Sharing feelings of touch is something we often do naturally with babies and children through loving hugs or soothing rubs after they hurt themselves. Extending this instinctive touch with a body massage is a great way to bond and has enormous physical and psychological benefits for both you and your child.
Massage improves a child’s immune system making them less likely to fall sick. It also helps to regulate digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems; relieves discomfort from gas and colic, congestion, and teething; and decreases production of stress hormones. Studies have shown that children who receive massage are more sociable, co-operative, happier and less likely to be aggressive.
The calming effects of the massage will assist your baby and child to get a sound night’s sleep and wake up refreshed. For babies massage can help establish and maintain their sleep pattern and assist with their development. For older children, a deep sleep after massage greatly increases their ability to concentrate and participate fully in school work and other social activities. Any parent who has experienced sleepless nights from restless babies and children will invest the time in giving a massage and then gladly welcome the opportunity to relax as the little ones sleep soundly!
The benefits of massage are also felt by the giver as well as the receiver. Giving a massage can be a relaxing time for parents and is stress relieving as we calm ourselves to offer soothing touch. The bonding that occurs between a parent and child during this time will allow for a much more fulfilling relationship. This is especially important as children grow and need opportunities to confide in their caregivers and share their thoughts and feelings.
The additional benefit for parents who give their children regular massage is that pretty soon they are sure to want to return the favour and try out their skills on you. If you have never had a back and shoulder rub by a five year old, let me tell you it’s one of the best!
Massage can be given to babies from the newborn stage although you will need to keep it at a short 5 minutes to avoid over-stimulating their delicate system. Premature babies also benefit enormously from massage and studies have shown that it assists their weight gain and helps them leave hospital faster. Massage can be continued for children of all ages and then the timing for the massage is then really up to you and your child – if they start to fidget or want to stop then do not prolong the session – their ability to be still and relax will improve with each treatment.
No special experience is needed for baby or child massage although you may feel more comfortable by reading a guide book first or attending a session with a local therapist who can guide you in techniques. A simple visual guide that I like can be found online on the Raising Children Network.
The basic outline for a massage session is as follows:
- To conduct a session of massage, choose a quiet time when you can relax. An ideal time is after an evening bath when the child is clean, comfortable and winding down for sleep.
- Use a vegetable based oil such as sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil. Baby oil is not recommended as this is a mineral oil and clogs pores.
- Ensure your baby or child is well covered and warm. Uncover one body part at a time and rub a little oil into the skin and softly stroke the entire area.
- With a gentle touch you can use your fingers, thumbs and palms to glide across the muscles. You will want to be soft and rhythmic in your movements and be mindful not to apply too much pressure. Watch your baby for feedback and any signs of discomfort. Ask older children to give you verbal feedback on the pressure and speed.
- The main flow of the massage should be in the direction of the heart.
- Never work directly on the spine or on any recent injures or operations.
- Above all enjoy it and make it fun!
Massage for children is certainly a wonderful thing and it is my hope that many parents will take this up on a regular basis for the health and wellbeing of their children. Parents also benefit greatly from swapping massage sessions regularly with each other and going to see a professional therapist when they can. Happy massaging!
More information on massage for babies and children can be found on website of The International Association for Infant Massage
In Dominica baby massage is taught by Sari Giraud-Sabetian in a half-hour session and includes a small bottle of massage oil. For more information visit: http://www.dominica.dm/site/healthandwellnessdetail.cfm?entityid=6
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