Benefits of massage for your baby

SECURITY
Positive physical contact between a
parent and child makes the baby
feel loved and valued.This feeling
allows her self-esteem and selfconfidence
to develop.
❖ GENERALWELL-BEING
Research shows that babies who
are touched lovingly become ill
and cry less often than those who
are not. Massage can improve
circulation and also boost the
immune system, as it helps to
move lymph fluid around the body,
which clears harmful substances
from the body. Massage may relieve
pain and the symptoms of some
ailments. It promotes relaxation
and can help soothe a crying infant.
❖ PHYSICAL GROWTH
Massage promotes physical selfawareness,
tones muscles and
makes joints more flexible. In this
way it is especially beneficial for
premature babies (see pages 62–65),
those with low birth-weight and
children with special needs (see
pages 56–59).
❖ SOCIAL SKILLS
Touching your baby teaches her
about communication. Massage
helps you establish a non-verbal communication with your child
that enhances your early relationship
with her, and therefore builds her
self-esteem and sociability.