Infant massage has many benefits to both mother/father and baby. Creating a stronger bond in the early days is detrimental to the relationship of both parent and baby. Not only does massage enhance the bond with your baby, it has many other positive influences as well, such as:

  • Reduces crying time.
    Various research studies on infant massage have shown that there is a significant reduction in overall crying time with infants and toddlers who receive massage.
  • Improves sleep and regulates sleep patterns.
    Massage increases serotonin levels and regulates melatonin secretion rhythms which helps regulate sleep patterns.
  • Ideal for pre-term infants.
  • Infants placed in neonates after birth are deprived of the early bonding experience with their parents, often being pricked and poked several times during the day with limited touch. Learning how to effectively massage your baby will enhance the bond between you both. Something that is essential for nurturing growth for mind, body and spirit. Research has shown that infants receiving touch therapy and massage gain weight faster and are discharged earlier than other infants.
  • Enhances emotions and improves mood.
    Massage increases dopamine levels which are believed to play an important role in regulating anger, aggression, temperature, mood and appetite in addition to other body functions.
  • Improves wind, colic, reflux and constipation.
    Massage stimulates elimination of waste from the body, can relieve abdominal wind within minutes and speeds a natural process of the nervous system which can assist with reflux.
  • Relieves sinus and chest congestion.
    Massage helps promote adequate drainage of the sinuses and excess mucus on the chest.
  • Boosts immune system.
    Research shows that infant massage can positively influence physiological processes and improve immune function.
  • Reduces stress hormone levels in children and their parents.
    Known as “the stress hormone” cortisol is released during times of stress. Prolonged high levels of cortisol can reduce immunity, impair cognitive performance, and reduce bone density and muscle tissue. Massage measurably decreases cortisol levels in both children and their parents allowing blood pressure, heart rate, digestive functioning and hormonal levels to return to their normal state.
  • Early diagnosis of potential health issues.
    Parents who massage their infant each day are more likely to notice changes in their child’s physical condition, which may go unnoticed longer with infants who are not receiving massage.
  • Reduces symptoms of Eczema.
    A UK study showed significant improvement in eczema symptoms with the introduction of massage by parents in addition, Infant Massage Instructors have seen improvement firsthand with many babies at infant massage classes.
  • Enhances coordination.
    Studies have shown infant massage improves left/right brain communication which has been suggested to improve intelligence.
Infant massage – the art of communication through touch!