Baby Massage
Baby foot being massaged
Touch is one of the most essential elements to a baby’s healthy physical and psychological development, and it’s one of the best ways to nurture the bond between parent and child. By combining touch, intimacy, play and care-giving, baby massage provides not only tremendous physical and psychological benefits for a baby, but it builds the foundation for a relationship of trust and love. What’s more, massage doesn’t have to end when babies become toddlers. It can be used as a tool for nurturing and maintaining a child’s health and well-being for many years.
In a study conducted by Dr. Tiffany Field at the University of Miami’s Touch Research Institute, premature babies who were massaged for 15 minutes, three times a day for two weeks, gained 47% more weight and were discharged six days earlier from the hospital, than babies who were not massaged, saving the hospital $10,000 per infant. The babies who were massaged appeared more alert and active, and they showed more mature neurological development than babies who were not massaged. Full-term infants also benefit with increased alertness and social behavior, less crying and increased weight gain.
Benefits of Baby Massage
Infant parent attachment or “bonding”- Relaxation for baby & parent
- Makes baby feel loved
- Promotes better sleep
- Facilitates body awareness
- Boosts immune system
- Sensory stimulation
- Improves skin condition
- Improves blood circulation
- Helps digestion
- Balances respiration
- Relief for teething pains
- Helps waste elimination
- Helps you learn about your baby (Their needs and desires)
- Helps build parents’ and baby’s self-esteem
- Pleasurable experience
- Stimulates production of the hormone Oxytocin (Oxytocin is a hormone which can be produced by both male and female persons during massage. It is useful as a pain reliever and has a calming effect on the person.)
Baby Massage Products
Baby Massage Shirt™
Hands on Baby Massage
Learn Baby Massage in Spanish!
Massage for Infants DVD