Have you ever gotten a massage? For those of you who haven’t, you have no idea what you are missing. A good massage will relieve the tension you have built up from stress at work, home and life in general. After receiving a massage, you generally feel relaxed and at ease with the world. Similarly, when a baby receives a massage, they receive many of the same benefits we do as an adult. And, if your baby is suffering from colic, the benefits of infant massage therapy will also help stop baby colic before it starts.

Infant Massage Relieves Stress

Researchers believe one reason a baby suffers from colic is because of sensory overload. Your baby might simply be over stimulated during the course a day. Being exposed to so many different sights and sounds “stresses” your baby out. Their way of dealing with the stress is to cry. Infant massage can significantly reduce this stress.

When you massage your baby, you reduce the levels of cortisol. Cortisol is known as the “the stress hormone” because it is the hormone secreted in higher levels when your baby’s body is in the “fight or flight” response brought on by stress. By reducing the cortisol levels, you reduce the stress of your baby, and everyone is happier!

Infant Massage Aids in Digestion

Another reason colicky babies cry is from discomfort brought on by gas. The gas can either be from intolerance to formula or breast milk. Or, the gas could be from swallowing too much air while crying or through feeding.

Research has shown that infant massage improves the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Babies who receive massages show enhanced secretion of digestive hormones that make their digestive system more efficient. Colicky babies may have less trouble with gas as a result of daily massage.

Additionally, by incorporating the correct massage of the abdomen, small amounts of gas trapped between other substances can be moved along through the colon and eliminated.  If these small amounts of gas buildup can be consistently eliminated, your baby’s colic episodes, too, can be significantly reduced.

If you are interested in learning how to properly expel gas from your baby's tummy, check out the Baby Fart Aerobics DVD.

Infant Massage Helps Baby Sleep Deeper and Sounder

Researchers agree that infant massage therapy appears to aid some infants to sleep for longer periods of time and in a deeper state of sleep following massage. The massage relieves tension and soothes the nervous system resulting in much improved quality of sleep for your baby and more peace of mind for mom and dad.

Tips for Infant Massage

• Massage baby in warm, quiet, comfortable room
• Place blanket on floor, padded table, or bed
• Don’t be in a hurry
• Play soothing music or a white noise cd
• Massage babies with colic in late afternoon before colic normally starts
  

Choose the right massage oil

Infant massage instructors stress the importance of using fruit or vegetable oil with no fragrance added.

Learn the correct massage method

Babies are fragile. It is extremely important to use the correct method when massaging your baby. Check out these great resources on the proper way to massage a baby click here.

Or check out the Baby Fart Aerobics DVD.