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Benefits of Infant Massage
By studying the researches of baby development, we could find the benefits of baby massage:
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Massage is good for your new born infant
An Australian study of infant massage and father-baby bonding (Scholz and Samuels, 1992), found that at twelve weeks old, babies who were massaged (by their fathers) greeted their fathers with more eye contact, smiling, vocalizing and touch than those who were not massaged.
An Australian study of infant massage and father-baby bonding (Scholz and Samuels, 1992), found that at twelve weeks old, babies who were massaged (by their fathers) greeted their fathers with more eye contact, smiling, vocalizing and touch than those who were not massaged.
Massage is good for child with developmental delay
Wheeden, A., Scafidi, F. A., Field, T., Ironson, G., Valdeon, C., and Bandstra, E. (1993). Massage effects on cocaine-exposed preterm neonates.The research for thirty preterm cocaine-exposed preterm neonates (mean gestational age = 30 weeks, mean birth weight = 1212 g, mean intensive care unit duration = 18 days) were randomly assigned to a massage therapy or a control group as soon as they were considered medically stable. Group assignment was based on a random stratification of gestational age, birth weight, intensive care unit duration, and entry weight into the study. The treatment group (N = 15) received massages for three 15-minute periods 3 consecutive hours for a 10-day period.
Findings suggested that the massaged infants 1. averaged 28% greater weight gain per day (M=33 vs 26 g), although the groups did not differ in intake (calories or volume), 2. showed significantly fewer postnatal complications and stress behaviors than did control infants, and 3. demonstrated more mature motor behaviors on the Brazelton examination at the end of the 10-day study period.
Wheeden, A., Scafidi, F. A., Field, T., Ironson, G., Valdeon, C., and Bandstra, E. (1993). Massage effects on cocaine-exposed preterm neonates.The research for thirty preterm cocaine-exposed preterm neonates (mean gestational age = 30 weeks, mean birth weight = 1212 g, mean intensive care unit duration = 18 days) were randomly assigned to a massage therapy or a control group as soon as they were considered medically stable. Group assignment was based on a random stratification of gestational age, birth weight, intensive care unit duration, and entry weight into the study. The treatment group (N = 15) received massages for three 15-minute periods 3 consecutive hours for a 10-day period.
Findings suggested that the massaged infants 1. averaged 28% greater weight gain per day (M=33 vs 26 g), although the groups did not differ in intake (calories or volume), 2. showed significantly fewer postnatal complications and stress behaviors than did control infants, and 3. demonstrated more mature motor behaviors on the Brazelton examination at the end of the 10-day study period.
Love for Newborn Baby
Many babies and young children all over the world still grow up in environments where touch and emotional engagement are lacking. Many children who have not had ample physical and emotional attention are at higher risk for behavioral, emotional and social problems as they grow up.
We have known for a long time that skin-to-skin contact with babies is important for their development. Particularly in the newborn period, it helps calm babies: they cry less and it helps them sleep better. There are some studies that show their brain development is facilitated—probably because they are calmer and sleep better.
The newborn is coming out of a very restrictive environment, so anything that simulates that comforts them. Being touched or hearing a heartbeat is familiar because they heard it in the womb.
“In the aged especially the need for tactile stimulation is a hunger
which has so often remained unsatisfied that,
in their disappointment, its victims tend to become uncommunicative concerning their need for it.”
--From Dr. Ashley Montagu
Many babies and young children all over the world still grow up in environments where touch and emotional engagement are lacking. Many children who have not had ample physical and emotional attention are at higher risk for behavioral, emotional and social problems as they grow up.
We have known for a long time that skin-to-skin contact with babies is important for their development. Particularly in the newborn period, it helps calm babies: they cry less and it helps them sleep better. There are some studies that show their brain development is facilitated—probably because they are calmer and sleep better.
The newborn is coming out of a very restrictive environment, so anything that simulates that comforts them. Being touched or hearing a heartbeat is familiar because they heard it in the womb.
“In the aged especially the need for tactile stimulation is a hunger
which has so often remained unsatisfied that,
in their disappointment, its victims tend to become uncommunicative concerning their need for it.”
--From Dr. Ashley Montagu
＊What is good baby massage oil to use on your baby＊
skin allergy test
Test your baby skin for massage oil allergies- easy to do. You should always do this. Just be sure that these oils do not react badly on your baby. Apply a drop of oil you want to test to skin of your baby (1 drop of essential oil have to be mixed with 5ml of carrier oil) Don’t wash this area during the test. Waiting for 30 minutes, then look for signs of itching, redness or swelling. If after 30 minutes, there are none of these symptoms, it should be safe for your baby to use the oil.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on which oil is best for baby massage. Your decision about what to use also depends on your baby's skin. If your baby has eczema, it is better to use her medical emollient cream or ointment.
skin allergy test
Test your baby skin for massage oil allergies- easy to do. You should always do this. Just be sure that these oils do not react badly on your baby. Apply a drop of oil you want to test to skin of your baby (1 drop of essential oil have to be mixed with 5ml of carrier oil) Don’t wash this area during the test. Waiting for 30 minutes, then look for signs of itching, redness or swelling. If after 30 minutes, there are none of these symptoms, it should be safe for your baby to use the oil.
Everyone seems to have an opinion on which oil is best for baby massage. Your decision about what to use also depends on your baby's skin. If your baby has eczema, it is better to use her medical emollient cream or ointment.
