Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Infant massage has become so popular in the United States that there are now scores of books and DVDs to show parents how to do it. The idea is that massaging your baby promotes bonding, stimulates the immune system, and reduces crying. Some new moms find the expert advice about massaging intimidating, but don't let the books scare you -- massaging your baby isn't a technical endeavor, like putting together those pesky pieces of a breast pump. In fact, every time you absent-mindedly rubbed your belly when you were pregnant you were giving your baby a massage.

Some scientists believe the huge benefits to infant massage -- as touted by parenting experts like Dr. Sears and Dr. Alan Greene -- may be exaggerated. According to a 2006 review article of scientific studies conducted by researchers at Warwick Medical School, although there is evidence that the active touching provided by infant massage reduces stress hormones, lessens crying, and promotes sleep, claims that massage also promotes growth and reduces bilirubin levels may be true only for high-risk infants. Also, a study published in "Pediatrics" in 2000 found that colic and crying lessened to a similar extent after three weeks, whether infant massage or crib vibrators were used.

However, a study conducted in England in 2001 found that infant massage improves mother-infant interaction in mothers suffering from postpartum depression.

What does all this mean? If you feel comfortable massaging your baby, do it. You'll both enjoy the time together. But if massage isn't your thing, there's nothing to worry about.

How to Massage Your Baby

• Choose a quiet time to do the massage when your baby's alert, but not hungry or tired.
• Wash your hands, then rub them together to warm them. Make sure the room is warm, too.
• Lie your baby naked on a towel on his back, smile, and ask him if he would like a massage.
• Use the tips of your fingers to press gently into your baby's skin, rubbing in a circular motion.
• You can start anywhere you'd like but it's nice to have a routine and massage the same way every time. Massage the face, forehead, and scalp, then lightly put both hands at the breast bone and move them outward, "opening the book." Gently massage the tummy. Knead his little legs starting at the thighs, to the calves, and then the feet. Pull on his toes, rotate his ankles, and point and flex his feet.
• Turn your baby onto his back. Some babies may squirm, especially if they're not used to being on their tummies. Massage his back, buttocks, and backs of his legs with the tips of your fingers in the same circular motion.
• If your baby cries or acts uncomfortable, he's had enough. Try again tomorrow.

Safety Notes

• Some parents use apricot or olive oil, but do not use nut-based oils. They may cause allergies in infants.
• Avoid using heavily perfumed creams or oils as they may irritate a baby's skin and nose.
• Do not massage a baby's belly until he's at least 4 weeks old.