12 Benefits Of Baby Massage

Did you know that baby massage has multiple benefits? It has been proven that mothers who caress and put some pressure on their baby’s body  promote their development. 

For example, when a mother makes circular movements with her hand on the baby’s tummy, it promotes good digestion. It also releases stomach gases, relieves stomach pain and has a relaxing effect.

Many people often need the help of a massage therapist, chiropractor, or physical therapist. It is therefore not surprising that there is now a category for children, namely baby massage.

What is a massage?

A massage is an act that manipulates the muscles of the body by means of different movements of the hands. It has a therapeutic function and has positive effects on the body.

In this sense, it can be said that massages were invented to combat pain. Over time, different techniques have been developed and today it is known as ‘structured touch’.

What is it good for?

• Pain relief (such as with cramps and other physical or emotional discomfort).
• Relaxation and stimulation (depending on the type of massage).
• Muscle or tendon recovery.

In this way a massage can be used, for example, for the rehabilitation of the muscles. But also to promote general relaxation.

It must be said that massages promote good blood circulation. This allows tissues to slide over each other more easily.

The benefits of baby massage

Improving attachment and emotional bonding

Baby massage includes eye contact, laughter, stroking and other interactions with the baby. This allows the baby to interact positively with its parents.

Massages also activate the body’s reactions in a beneficial way.

Relaxes and relieves stress

Like all other forms of massage, baby massage helps to relieve or eliminate tension in the body.

People often do not believe that children can suffer from this. Yet they too are capable of building up tension and feeling discomfort.

The most common source of this type of discomfort is obviously caused by poor posture.

For example, remember that when parents put their child to bed to sleep, they are not always available to put him in a different position after a while. This can make them feel uncomfortable.

Encourages psychological development

Baby massages make babies feel safer. This is because they get the full attention when they are massaged.

In this way fears are reduced. Rest, relaxation and self-confidence are promoted. As a result, their psychological development is stimulated in a positive way.

Learns to recognize the dimensions of the body

Baby massage allows the baby to learn to understand the limits of his body. In other words, he can begin to understand the dimensions and get a perception of his own body space.

Little by little, a massage helps babies understand that they are no longer an extension of their mother.  They thus discover that they are their own individual.

Promotes the digestive system

Babies tend to suffer from gastrointestinal problems. One of the biggest benefits of baby massage is that it aids digestion. But in addition, it relieves intestinal gas and colic.

The body also absorbs nutrients better when digestion is improved.

Promotes the immune system

When the body is calm and stress-free, the functioning of the immune system will improve as a result.

By giving baby massage you can be sure that the immune system is in good shape. It will cope with infections and defend itself against certain diseases.

Improves the development of the nervous system

Through massages we perceive movements, caresses and stretches. They send signals directly to the brain.

Baby massage can improve the baby’s ability to recognize stimuli. As a result, the nervous system will continue to develop.

Improves circulation

Without a doubt , massages help improve blood flow. This even improves breathing.

With a greater oxygen supply, the blood is cleaner. This is achieved with baby massage and at the same time it helps to drain fluid from the lymphatic system.

Strengthens the respiratory system

A baby massage performed on the chest, shoulders and back helps strengthen the lungs and optimize breathing.

Improves the muscles

In addition, a baby massage also helps to firm the skin, improve flexibility and improve coordination of the limbs.

There are many benefits of baby massage. Touch makes it possible to develop and strengthen emotional bonds. This benefits the neurophysiological development of the child.

Also, all bodily functions improve in a relaxed state, leading to good health and well-being.