BENEFITS OF INFANT MASSAGE

Performing infant massage is proven to have myriad benefits for the baby and parent, from both a physiological and psychological nature .

Increases sense of being loved and accepted, and helps baby learn to trust its parents
Improves body awareness as the infant learns through touch how their body is constructed, and where body parts are in relation to one another
Increases self-esteem. Research shows the assertion that a child’s self-esteem is increased based on a close relationship with its parents
Enhances relaxation

Releases stress, which reduces the estimated 60–90% of illnesses attributed to stress
Stimulates circulation, which improves oxygen and nutrient flow to the cells and enhances removal of toxins from the cells
Strengthens digestion
Strengthens circulatory, and intestinal systems
Strengthens the immune system by stimulating lymph flow and by increasing natural killer cells (white blood cells that kill many types of tumor cells), which can positively impact children suffering from immune disorders or cancer
Deepens respiration, allowing asthmatic children to breath better
Reduces discomfort from colic, gas, constipation, teething, congestion, sinus congestion
Develops and improves muscle tone
Improves sleeping patterns, deepening sleep and sometimes contributing to longer periods of sleep
Speeds myelination (development of the myelin sheath that increases impulse transmissions) of the brain and nervous system, stimulates right/left brain development and coordination
Enhances neurological development by balancing the stimulation of massage with relaxation, which promotes the production of a hormone from the pituitary gland (ACTH), which leads to the growth of neuron connections
Helps to develop coordination by encouraging midline orientation and using opposite limbs in rhythm

Improves relaxation, reduces stress
Promotes parenting skills, by increasing confidence by enhancing their baby’s health and development, and giving them methods to relax the baby if it becomes stressed
Provides quality bonding time for both parent and child
Increases “communication” between baby and parent and allows parent to better read babies’ cries and vocalizations
Makes for a calmer, happier baby, which makes for a calmer, happier family
Increases parent’s awareness of their baby’s physical condition, so they are more in tune to any abnormal lumps or conditions they might not have felt otherwise