Just as adults can enjoy massage, infants and babies benefit from the powerful, calming effects of touch. Baby massage has been shown to reduce colic , help soothe fussy babies and provide a deeper bond and better communication with caregivers as the infant adapts to touch.   Properr massage can improve the babies health by stimulating the immune, circulatory and digestive systems. Since young babies grow very quickly, it is optimal to consult a registered massage therapist to learn the proper pressure points on their body and to avoid hurting the infant.  A baby massage therapist knows the proper rhythm, pressure and strokes to use in order to relax the infant and help with issues such as painful baby gas . 

Everest also offers baby massage classes to help parents familiarize themselves with this technique.

Baby massage is always gentle and delicate, to avoid any pain or discomfort.  Great care is also taken to ensure that the baby is comfortable, relaxed and that his body is  well supported.  Baby music is used along with a natural oil. The oil is gently warmed and is used to massage first the feet, legs and hips.  The massage then moves to the chest, shoulders and arms.  The stomach is massaged gently in a clockwise circular motion to help digestion and breathing. The face and neck are then massaged, beginning in the center of the face and moving outwards.  Finally, the baby is moved onto his stomach for a back massage, using long strokes along the spine down to the feet.   

Once the massage is done, slowly dressing the baby and using a gentle tone of voice and soothing gestures will extend the feeling of relaxation for both the baby and the parent.  The massage sequence is often done before the baby’s bedtime, sometimes after a warm bath, in order to improve the quality of a babies sleep . 

While any baby can benefit from the gentle stimulation and calming effects of massage, the 20% of infants suffering from colic can find relief in specific massage sequences.    Massage professionals know the proper pressure points and strokes to help relieve pain, gas and acid reflux, which occurs in many babies and can lead to inconsolable crying.  Long, unexplained bouts of crying, often occurring in the first month of life, can often be stressful for both the infant and for the parents, who may be desperate to help heal their baby.  One way for parents to relieve their infant’s distress while creating a deep mutual bond is to learn baby massage.

The relaxing benefits of massage have been shown to increase sleep quality in babies.  Gentle, precise touch also stimulates the respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems while providing a closer bond between the child and adults as the baby adapts to the healing powers of human touch.   An infant does not have to be crying immediately before the massage to benefit from the colic-soothing effects of massage – the abdominal area may be too distended during a crying bout.  The positive effects of regular baby massage will increase over time, providing long-term healing.