EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD MASSAGE, INCLUDING YOUR BABY!
Infant Massage is an easy way to connect to your baby and has many amazing benefits for you and your little one. There are some great massage techniques out there, however you do not need to be an expert to give your baby a loving massage. There are only a few things you need to know before you get started.
What are the Benefits for your Baby?
Most research is on premature infants, with many positive results such as improving NICU outcomes, including earlier discharge, however all babies can benefit from some skin-to-skin massage.
1- Improves weight gain.
2- Improves neurodevelopment.
3- Increases body awareness.
4- Reduces constipation and gas.
5- Provides opportunity for preverbal communication.
6- Decreases irritability and colic symptoms.
7- Before bed, improves infant sleep patterns and duration.
8- Some research on improved immunity & decreased jaundice symptoms.
What are the Benefits for You?
1- Encourages bonding and attachment.
2- Decreases parental stress and anxiety.
3- May help improve postpartum depression.
4- Before bed, improves maternal quality of sleep.
What Kind of Oil?
Based on the research, a high heat index natural oil, ideally sunflower, safflower and coconut oil are all quality options for infant massage. MCT oils, derived from coconut oil, are also another safe choice.
What Should I Avoid?
Olive & Avocado Oil: these oils contain oleic acid and should be avoided because they can damage a baby’s skin integrity & irritate their delicate skin when used for massage.
Essential Oils: use caution, some are ok for older babies, but they can be too irritating especially if they are not properly diluted.
Skip Sensitive Areas: obviously unhealed belly buttons, eyes, soft spots & the genital region.
Be Careful Around Joints: make sure you don’t twist above and below a joint at the same time.
Tips from a Pro:
Use Firm Pressure: if your touch is too light, it may be irritating and agitating to your baby.
Set the Mood: this should be relaxing for you & your baby, play some tranquil music, dim the lights, and enjoy some bonding time.
Pick the Best Time for Your Baby: after a bath, before a nap or before bedtime are ideal opportunities to massage, however if your little one is too cranky just before bed, when they wake up is also a good time. You want your baby to be aware and happy, not agitated.
Start Slow & Try Again: you might just get a few minutes the first time, be patient and it will be easier for both of you over time.
It’s a Teachable Moment: tell your baby what you are doing, this is a positive early language learning opportunity.
Pay Attention & Have Fun: watch your baby’s facial expressions and movements, they are always communicating their likes and dislikes & have fun they are watching your face too.
Infant massage is an easy way to help you and your baby become healthier and happier. It is an inexpensive and valuable activity, and it does not take long to start seeing the rewards. Remember infant massage is supposed to be fun and relaxing, so don’t stress if it is wiggly work in progress.
Luck, Love & Light, XO Rachel
REFERENCES
1- Danby SG, AlEnezi T, Sultan A, Lavender T, Chittock J, Brown K, Cork MJ. Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013 Jan-Feb;30(1):42-50.
2- Lai M, D'Acunto G, Guzzetta A, Finnigan S, Ngenda N, Ware RS, Boyd RN, Colditz PB. Infant massage and brain maturation measured using EEG: A randomized controlled trial. Early Hum Dev. 2022 Sep;172:105632.
3- Liu Z, Gang L, Yunwei M, Lin L. Clinical Efficacy of Infantile Massage in the Treatment of Infant Functional Constipation: A Meta-Analysis. Front Public Health. 2021 Jun 11;9:663581.
4- Niemi AK. Review of Randomized Controlled Trials of Massage in Preterm Infants. Children (Basel). 2017 Apr 3;4(4):21.
5- Pados BF, McGlothen-Bell K. Benefits of Infant Massage for Infants and Parents in the NICU. Nurs Womens Health. 2019 Jun;23(3):265-271.
6- Taheri PA, Goudarzi Z, Shariat M, Nariman S, Matin EN. The effect of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity and length of NICU stay in preterm infants. Infant Behav Dev. 2018 Feb;50:22-27.
7- Visscher MO, Summers A, Narendran V, Khatry S, Sherchand J, LeClerq S, Katz J, Tielsch J, Mullany L. Birthweight and Environmental Conditions Impact Skin Barrier Adaptation in Neonates Receiving Natural Oil Massage. Biomed Hub. 2021 Jan 18;6(1):17-34.