The Benefits of Infant Massage

If you are a new mom, or expecting a baby you have probably heard something about infant massage. There are great benefits that come from doing infant massage for both baby and parent. Below are listed some of the benefits mentioned in our March newsletter.


 

Benefits for child:

• Increases oxygen and nutrient flow to cells
• Improves muscle tone and reduces muscle stiffness
• Improves sensory awareness
• Relieves discomfort from teething, congestion, gas, colic, and emotional distress
• Encourages bonding with a loving caregiver
• Increases a baby's sense of well-being
• Improves blood circulation
• Promotes better sleep
• Boosts immune system
• Improves skin condition
• Helps waste elimination
• Helps digestion
• Facilitates body awareness
• Helps baby feel loved and secure
• Promotes brain growth
• Stimulates growth-promoting hormones
• Helps relieve tension built up from all the stimulation baby experiences

Benefits for Parents:

• Feeling more confident and comfortable in their ability to care for their baby
• Learning techniques to comfort, calm, and soothe their infant
• Learning to understand and respond to baby's cues
• Feeling closer to their infant
• Relaxation

Check out this website, babybabyohbaby.com, to learn more about how to do infant massage. There is a video clip that explains how to do some of the strokes. 

*Picture taken from http://www.raising-twins.com/infant-massage.html