Long before babies are able to speak, they communicate with the world around them through touch. The power of touch to soothe and heal is instinctive. If a baby cries, for example, we often cuddle them or stroke their back. Massaging your baby is an extension of this natural impulse.
You can start baby massage from birth though if your baby was premature, you may be advised to wait until they reach their due date. It’s usually better to wait until your baby is about six weeks old before going to a group session for baby massage, as very young babies can find the environment a little too busy and overwhelming.
Infant massage is a way for you to gently nurture and spend time with your baby. In fact, studies have shown that massaging an infant can reduce crying and fussiness, help her sleep more peacefully, and alleviate common wail-inducers like constipation and colic.
In addition to helping you and your baby bond, regular massage may:
- Soothe baby and reduce crying
- Aid digestion and help relieve colic, gas, and constipation
- Help calm and relax both parent and baby
- Boost parents’ confidence in handling baby
- Help baby sleep more deeply and longer
- Help develop good muscle tone, coordination, and suppleness
- Relieve nasal congestion and teething discomfort
- Boost the immune system
- Enhance body awareness
- Improve skin texture
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