BEST 10 FACTS ABOUT BABY MASSAGE

BEST 10 FACTS ABOUT BABY MASSAGE

When I had my first son I heard briefly about baby massage and gave it a try once or twice, but wasn’t quite sure how to go about it so I gave up.  Because I kept hearing about the benefits of massage for babies, however, I decided to take a baby massage course when my second son was an infant.I was surprised to learn that baby massage is actually not complicated or hard.  Mostly it is about gently touching your baby and being aware of how they respond.  Sure, there are certain strokes and methods that are nice – but really, if you are just getting started, simply doing what comes naturally is fine.  I massage my baby girl (my third baby) most every day and we both LOVE it!A few weeks ago, I attended an event to celebrate the JOHNSON’S® SO MUCH MORE™ movement which reminds parents that everyday rituals like bath time can include massage to enhance healthy baby development.  These everyday rituals allow us to interact with our babies and stimulate their senses, and are moments that we should cherish.Here are some fun facts about baby massage and sensory stimulation that I learned at the event – to inspire you to give it a go:

(1) Massage uses baby’s first sensory stimulation – touch – which first started in the womb.

(2) By age three, 85% of a baby’s brain is developed.  Every experience leading up to this time – such as interactions with caregivers – helps to shape baby’s brain.

(3) Baby massage oil or lotion can reduce friction as you massage your baby, and will also add the sense of smell to your massage time.  Offering multi-sensorial experiences (touch + smell) are all part of happy, healthy baby development.

(4)  Massage is the perfect time for infants to make eye contact with their caregivers, which is one of the earliest forms of communication.

(5) Massage gives babies the opportunity to interact with and relate to others.  Siblings can learn to interact and relate with the new baby in their house through massage as well!  My boys (ages 4 and 6) love giving our baby gentle foot massages.  It’s a great time to teach them empathy by observing the baby’s expressions to see if she’s enjoying the massage, or not.

(6) There’s no right way or technique to do a baby massage.  The most important thing to do is to watch your baby’s responses.  They will show you what they like or don’t like!  Check out this page If you want some ideas on different baby massage techniques.

(7) Giving massage a go is better than not trying it because you are too scared to do something “wrong.”  You will learn more as you try!

(8) You don’t have to spend a long time to give your baby a massage.  It can last just a few minutes before or after bath time or a nappy change.

(9) Massage can but doesn’t have to be done as part of a regular routine.  A few times a week is fine, if you can’t fit it into your daily schedule.  And it’s never too late to start!  Even older children love massages, too.

(10) Research has found that routine massage can lead to increased alertness and attentiveness.