Photo: valentinapowers / Flickr

There is no better form of love than the feeling of physical touch.  It is believed that touch is in fact the first sense that develops in the womb and as such can be used to aid in healing and bonding.  You may gaze at your sleeping baby for hours on end and sigh delightedly at each new development.  Baby massage is a perfect way to turn the hours spent gazing at your bundle of perfection into a bonding experience that also helps with baby’s development.

What are the benefits for baby?

Massage has both psychological and physical benefits and babies who are massaged tend to suffer less from ailments such as colic and diarrhoea.  Massage has also been noted to lessen coughs, chest infections and other respiratory illnesses.  Certain techniques have even been noted to improve flexibility and co-ordination through controlled movement.  Baby is likely to feel safe and loved and bond well with parents when involved in such a physical and loving process.

Benefits for mum and dad

Experts believe that massage often helps with postnatal depression as it fosters bonding and quiet time between mother and baby.  It creates a more intense awareness of baby and his needs, likes and dislikes, which makes it ideal for dad, who is generally not the primary care giver and didn’t bond during pregnancy.

How do I start?

Create a comfortable environment for yourself and baby and prepare your favourite[C3] bath products to set about creating the perfect routine to wind down before bed.  After your massage you can dress baby snugly and put him down for the night.

Human beings heal through touch and caring.  We love through time spent together and physical interaction.  Why not find a form of massage that works for your baby’s routine and make it a special experience?

Tags: baby care