What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Massage?
Touch is an important way to soothe and comfort your child. According to Kids Health, your touch can help promote healthy growth and development. Pediatric massage is one way to provide skin-to-skin contact. Your gentle hands have the power to foster a bond between you and your child. Learning the benefits of pediatric massage will help learn what you need to know to get started.
Comfort
Your touch has the power to comfort your child. Massaging your child will send the message that he is loved and cared for, writes Mary Ady, author of "An Infant Massage Guidebook: For Well, Premature, and Special Needs Babies." When your child is upset or fussy, you can give him a gentle massage to help calm and soothe him. Ady adds that pediatric massage teaches your child that your touch signals a time to relax so he is able to return to a state of happiness.
Enhanced Social Skills
Pediatric massage offers your baby a wide range of social benefits, says Ady. Children who receive regular pediatric massages are more likely to interact with other children and are less likely to behave violently or aggressively. Ady adds that children who receive massages from their parents are more likely to be cooperative and compassionate towards others.
Health Benefits
According to Vimala Schneider McClure, author of "Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents," children who experience pediatric massage may have health improvements. Massage can encourage weight gain among babies who have a difficult time gaining weight and can also improve immune function, resulting in fewer instances of illness. Children with asthma can experience improvements in breathing function with regular pediatric massage. McClure goes on to say that children who have trouble sleeping can achieve longer and sounder sleep patterns with pediatric massage.
Bond With Your Baby
Your child will respond to your touch, smell and the feel of your hands on her skin, says Kids Health. Ady adds that your child will make more direct eye contact with you, which will promote the attachment she has to you. While you massage your child, you will have the opportunity to communicate directly with her as another way to foster your bond.
