The Benefits of Baby Massage

Within parts of India, Africa, the West Indies and Pakistan, baby massage is considered routine. Grandmothers usually begin the ritual which is carried on by the mother. The practice of massage continues throughout the baby's life, from adolescent to adulthood. The act of massage strengthens the bond between parent and child.

One of the first senses developed within the womb is that of touch. However, leaving the comforting environment of the mother's womb and making an entrance into the world can be a traumatic experience; the Osteopathic Center for Children claim that nine out of ten children suffer some form of trauma during the birth.

Premature babies in particular require touch to establish a bond between parent and child. Babies who birth quickly or by Cesarean section may be in shock and benefit from touch; the emotional development of a child is heightened by massage. It is suggested that babies who receive massage have fewer health problems and both sleep and feed better than those babies who do not receive massage.

The Benefits of Baby Massage

• Bonding – massage helps build a bond between parent and child.
• Security – massage helps secure a relationship between parent and child.
• Emotional – a baby who receives massage leads to a more confident, well-balanced and confident adult in later life who will be less inclined to experience emotional and psychological difficulties.
• Skin – as with any massage, the texture and condition of the skin improves, leaving baby with a healthy looking skin; it also improves blood circulation and helps remove waste products from the body's systems.
• Digestive - a massaged baby will suffer from less colic, constipation and diarrhea and will feed better.
• Respiratory – baby massage will lessen coughs, colds and infections of the ear and nasal passages.
• Nervous System – irritability and tantrums are reduced with massage; a calm baby will lead to a calm parent!
• Immune System – massaged babies have stronger immune systems resisting infections and other health problems.
• Joints and Muscles – baby massage leads to more flexible joints and muscles and greater co-ordination of muscular movement.

Aromatherapy Massage for Baby

The introduction of aromatherapy into baby massage enhances the massage experience. Choosing gentle essential oils such as rose, lavender and chamomile helps calm baby; however using a lotion is preferable to using an oil as a carrier for the essential oils. The reason for this is that a baby's skin is not structured enough to absorb the oil until about two years old; oils can also be slippery.

Essential oils can be used safely in baby massage although lesser quantities are needed than with adults; taking advice from a qualified aromatherapist is also advisable to ensure safety. Some essential oils such as peppermint, should never be used on a young infant; it can cause a new baby's lungs to collapse. However, with the right knowledge and advice an aromatherapy baby massage can be beneficial for both parent and child.

References:

Brown, Denise Whichello 1996 Teach Yourself Massage Hodder Headline Ltd: London, UK

baby massage

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