Massaging The Newborn: Why It Is Important

Many different cultures believe in the benefits of massaging a newborn. Some places in the world even suggest that it is an absolutely necessary practice as far as health to the baby.

Other places in the world say it may not be entirely crucial. However, most everyone would agree that it does have some benefit to the baby. At the very least, most people would say that it probably would not hurt the baby unless of course too much force was applied.

Benefits

Messaging a baby is said to have many benefits. One of the most important is that it helps the parent bond with the new baby, as a baby can enjoy being touched even if their sense of touch is not fully developed.

The messaging is also said to help calm an anxious baby. After all, he or she has just spent nine months in the womb (on average). Therefore, gentle massage methods can help a newborn adjust to the light and surroundings of your world versus the world of the uterus.

Another benefit of baby message is that it helps ease baby’s discomfort. It can help a newborn that has suffered from uncomfortable conditions such as colic or distention of the abs.

Messaging can even help a baby pass gas more easily. This would help stop a baby from feelings so fretful, and it will help the baby relax more and/or get more sleep.

Gentle rubbing of the baby’s skin while applying the right amount of pressure can also help improve the young one’s circulation. It also helps soften the skin of the baby.

As far as having benefits to the baby, some studies even suggest that message helps accelerate the growth and development of a newborn. It helps the infant gain weight in the way he or she would as the baby ages.

Some Suggestions

A parent (usually a mom but also a dad can do this) can enhance the message bonding experience by looking into the baby’s eyes.This connection helps a mom or dad communicate better with the newborn.

Another option as well is to speak in as gentle of a voice as possible. When starting out in the world it seems that most babies response to the softer voice of a woman than a man. However, both a mom and dad can have this bonding experience if the desire it.

You as the parent can also entertain your baby while messaging him or her. You can do this by singing to the infant, or you can even put soft music on you know your baby likes.

If you are performing message on a baby as a way to help improve the circulation of it, olive oil is recommended. This is a moisturizing substance that is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than most lotions, creams, and ointments sold today.

Olive oil is also recommended since your baby is likely to have very sensitive skin. Using this while rubbing your baby’s back or front with the tips of your fingers in opposite circular motions in each hand is recommended.