A. Carrier oils
- Mineral oil is widely sold under well known brand names of baby oil. However, this oil is obtained from crude petroleum by heating in a method called functional distillation. Mineral oil coasts the skin with an impermeable layer that inhibits the skin’s natural ability to breathe. Although product manufacturers claim that this helps locks moisture in the skin, opponents of mineral oil caution that this film interferes with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins through sweat. Mineral oil can also block pores and cause acne, potentially leading to long-term scarring.
- Cold pressed Grapeseed oil can be bought but it is extremely expensive and difficult to source. It is odourless and suitable for all skin types. Heat extraction is used from the pips of the grapes, which affects the amount of nutrients. Adding a small amount of nutrient rich oils such as avocado can enhance its therapeutic properties.
- Sweet Almond Oil , It contains vitamin E with a high proportion of fatty acids. This makes it an excellent emollient, alleviating dry skin and may help to soothe itching and inflammation caused by eczema and dermatitis. The fear of nut allergies these days prevents many parents using this oil. As long as there are no nut allergies in your immediate family there is no reason why you cannot use nut oils.
- Jojoba Oil is a highly recommended type of essential oil that can be used for babies' skin care, especially if you want something that is mild and safe enough for them to use. In fact, several skin care or baby oil produced are based on jojoba oil for it naturally nourishes the infant's sensitive skin.
- Avocado Oil is mild, nourishing, semi-fatty oil, rich in lecithin and vitamins, including A, B and D. It is ideal for relieving itchy, dry and sensitive skin and works well blended with light oils such as sunflower oil.
- Coconut oil is one of the best choices in hot summer and humid climates. Coconut oil is an effective treatment for sensitive skin and problems like eczema, rashes, patchy skin, dermatitis and cradle cap. Applying a small amount of coconut oil after bath will moisturize your baby’s skin and keeps it supple.
B. Essential oils
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam.Dilution is very important for ALL essential oils. No matter what brand you use, what essential oil it is, or how much you are using, it is not safe to use ANY essential oil neat (without a carrier oil or some other dilution material). ALL essential oils should be diluted for use with babies and children.
Children love it when their bath water smells good. Lavender and Roman Chamomile are good choices for small children. It is best to add the essential oils to some milk or liquid soap before adding to the tub. Use 1-3 total drops per bath. Be sure to keep all bottles of essential oils away from children.
To introduce aromatherapy to babies place 2 drops of essential oil (Lavender or Roman Chamomile) on a tissue and keep it nearby when you are feeding him or her. He will come to associate the aroma with love and comfort. Use this scent at night to help him sleep. You can choose Dr. Cochard Pobébé Pampering Shower Gel and Pampering Body Lotion for your baby.
Rose is most commonly used for emotional balance and skin health, however throughout history rose oil uses have ranged from digestive to hormonal and almost anything in between, including immune, heart health, and more.
Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils are both good for baby. Frankincense could relax baby’s mood, and improve breath. Myrrh oil works well against coughs, colds, and sore throat. It also helps relieve congestion and expel phlegm.
An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils are generally extracted by distillation, often by using steam.Dilution is very important for ALL essential oils. No matter what brand you use, what essential oil it is, or how much you are using, it is not safe to use ANY essential oil neat (without a carrier oil or some other dilution material). ALL essential oils should be diluted for use with babies and children.
Children love it when their bath water smells good. Lavender and Roman Chamomile are good choices for small children. It is best to add the essential oils to some milk or liquid soap before adding to the tub. Use 1-3 total drops per bath. Be sure to keep all bottles of essential oils away from children.
To introduce aromatherapy to babies place 2 drops of essential oil (Lavender or Roman Chamomile) on a tissue and keep it nearby when you are feeding him or her. He will come to associate the aroma with love and comfort. Use this scent at night to help him sleep. You can choose Dr. Cochard Pobébé Pampering Shower Gel and Pampering Body Lotion for your baby.
Rose is most commonly used for emotional balance and skin health, however throughout history rose oil uses have ranged from digestive to hormonal and almost anything in between, including immune, heart health, and more.
Frankincense and Myrrh essential oils are both good for baby. Frankincense could relax baby’s mood, and improve breath. Myrrh oil works well against coughs, colds, and sore throat. It also helps relieve congestion and expel phlegm.
＊Simple baby massage＊
1. Let the child lie down , facing you , and then put oil on your hands and gently
rub his shoulders from the top down to the arms, chest , hip until legs for one minute.
2. Staying in the same posture, gently massage his back circularly for one minute.
3. Continue the massage to the bottom circularly. Let the child lie down for another direction , and repeat the above steps, rubbing the other side of the body.
4. If the child likes supine , gently rub his body top-down from the shoulders to the feet for about one or two minutes.
5. If your child likes to lie on the floor , or lie on your stomach, gently rub with your hands alternately from his back , shoulders top down to the caudal for one or two minutes.
“Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant.
Food as necessary as minerals, vitamins, and proteins.”
- From Dr. Frederick Laboyer
1. Let the child lie down , facing you , and then put oil on your hands and gently
rub his shoulders from the top down to the arms, chest , hip until legs for one minute.
2. Staying in the same posture, gently massage his back circularly for one minute.
3. Continue the massage to the bottom circularly. Let the child lie down for another direction , and repeat the above steps, rubbing the other side of the body.
4. If the child likes supine , gently rub his body top-down from the shoulders to the feet for about one or two minutes.
5. If your child likes to lie on the floor , or lie on your stomach, gently rub with your hands alternately from his back , shoulders top down to the caudal for one or two minutes.
“Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant.
Food as necessary as minerals, vitamins, and proteins.”
- From Dr. Frederick Laboyer