The Miraculous Benefits of Baby Massage
Maybe some of you don’t know what baby massage is and are wondering if it is safe for babies. Baby massage are gentle and ‘rhythmic’ movements of your little one’s body using their hands. This movement of your hands stimulates the production of oxytocin, a hormone that provides a feeling of warmth and feelings of being loved. The result, your little one will tend to be calmer and less fussy, less frequent crying, and much better sleep.
Favorite massage time is usually after the baby has bathed or before bed. However, experts cautioned several important things. First, don’t massage when the child is hungry, or full. Second, don’t do it when he’s sleepy. So, the best time to massage your baby is a break after eating or before bedtime. Meanwhile, the duration of the massage can vary between 10-30 minutes. What is important, do it as long as he feels happy and enjoying. If the baby looks uncomfortable when massaged, stop and do it again at another time.
Well, below are the various benefits of baby massage:
• Helping babies breathe regularly. Babies sometimes have random inhale-exhale patterns. Since the skin is the widest organ of the human body and is rich in nerves, massage can help him breathe more freely and regularly.
• Helps stimulate growth hormone. Research conducted by the Touch Research Institute from the University of Miami shows that premature babies who receive 3 massages (15 minutes per massage) every day, within 5 days, their body weight will increase 53% compared to premature babies who do not receive infant massage.
• Increase immunity. Research on babies aged 10 weeks showed that babies whose backs were massaged by their mothers had less flu and diarrhea. Massage will strengthen hormones and digestive system.
• Helps stimulate brain development baby. A little touch on the face, chest, hands, and feet makes his brain work to feel different sensations of touch.
• Helps relieve some complaints, such as sinuses, teething pain, mucus in the lungs, and cold hands. Massaging the stomach helps relieve colic, constipation and colds.
