Baby Massage - Empowering Moms & Dads

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

18 Jan 2007 06:22 PM

Did you know that learning the art of baby massage could deepen the bond you share with your infant? It's great for moms and dads alike and it helps you to communicate on a level of touch that your baby will embrace and enjoy. There are a lot of books, videos and even classes out there available to show you the basics of massage for your infant or toddler.

Affection

Statistics indicate that parents who practice infant and toddler massage noted that their children seemed far more affectionate than their peers and are equally affectionate with their siblings as they are with their parents. Experts in the field also noted that infant massage seemed to boost a child's self-esteem and body awareness.

There are also indications that massage teaches children the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching as well as how to refuse touching. Massage also improves your confidence in your baby's health and their development and it can give you some insights in how to soothe your baby when they are stressed or unhappy.

Soothing the Unhappy Baby

We used baby massage when our daughter was young and it did have a very soothing effect on her when she was overtired or ill. To this day, a gentle hand rubbing her upper back can quiet her down from extreme levels of stress or over-stimulation. She also appreciates a foot or calf massage when her legs hurt from riding, dancing or other activity where she overused her muscles.

There are many benefits to baby massage that moms and dads may wish to explore including:

• Helping both you and your baby to relax and de-stress
• Alleviating pain from gas, colic and constipation
• Improving blood circulation, can be helpful for a baby with an immature circulatory system
• Increases a baby's sense awareness
• Provides stimulation for brain development
• Stimulates the bond between parent and infant

Do you practice baby massage with your infant?

Related Articles:

Instructional Videos for Baby Massage

Baby Massage and Muscle Development

Loving Touches

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 18 Jan 2007 06:29 PM

Great topic Heather!