The Benefits of Baby Massage to the Baby
by adminSTIMULATION
One of the earliest developed functions is skin sensitivity
• In studies carried out, research has illustrated that those animals that are touched more or stroked tend to be healthier in weight, more alert and bright-eyed and are more good natured than other animals
• Massage is so therapeutic, it has been shown to improve the stability of the nervous system and resistance to disease
• Regularly massaged infants and babies tend to be more friendly and alert once they are awake
• Similarly, these babies and/or toddlers tend to be quite chatterboxes and make more attempts at conversation than babies who have not been massaged
• Massaged babies tend to be more receptive to hugs and cuddles as they grow older.
RELAXATION
After baby massage you will find that your baby will usually have a brilliant night’s sleep (which often means that so can you!)
• Massaging babies can help them to get rid of their pent up frustration and tension
• It can aid in practicing handling input and responding to it with relaxation
• Gives babies/toddlers a positive self-image of their bodies
• Provides youngsters with a good set of relaxation techniques that may aid them in later years
GENERAL WELL BEING
The close loving contact that baby massage provides, helps babies such that they succumb to illness a lot less and are not so prone to crying as babies who are not massaged.
• The act of massaging aids in improving the circulatory process as well in providing a boost for the immune system by helping to move the lymph around.
• It has been shown that massage can aid in providing colic relief and other problems related to digestion (it helps shift the gas and faecal material)
• Its therapeutic benefits are such that it can aid in relieving the pain of teething, emotional stress and
• Massage can act as a pain killer in that the act of massaging result n producing endorphins.
PHYSICAL GROWTH
Massage promotes physical self-awareness, tones muscle and makes joints more flexible. In this way it is especially beneficial to premature babies, those with low birth weight and children with special needs.
SOCIAL SKILLS
Touching teaches a baby about communication.
Massage helps to establish a non-verbal communication with babies that enhances a parent’s early relationship with their child, and therefore helps builds the baby’s self-esteem and sociability.
In a study, conducted by the Touch Research Institute of the University Of Miami School Of Medicine, massaged babies gained 47 percent more weight than unmassaged babies given the same number of calories.
Premature Infants who are regularly massaged are hospitalized an average of six fewer days than non-massaged babies. This is why massage is now used in many special care nurseries.
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