The tradition of baby massage has been passed down from generation to generation and has been found to date back as early as 3000 years ago.  Infant massage is used in many cultures including India, Africa, New Zealand and the Caribbean.   

Interest in baby massage in Western cultures only really started in the 1970’s.  Research showed that premature babies who received regular infant massage benefitted both in terms of improved weight gain and neurological development.  Later studies have shown that the benefits of baby massage included reduction of stress hormones, promotion of strong parent-infant bonds and improved quality of sleep.

The benefits of baby massage can include;

For your baby

• Strengthens secure attachments and interactions between parent and child

• Communicates the feelings of being loved, valued and respected to your baby

• Helps to reduce crying

• Increases baby’s ability to relax and to sleep more deeply

• Encourages coordination, body awareness and develops baby’s first language: touch

• Provides relief from issues such as wind, colic, constipation and teething

For you

• Raises levels of the love hormone Oxytocin in both you and your baby promoting feelings of closeness.

• Close contact helps build a greater understanding of your baby’s body language and behaviours

• Special peaceful one to one time with your baby

• Increased skills that will give you greater confidence in caring for your baby

• Feelings of relaxation as you massage your baby

Learning baby massage with your baby is a wonderful experience that will provide lifelong happy memories and nurture the parent-infant bond.