Carrie Loeffler, PT, DPT, PCS, pediatric physical therapist, Parkview Health, talks about the benefits of pediatric infant massage.
Establish a goal
The first thing you always want to think about when massaging your baby is what you hope to achieve. It can be as simple as having fun with your baby, or as specific as supporting development or other therapy services they are receiving. No matter what, massage helps your little one become familiar with human touch.
Watch our video with infant massage techniques here!
Benefits of infant massage
Purposeful movement
Babies are born with infantile reflexes. As they learn more about where their body is and flood their brain with information about their body parts, it helps reduce those reflexes and they can start purposeful movement. It seems silly to us, but babies don't know where their body parts are, so we have to kind of educate them on that.
Digestion
If a baby's stomach isn't happy, no one close by is going to be very happy, so digestion is very important! There are specific strokes that support infant digestion. Parents can try different techniques and see what works best for their little one.
Therapy support
If your baby is going to physical therapy, practicing infant massage between the PT sessions can really help the child tolerate the therapy and understand how movement works.
Infant massage is such a good bonding experience for all involved! Take as much or as little time as you and your baby like. And know that there is no perfect way. Think of it as a conversation between you and your little one.
Watch our video with infant massage techniques here!
Learn more about Parkview Pediatric Therapy Services by visiting us here.
