Although baby massage is relatively new in England, it has been practised for thousands of years in other cultures such as India where it is part of a baby’s daily routine. Massage is much more than a pleasurable experience. Evidence shows that loving, touching, nurturing contact between parents/carers and babies has a significant positive impact on subsequent development.

There are enormous benefits to massaging your baby and research has shown that as well as all the benefits listed below, baby massage will help your baby sleep better, and help him relax.

• Stimulates a baby’s circulation ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the body’s cells and tissue. This helps promote health and well being.
• Comforting and soothing for the baby. Enhances baby’s feeling of being loved, cared for, respected and feeling of security.
• Increases joint flexibility, muscle tone and aids muscle co-ordination.
• Stimulates and improves the baby’s immune system (via the lymphatic circulation). This helps the baby fight infections and disease.
• Aids digestion by increasing bowel movements, helps and prevents painful colic, and relieves symptoms of constipation and gas.
• Can increase baby’s appetite and therefore helps with growth and weight gain (especially good in premature babies).
• Can help improve skin conditions (oil is very nourishing).
• Calms nervous system. Induces relaxation, soothes and comforts which leads to restful sleep.
• Increases the production of the hormone endorphins – the body’s natural painkiller and feel-good chemicals.
• Helps with bonding with parents and/or carers.
• Helps encourage good balance and co-ordination. Good for baby’s self awareness.
• Improves baby’s nervous system increasing communication between brain and body.

The Benefits of Baby Massage for parents/carers include: 

• Helps with the bonding between parent/carer and baby and helps them to get to know their baby. 
• Helps the parent to feel in control of the baby’s needs and well-being.
• Increases awareness of baby’s growth and development.
• Provides a special time for parent and babies.
• Develops confidence in handling baby.
• Gives Dad a fantastic role in the baby’s early life – helps to make him feel included.
• Can help with post-natal depression.