Why You Need to Give Massage to Your Infant

The latest craze among parents today is the idea of baby massage. With the new responsibilities of being the parent of an infant, this practice is sometimes overlooked. It had been a must for several hospitals and birthing centers beginning to distribute information regarding the importance of infant massage. Most parents do not understand how much this simple touch can contribute to the well being of your baby as well as themselves. What the most benefits of infant massage? Infant massage has many benefits for your baby's sleep cycle. Infant massage helps teach your baby the way to relax. As with all things, babies have to learn the art of relaxation. Babies who are massaged often tend to sleep better and more restfully than babies who are not massaged. Babies who are not routinely massaged often have a weaker immune system than babies who receive regular massages. But this is not the only benefit associated with this practice. Massaged babies can also relieve intestinal and bowel discomfort. In contrast to babies who do not receive regular massages, they are also generally more perceptive to the world around them. There are also psychological benefits to infant massage. Massage creates a bond between the parent and the baby that cannot be easily duplicated. Babies crave the touch of their parents, and the soothing movements of infant massage meet that psychological need. Psychologically, massaging a baby helps parents feel more confident in their skill with handling a baby. It also teaches the parents what their baby needs and what their different cues mean. Since massage helps sooth colicky, gassy babies, parents are more centered because they have something they can do to calm their otherwise inconsolable baby. How to massage your infant? Massaging a baby does not have to be complicated. Begin learning how to massage when your baby is already calm and relatively still. It is best to work on massage when baby is not hungry. Go to a warm room, and remove as much clothing as possible. Skin to skin contact is especially important to infants. Put a little baby lotion or oil on your hands, and rub them together to warm up the liquid. Stroke your baby from the center of the body towards the extremities. Remember to spend time on those adorable little feet! The first massage should only last a few minutes, perhaps five or less, but as you and your baby become more comfortable, start increasing the time of massage for as long as your baby enjoys the massage. The best thing to do is to get on a schedule for massaging your infant. In order to help the infant sleep better, massage it just before laying it down for the night. This will provide a better stimulus for relaxation throughout the night. Massaging your infant with soothing hands will create a bond of trust from the infant to the parent. Not only will this create a strong attachment between you and your newborn, but it will soon be an activity that you will look forward to doing.