why infant massage?

benefits of infant massage

• Stimulates all the systems of the body
• Improves muscle tone and motor skills, and cognitive skills
• Strengthens and regulates respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems
• Speeds myelination, a process that is important to a healthy nervous system and improves brain development
• Raises infants stimulation threshold – infants who have difficulty handling stimulation, gradually build tolerance

relaxation

• Aids in releasing tension and helps soothe a fussy baby
• Helps baby sleep deeper and longer
• Lowered cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the bloodstream
• Babies learn to regulate the manner in which they respond to and process stressful situations

relief

• Helps to relieve the discomforts of teething, congestion and emotional stress
• Helps relieve gas, colic, and constipation.

interaction

• Improves verbal and non-verbal communication between parent and child
• Enhances positive feelings about their bodies
• Increases baby’s sense of love, acceptance, respect and trust
• Massaged infants become children and adults who are less aggressive and violent, more co-operative and compassionate

benefits of infant massage for parents

• Helps parents and care givers to feel more competent and confident in parenting and promotes bonding
• Helps to ease the stress and frustration of a working parent who must be separated from the child during the day
• Improves knowledge of infant cues
• Improves harmony and relaxation between parent and infant
• Provides intimacy and quality time 
• Lowers blood pressure

contraindications – when infant massage should be avoided

If the infant has any of the following conditions they are currently experiencing, infant massage should be avoided. Always check with your pediatrician if you have any questions about a medical condition.

If the infant is taking medication, massage 2 hours before or after the dose*

helpful tips

• Choose a time when you and your baby are relaxed
• Warm room temperature
• Soft, safe, comfortable area for baby to lay
• Turn off phones and remove distractions
• Have oil warmed and in bowl for easier use
• Take off rings and watches
• Play soft music, or sing/talk to your baby during massage
• Stay focused on baby at all times
• Use light, connecting strokes & don’t apply too much pressure or it will feel overpowering to baby
• Do each stroke 3-5 times before moving to the next stroke
• Encourage baby to move freely
• Strokes toward the heart (wrist to shoulder) are more stimulating
• Strokes away from the heart (shoulder to wrist) are more relating
• Be patient
• Have fun!