Touch is so important for creating a unique bond with your baby. One activity that lends itself to developing this bond is baby massage. Not only will your baby benefit from touch during the massage, you will be nourishing your baby’s skin, and helping to improve circulation. In many ways, touch is the first language, and a gentle touch can help babies feel less anxious and stronger, whilst providing sensory stimulation and consequently aiding healthy development. As per research suggests, the routine touch and massage by a parent or a loving caregiver is critical to a baby’s growth and learning. It is also an essential form of fostering a number of positive attributes, thereby promoting physical and mental strength too. We have gathered together some of the benefits attributed to baby massage in this blog. 

Benefits of Massaging Your Baby

There are virtually innumerable benefits of massaging your baby. In addition to helping them relax and enjoy an undisturbed good night's sleep, baby massage can also:

Aids digestion

Massaging your baby helps deal with several gastrointestinal benefits such as improved digestion, relief from constipation, gas and more.

Helps deal with colic

Massaging has been observed to be quite helpful in regards to colic issues. It provides tremendous relief to the baby and the parents. As per the studies, a gentle massage is great for babies dealing with colic.

Helps relieve cramps

Baby massage has been known to help relieve and even prevent muscular cramps, thereby boosting an overall sense of well-being.

Promotes physical growth

Massaging your baby is known to promote healthy physical development and growth, thereby improving strength. 

Improved blood circulation

A key benefit of newborn baby massage is stimulating blood circulation to their organs and limbs. This aids their physical development. As little ones are mostly sedentary until they begin crawling or walking, massaging helps provide a healthy alternative.

Additional Benefits.

• Helps soothe your baby and reduce crying.
• Increases daily weight gain.
• It enhances the baby's adjustment to nighttime sleep and helps them sleep more deeply.
• Helps in boosting your confidence while handling the baby.
• Relieves nasal congestion and teething discomfort.
• Boosts the immune system.
• It helps develop good muscle tone and suppleness.

When to start massaging?

The ideal time to start practising a regular massage can be right after the birth, although the degree and the type of baby massage must evolve as the baby grows. It is advisable for parents to begin practising gentle touch with the baby by softly stroking their limbs and other parts of their body, such as their back and chest. Avoid touching or massaging the region near the bellies in order to prevent interference with the umbilical stump.

When it comes to the right time, it's advisable to tailor the time of the massage according to your baby’s mood. The baby must be calm and comfortable when you begin the massage. Also, to avoid vomiting, make sure to wait at least 45-60 minutes after a feeding. It has been observed that pre-bedtime is best for massage as it helps promote healthy, relaxed sleep. Another good time is before and after the bath, as it helps calm the baby and helps them to become less irritable.

Safety Tips

Here are some tips to help you massage your little one safely:

• Ensure to use oil that is safe for the baby skin.
• When massaging your child's arm or legs, always support the ankle or wrist with one hand.
• Massage the tummy in a circulation motion; go clockwise rather than anti-clockwise.

These are just some of the benefits of the many benefits of baby massage. We would love to hear how baby massage has helped you. Get in touch with us at hello@kiddykind.com

Why not add a natural, baby and eco-friendly oil or cream to your relaxing and soothing baby massage? We particularly love the Meadow Berry nourishing oil.

Explore KIDDYKIND! As one of the eco-friendly brands in the UK, we understand the purpose of style and convenience. Not only do we have eco-friendly skincare that is kind to your baby’s skin, we also have a comprehensive range of brands offering natural kids' toys and clothing that are completely free from toxic chemicals or anything that can be harmful to your baby. Visit our product section and explore our thoughtfully designed products.