5 Things to Know About Infant Massage Therapy
Our children require massages just like adults do, not simply for relaxation. An infant massage is a technique that involves massaging an infant’s body and rubbing its muscles in a way that is intended to keep them calm and healthy.
Similar to how a regular massage relieves discomfort in our bodies, it also has many other benefits for our newborns. Infant massages have been practiced for a long time, mostly in Asian and Pacific Island cultures. Receiving prenatal massages in Calgary can also be beneficial for pregnant women. You should receive a prenatal massage in the second trimester. It has long been thought that this technique is recognized to be therapeutic on both a physical and spiritual level. More research confirms that parents and their kids benefit greatly from this.
When should you start infant massage for your baby?
It’s always early enough to teach your child infant massage techniques. Since touch is one of your baby’s most developed senses, infant massage is most effective when you follow a regular schedule.
How to offer infant massage to your baby?
Get the setup right
Infant massage works best in a warm environment and when you and your baby are at ease. Put the baby down on a safe, comfortable surface where there aren’t many other people around—imagine a massage parlor. Taking off any jewelry that can irritate or scratch a baby’s skin is also beneficial.
Use gentle pressure
Using the methods given in this piece, massage your infant for 20 to 30 minutes with light to moderate pressure. While light pressure is only appropriate for normal infants, moderate pressure is advised for preterm infants.
Never force your baby to massage
Never pressurize your infant to take a massage. Most professionals suggest you first obtain your baby’s consent. Take a small amount of massage oil and apply it to your infant’s navel and behind the ears. Observe their behavior and body language to determine if you have your baby’s permission. Singing to them or playing with them can help them become used to the massage.
Do not use essential oils
If you’ve never used essential oils before, don’t mix them with massage oil. Because babies have the propensity to put their hands in their mouths, the essential oils are too potent for them, and your baby will inevitably swallow some oil.
Advantages of infant massage
Alleviates stress for both parents and child
Never undervalue the impact of a caring touch from a parent on a child, especially in these formative years. Parents who massage their infants have tremendous possibilities to strengthen their bonds with their children. This aids parents in getting to know their children better and learning more about their requirements as a child. This will lead to more effective communication, lowering stress levels on both sides.
Holistic growth for baby
Many studies have been done on this subject, and the majority, if not all, have shown encouraging results showing infant massages, whether they had a significant or insignificant effect, did assist underweight newborns in gaining weight. In one study, two groups massaged infants for three 10-minute sessions each day for five days, one hour after feeding, using two different techniques. Preterm infants gained more weight during the 5-day treatment session with both methods of infant massage.
Improves the sleep
Our little children respond very well to infant massages. Although every baby is different, newborns typically sleep between 16 and 20 hours daily. Their nighttime sleep lengthens as they age, requiring fewer naps throughout the day. Some parents have noticed that their babies start having sleep issues between 6 and 12 months. If you are one of those parents, give infant massage a try; it will ease their stress and discomfort, resulting in better sleep.
Relieves pain of teething
Additionally, infant massages may reduce pain from teething, developing pains, and tense muscles. The body’s natural painkiller endorphins are released through a specific facial massage technique. The stress hormone cortisol is also alleviated with the help of massage.
Improves functioning of gastro
The circulatory and digestive systems may be stimulated by newborn massages, according to the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). This indicates that newborn massages can ease gas, colic, and congestion-related discomfort. You can look for simple massage techniques to help promote digestion and remove gas that is upsetting your children. This should assist in a few minutes.
Best time to give an infant massage
Babies respond most to massages when attentive, well-rested, and engaged in their surroundings. Choose a time when the infant isn’t likely to be hungry or full—right after two feedings. At least 45 minutes should have passed since the infant last had a meal. To give the baby’s body more time to rest after the massage, wait 15 minutes before feeding them again.
When choosing a time for massage, you can keep doing it after a bath, before putting the baby to bed for the night, or right before a nap. The best time to massage a baby is right before a bath since you may wash away the oil during the bath to avoid accumulating more oil or lotion on the infant’s delicate skin.
If your infant has exceptionally dry skin or if your pediatrician has given the all-clear, you may decide to massage them after bath time. Generally speaking, if you can maintain a consistent bedtime pattern of massaging the infant at night, you’ll reap the great effect.