Parenting Excerpts
Volume 2, Number 1
Baby Massage: The Calming Power of Touch
By Dr. Alan Heath and Nicki Bainbridge
The following excerpt was reprinted with permission from DK Publishing,
Inc.
Massaging your baby is a wonderful thing to do. It is so simple in terms
of technique, yet so powerful in what it conveys – your love, your
understanding, and your attention….Apart from a few essentials,
there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to massage
your baby. Infant massage is about being together and being in touch with
each other physically and emotionally.
WHY MASSAGE?
Baby massage is simple to learn and to do. It requires little extra ‘equipment’
and costs virtually nothing, except time. The long- and short-term benefits
to infants are great, and massaging their children has a positive impact
on parents, too.
BENEFITS FOR BABIES:
SECURITY
Positive physical contact between a parent and child makes the baby feel
loved and valued. This feeling allows her self-esteem and self-confidence
to develop.
GENERAL WELL-BEING
Research shows that babies who are touched lovingly become ill and cry
less often than those who are not. Massage can improve circulation and
also boost the immune system, because it helps to move lymph fluid around
the body, which clears away harmful substances. Massage may relieve pain
and the symptoms of some ailments. It promotes relaxation and can help
soothe a crying infant.
PHYSICAL GROWTH
Massage promotes physical self-awareness, tones muscles, 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 your baby teaches her about communication. Massage helps you
establish a nonverbal communication with your child that enhances your
early relationship with her, and therefore builds her self-esteem and
sociability.
BENEFITS FOR PARENTS:
RELAXATION
When you massage your baby, you focus on her completely and interact with
her. Parents report that they find this interaction enjoyable and relaxing.
DEVELOPING SENSITIVITY
Because your baby cannot tell you if she likes a stroke or finds the pressure
you apply uncomfortable, you must watch her reaction and interpret it.
In this way, you learn to ‘read’ or understand her, which
improves your parenting skills.
CONFIDENCE-BUILDING
Parents who are sensitive to their children tend to feel confident in
their roles. Also, the physical contact of massage makes them comfortable
with handling babies.
PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP
The nonverbal communication you share with your baby through massage sparks
an interactive relationship with her that you can continue into the future.
Massage can also become a regular time of intimacy between you.
You can view and purchase the book, ‘Baby Massage’, here:
You can view and purchase Baby Bee apricot oil here:
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