Bonding Through Touch- Infant and Baby Massage
Infant and baby massage has been practiced in many cultures around the world for thousands of years.
The massage of the infant helps the family to better bond and communicate with their children through the power of touch. It is not uncommon in today’s busy modern world that working couples can feel guilty for missing out on time with our precious little ones. Infant massage is a great way to spend quality time with their baby and have fun while making a stronger connection in the family.
Infant massage uses gentle pressure with rhythmic touch or rubbing of your baby’s body and skin with your hands and fingers. Infant massage can be self-taught, or you can attend a class. In the class, you will use an oil or lotion to help your hands glide over their skin and gently wiggle their ankles, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Learn techniques specific to your child’s age and needs but more importantly develop a ritual that will help your baby recognize and be excited about this special time. Additionally, while massaging, consider playing music, humming, singing, incorporating nursery rhymes, and making expressive eye contact. This engagement makes this time fun as well as therapeutic.
What are the Benefits of Baby Massage?
The soothing rubbing of your hands stimulates the production of the feel-good hormone oxytocin in the baby. Oxytocin is the hormone of love that gives you that warm, loving feeling. It is produced during breastfeeding, cuddling, and with supportive touching.
Some other benefits include:
- A better connection to your child physically and intellectually
- Relaxes your baby, putting them in an\ state of playful curiosity
- Promotes sensory stimulation
- Helps alleviate gas and stimulate bowel movements
- Better sleep patterns when done before bed
- Better sleep results in better moods throughout the day
Baby massage is one of the most natural methods of providing early nurturing, helping to strengthen the bond between you and your child. Parents report feeling more comfortable and confident in their ability to care for the baby once they learn about infant massage. They learn to understand and respond to the baby’s cues, as well as techniques to comfort, calm, and soothe their babies. All children love to be touched, cuddled, and massaged.
Learn more at:
For group Infant massage classes in Maryland and DC
For group Infant massage classes in Northern Virginia