Looking to enhance your relationship with your infant?

Infant massage benefits everyone.

From the moment they are born, babies are in communication with us. Through infant massage, parents can learn how to interpret their babies’ body language and cues to encourage bonding and communication. Infant massage techniques are taught to help parents to soothe and comfort their babies. Classes are taught either privately in home or in small groups.

Each class begins first with a relaxation technique to help parent as well as infant to relax. Place your hands on your child, look into their eyes and inhale loving feelings and when you exhale, tell your child how much you love and care for him/her (this can be done silently or out loud). Repeat two or three times.

When massage is first introduced to your infant, always start with the legs since they are the least vulnerable body part. For most babies, the legs are the most enjoyable part of the massage and a way for them to begin trusting and accepting the massage little by little. Make sure to massage one leg/foot completely at a time. One technique that most babies love is called rolling. Simply roll your child’s leg between your hands from thigh to ankle. Repeat three or four times.

Cross cultural studies show that babies who are massaged, carried, rocked and held, grow into adults that are less aggressive and violent, and are more compassionate and cooperative.

Giving infants a weekly massage helps encourage parent-infant relationships.

To help calm our babies, our natural instinct is to touch them. There are many forms of touch; i.e. picking them up, rocking them, or holding them close to us, kissing, stroking or cuddling. By learning the strokes of infant massage, we can help our babies’ discomfort from colic, lack of sleep, or digestive problems.

Infant massage and gentle stroking is encouraged in premature babies as touch has been found to have a profound effect on development. You can start infant massage at one month of age for 10 to 15 minutes per day, or as long as your baby will allow! Be cautious with babies who are ultra-sensitive to touch. There are some babies that may be so sensitive to touch that they may never be able to stand being massaged. Some babies may not enjoy massage the first time. They may be hungry, tired or even have a full stomach. Also, your baby may be reacting to this new experience. Try gentle strokes at first, or singing softly may help your baby relax. If your baby is still upset, stop and try again another time.

A five minute massage, two or three times a week helps make a more confident parent-infant relationship. Babies love it and it can help alleviate baby ailments too. Massage is an excellent way of connecting with your baby. A short massage each night before or after bath time can help your baby feel loved.

For more information or to schedule a class, please email me at patti@wigglesandgigglesbabymassage.com or call 516-607-1153.