist muscle tone and support high-need babies, those born prematurely or those with medical conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down's syndrome who often have specific issues with muscle tone.
Benefits for parents:
Helps with bonding with baby.
Massage is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their babies. It helps create a deeper connection and attachment between parent and child, which is essential for the baby's emotional development.
Increases parents confidence holding and stroking baby and responding to their needs.
As parents massage their baby, they learn to read their baby's cues and respond to their needs, building trust and intimacy.
Helps support those with postnatal depression and/or anxiety
For parents, massage can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol and promote relaxation, leading to improved mood and a sense of calm. It gives you a great oxytocin boost (the love hormone).
Other Benefits
Baby massage gives parents lifelong tools to help reduce pain and improve sleep which empowers them in their caregiving abilities. It also gives a positive and relaxing interaction with baby and is a nice activity to meet other parents and their children. It can also be done in combination with a postnatal massage by an experienced therapist, so that you both get to enjoy a relaxing experience together.
Baby massage is an ancient practice that offers numerous benefits for both parents and babies. It promotes bonding, reduces stress, promotes better sleep, improves digestion, and boosts the immune system. By incorporating massage into your baby's daily routine, you can help promote their healthy development and provide them with the care they need to thrive. Please get in touch for further information on how Melyn Chiropractic can give you the tools to massage your baby with confidence and care. For more information on postnatal massage, baby massage or breastfeeding/chestfeeding or infant feeding support.
References:
Barnes, C. and Adamson-Macedo, E.N. (2022). Understanding the impact of newborn touch upon mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates 32(2) pp. 294-301. Journal of Human Growth and Development. [Online] Available at: View of Understanding the impact of newborn touch upon mothers of hospitalized preterm neonates. (unesp.br) (Accessed 04.05.2023).
Mrljack, R., Danielsson, A.A., Hedov, G., Garmy, P. (2022). Effects of Infant Massage: A Systematic Review 19(11) 6378. Internation Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [Online] Available at: Effects of Infant Massage: A Systematic Review - PMC (nih.gov) (Accessed 02.05.23).
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