The latest craze among parents today is the idea of baby massage. With the new responsibilities of being the parent of an infant, this practice is sometimes overlooked. That is why several hospitals and birthing centers have begun to distribute information regarding the importance of infant massage. Most parents do not understand how much this procedure can contribute to the well-being the baby as well as themselves.
Infant massage has many benefits for your baby’s sleep cycle. What infant massage does is help to teach your baby a way that they can relax. As with all things, babies have to learn the art of relaxation. Babies who are massaged often tend to sleep better and more restfully than babies who are not massaged.
Babies who are not routinely massaged often have a weaker immune system than babies who receive regular massages. But this is not the only benefit associated with this practice. Massaged babies also develop appropriately while being able to relieve intestinal and bowel discomfort. In contrast to babies who do not receive regular massages, they are also generally more perceptive to the world around them.
There are also psychological benefits to infant massage. Massage creates a bond between the parent and the baby that cannot be easily duplicated. Babies crave the touch of their parents, and the soothing movements of infant massage meet that psychological need. Psychologically, massaging a baby helps parents feel more confident in their skill with handling a baby. It also teaches the parents what their baby needs and what their different cues mean. Since massage helps sooth colicky, gassy babies, parents are more centered because they have something they can do to calm their otherwise inconsolable baby.
Massaging a baby does not have to be complicated. Begin learning how to massage when your baby is already calm and relatively still. It is best to work on massage when baby is not hungry. Go to a room that is warm, and take off as much clothing as you possibly can. Skin to skin contact is especially important to infants. Put a little baby lotion or oil on your hands, and rub them together to warm up the liquid. Stroke your baby from the center of the body towards the extremities.Always bear in mind to spend time on those cute small feet! The first massage should only last a few minutes, perhaps five or less, but as you and your baby become more comfortable, start increasing the time of massage for as long as your baby enjoys the massage.
Becoming comfortable in massaging your newborn is not a difficult thing to do. If done nightly, the baby begins to relax which, in turn, helps the baby go to sleep more quickly. Along with the connection it creates between parent and child, massaging your newborn will create a sense of trust on the infant’s part. In turn, you will soon treasure this bonding ritual between you and your baby.
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