The Art of Infant Massage

Infant massage is a long-practiced art that originated in Africa. It is used by parents around the world as a way to bond with their newborns through a nonverbal communication process. Candice Selby, Certified Infant Massage Instructor, has provided us with some information on how infant massage enhances babies' emotional and physical health.

Benefits for baby:
- Promotes good circulation to limbs and brain
- Enhances digestion which leads to good gastrointestinal health; which means a stronger immune system
- Encourages relaxation and regular sleep patterns
- May relieve symptoms caused by colic
- Can reduce acid reflux

Basic massage tips:
- Ask your baby for permission to begin massage.
- Take off all baby's clothes during a massage.
- Use all-natural oil (ex. grape seed oil). Don't use mineral oil or  water-based lotion because they contain toxins and can be harmful and dehydrating for baby.
- Keep one hand on the baby's body at all times during the massage
- Massage your infant at any time, but most people enjoy incorporating it in their bedtime routine. (Suggested schedule: Bath, massage, feeding, bed)
- Give your infant hugs and kisses

Other recommendations:
- Incorporate music and song
- Use a yoga ball: Wrap the baby and hold him or her tight as you sit and bounce on the ball. (This is a great practice to calm babies when they seem inconsolable.)
- Introduce infant massage when your baby is 4 to 6 weeks old. A full body massage is inappropriate until the baby is 10 weeks or older.
- Wait 2 days after vaccinations to continue massaging your baby.
- Read The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp M.D. (This is a great book about your baby's emotional state and how to make him happy.)

At Tender Heart Infant Massage you can learn to massage your baby while in a class with other moms or in the privacy of your own home. For more information about infant massage classes, contact Candice Selby at 404-343-4769 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).