quick clicks

moms today articles

moms today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

A Loving Touch

Top 20 Benefits of Infant Massage

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

The benefits of massage are so profound that parents of premature infants are now being encouraged to massage their babies to help them grow and thrive. Massage helps these tiny babies to deal with the stress of being in the hospital for an extended period of time.

Infant massage offers a wide range of benefits. Massaging your baby or child gives him the message that his body is "OK." This helps him to feel comfortable within his body as he grows. In addition, greater body awareness is gained through touch. Massage strokes will cause your baby to notice different areas of his body and whether or not he is enjoying the way in which they are being handled. When your child is used to being massaged, he can also ask for touch when he feels that he needs it. Massage becomes a way to relate to your baby and remains an outlet for love and communication as your child grows older.

Here are even more benefits and tips on making the most of massage:

• Gentle, loving touch improves your bond with your baby through positive communication and nurturing contact. By soothing tummy aches, releasing tension and stimulating the baby's skin you will be increasing her neurological development.
• Talking or singing t your baby while massaging her will help her to learn about language. Music can be played instead of singing, or it may be enjoyable to do a little of both. Choose music that your baby will find soothing or fun.


Pages:  1  2  3  



Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Infant Massage: The Therapy of a Loving Touch
• Loving Touch Times Two: Massage for Multiples
• Music in the Womb: Bonding with Baby Before Birth
• Talk about it!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.