Baby & Infant Massage

What is Baby and Infant Massage?
"Nothing is so healing as the human touch," said Bobby Fitcher. Indeed, human touch is soothing, calming, nurturing, and caring. While everyone benefits from such touch, babies perhaps need it the most. Infant massage plays a vital role in a baby’s early development and should be practiced regularly, especially during key growth milestones like holding their head, grabbing, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. For optimal support during these stages, baby massage is recommended at 2-3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. That said, daily massages are highly beneficial too!

Regular infant massages offer a range of benefits, including:

• Bonding and communication: Massage strengthens the emotional bond between the baby and their caregiver, fostering trust and communication.

• Calming the nervous system: It helps to relieve stress and soothes the baby's nervous system, promoting relaxation.

• Increasing circulation: Massage improves blood flow, supporting healthy physical development.

• Relieving constipation, colic, and gas: Gentle pressure applied during massage can ease common digestive discomforts, helping the baby feel more comfortable.

• Regulating sleep patterns: Massages can help babies establish healthier sleep patterns, leading to longer, more restful sleep.

• Stimulating the musculoskeletal system: Massage promotes muscle tone, joint flexibility, and overall motor skills development.

• Providing sensory stimulation: Touch is a vital sense for babies, and regular massage stimulates their sensory systems, contributing to growth and cognitive development.
 

What to Expect During a Baby Massage Session

Infant massage can be done by the caregiver or a registered massage therapist trained in infant massage. A typical session lasts about 30 minutes or less, as babies tend to tire quickly. The massage can be performed with or without the use of oil, depending on preference and the baby’s skin sensitivity.

The key to a successful baby massage is to ensure the baby is calm and alert when starting the session. If the baby becomes unsettled or unhappy, it’s important to stop and try again later. Additionally, caregivers can be taught by a massage therapist to perform the massage themselves at home, fostering a deeper connection with their child while supporting their growth and well-being.

To book a session or ask any questions:

Please email: pavlovakaty@gmail.com

Or text: (647) 573-5240