Baby massage is an important practice to support your baby's growth and development. The benefits of baby massage are not only for physical health but brain to motor development. However, please note that baby massage is not a traditional massage, moms. So, we will review more fully what are the benefits of baby massage.
How old can babies be massaged?
According to the Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), for full-term babies, it is actually as soon as possible after the baby is stable. For less-month-old babies, it must first be checked by a health professional whether or not they can be given a baby massage.
In other words, babies can start getting massages once they reach around 1 month of age. At this age, babies are strong enough and their physical development is more stable, so gentle massage can be done safely.
Benefits of Baby Massage
Baby massage is a beneficial activity to improve the health and well-being of your little one. In fact, massaging a baby can stimulate the baby's central nervous system which can make the brain produce more serotonin. This can make your little one comfortable, feel relaxed and help reduce the stress hormone or cortisol.
In addition, massaging your baby also has a myriad of benefits. Here are 10 benefits of baby massage that Moms should know:
1. Promotes Emotional Bonding
Massaging your baby is not just good for their health. Baby massage helps strengthen the emotional bond between Moms and baby. The gentle touch and attention given during the massage creates intimacy and a sense of security for the baby.
2. Improves Sleep Quality
Massage can help babies feel more relaxed and calm, which in turn can improve sleep. Babies who are regularly massaged tend to sleep better and longer.
3. Promotes Growth and Development
Massage can stimulate the baby's nervous system which helps improve blood circulation and provide better nutrition throughout the body. This contributes to optimal growth and development for baby moms.
4. Reduces Colic and Constipation
Abdominal massage can help reduce gas and colic in babies. The gentle massage movements help stimulate the digestive system and ease the discomfort caused by constipation.
5. Improves Blood Circulation
Massage helps improve blood flow throughout the baby's body. Good circulation is important for skin health, organ growth, and overall body function.
6. Boosts the Immune System
Infant massage can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are an important component of the immune system. With a strong immune system, babies are more resistant to illness.
7. Stimulates Motor Development
Massages help stimulate the baby's muscles and joints that support motor development. Babies who are massaged frequently tend to have better coordination and muscle strength.
8. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Massage has a calming effect that can help reduce stress and anxiety in babies. The gentle touch and attention given during the massage helps the baby feel more secure and comfortable.
9. Improves Hormonal Balance
Routine baby massage can also increase the production of hormones such as oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin. So that it can help maintain hormonal balance in the body.
10. Improves Brain Growth
An unexpected benefit of baby massage is that it helps improve the baby's brain development. The reason is, massaging babies can stimulate new brain cells that are needed in the growth and development of your little one.
The Right and Proper Way to Massage a Baby
Baby massage is an effective way to bond with your baby and provide various health benefits. However, it is important to perform the massage correctly and appropriately so that the baby feels comfortable and gets the maximum benefits. Here is a guide on how to massage your baby properly:
- Use a gentle and safe baby oil or lotion.
- Perform the massage in a warm and quiet place.
- Use gentle movements and avoid too much pressure.
- Watch the baby's response during the massage and stop if the baby looks uncomfortable.
- Consult a healthcare professional or take baby massage training to learn proper massage techniques.
- By regularly massaging your baby, you will not only help your baby's physical and emotional health, but also build a strong and loving bond with your little one.
Those are the benefits of baby massage and how to massage your baby properly. If you are still hesitant to massage your baby yourself, you can ask for help from professionals to massage your little one. Nowadays many services provide professional baby massage.
During the baby massage, make sure your little one uses comfortable diapers such as MAKUKU SAP Diapers which are thinner and have maximum absorption. MAKUKU SAP Diapers have many variants you can choose according to your needs. (Aq/MKK)
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