I know there are tons of benefits of getting a massage but I never considered giving my baby one until my friend recommended it to us. Today I had an Infant Massage Specialist come over to my place. There are several physical and mental health benefits from doing infant message. A gentle massage given to your baby benefits not only your baby but you too! The most important benefit is that just by doing it you and your baby have an
extra bonding activity. You both are interacting with each other in a new special way. Touching your baby skin to skin has the same effects as a hug. When you give a hug, you feel just as good as the person receiving the hug. It's a reciprocal action, felt by both sides. Plus, it feels good for your baby!
Some health benefits include, but are not limited to helping babies with
- Colic
- Fussiness
- Gas Expulsion
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Colds [clearing sinuses]
- Tension
- Flexibility
- Stretching
- Relaxation
- Body Awareness
- Toning Digestive Tract
It is very important to ask permission to your baby before giving a massage. For example, before massaging each body part say, "
Can mommy massage your legs Miss A?" [Obviously stating your baby's name.] Even though she is not going to respond at three months old with "
YES!!", you will begin to teach your baby respect and healthy touch. It will also let your baby know something is about to happen.
The best time to give your baby a massage is when they are in a quiet alert stage of wakefulness. The specialist that came over suggested making massage a part of your baby's bedtime routine. We tried it tonight and Miss A really enjoyed having her belly and legs massaged. As for her face... she wanted nothing of it! We are going to try and incorporate this into her bedtime routine so she will get used to knowing when bedtime is coming. This will help relax her, hopefully making her fall asleep easier. [
and more peaceful!]
The lady that came over offered free instructions to baby infant massage. She will come back in a month and answer any questions that come up. It was a fun activity to do and I recommend everyone to give it a chance! Call up your hospital and ask for infant massage specialists in your area. You may find some free resources as I did :)
