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Massaging your infant can help you and your child bond better. Other benefits of baby massage include:
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Massage can be as simple as five minutes after you change your baby diapers or as elaborate as setting up a special time for a massage. Usually, 10 minutes at a time is enough for an infant.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
You can use oil or not, depending on your preference and your baby's sensitivities. However, do not use oil on the face to avoid getting the oil into the eyes.
A small dab of coconut oil may be a good choice (Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Application on the Skin of Preterm Newborns).
The best oil for baby massage if your baby has eczema may be jojoba.
One study suggested olive oil or sunflower oil may not be good for an infant's skin (Olive and sunflower oil on baby skin weakens natural defences). But a different study suggested both sunflower and almond oil are good options (The Effect of Sunflower Seed and Almond Oil on Preterm Infant Skin).
Also see the study Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil or no Oil for Baby Dry Skin or Massage.
The Touch Research Institute has done numerous studies that show the benefits of infant massage. Here's a sampling:
Some healthcare sources believe that many problems in early childhood, including hyperactivity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may be the result of stress during birth. Craniosacral Therapy for Babies and Small Children presents an alternative treatment for these stress-related problems.
Massaging your child's chest and tummy may help stimulate digestion and reduce colic symptoms.
Use the massage techniques in this video to help your child poop.
Related: Essential Oils for Babies.
Photo Credits: miss pupik CC