What are the benefits of baby massage or touch therapy?


Massage is considered very important for the development and growth of a newborn baby. Lack of oil massage or touch therapy results in poor growth of the baby, psychological problems, and delayed attachment to parents.

Benefits of Massage

  • Massage promotes blood circulation, tone up the muscles, and relax different areas of the body.

  • It increases food absorption hormones such as insulin.

  • Massage results in promotion of mother-infant bonding.

  • Babies become more active and alert.

  • Massage enhances skin barrier function, acts as a source of warmth and nutrition, and increases weight gain.

  • Greater bone mineralization and more optimal behavioral and motor responses.

  • Regular oil massage reduces stress behavior and lowers cortisol levels.

Some More Tips

  • Oil massage should be given before the bath during summer and after a bath during winter. Massage should ideally be given by grandparents, mother, father, or caregivers. It could be started on the 10th day after birth.

  • Oil massage should be given to babies when they are active and alert, preferably one to two hours after feeding.

  • Mothers have to cut their nails, remove the rings and watch.

  • Massage is to be done in a warm room. Strokes should be gentle and firm not jerky.

  • Full body massage will take 15-20 minutes.

Good signs of newborn enjoying oil massage are cheerful vocal sounds like cooing, normal breathing pattern, the ability to focus, bright-eyed look, and enjoying clasping own hands and feet, sucking or stretching.

Updated on: 30-Jul-2019

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