Beyond The Touch Infant Massage

According to the International Association of Infant Massage, the benefits of massage for babies can be grouped into four categories: Interaction, Stimulation, Relief, and Relaxation, and benefits for parents, the entire family, and society as a whole are also recognized.

Benefits for Babies: Interaction
Regular massage promotes quality time with both parents:

- For bonding and secure attachment
- Feeling loved, valued, and respected,
- Early contact with both parents, developing empathy,
- Verbal and non-verbal communication, using all of the senses,
- Developing trust and confidence

Stimulation:
Regular massage support infant development by:

- Stimulation of all body systems including the digestive, hormonal, - immune, and circulatory systems, elimination, muscle tone, joint mobility
- Improving self-regulation
- Experiencing the body’s sensing, coordination, and balance to better body awareness Encourage vocalizations and communication
- Release of neuro-mediators involved in brain development
- Improving sleep quality
- Encouraging parent-directed learning and concentration