If you have a chance to take an infant massage class, I recommend it! After the birth of my youngest, I did. It was convenient; a neighbor was teaching it in her home as part of completing a professional certificate. It was also important; it made sure that I made time to focus wholly, solely on Sam. With two other children at home, I found that wasn’t as easy as it had been with the others! 

We attended several sessions and applied what we learned at home. Massage became a part of our nightly bedtime routine, and I noticed that Sam wasn’t the only one relaxing during his infant massage. I was, too. Our experience has been wholly positive, and I have recommended such courses to others. 

Why is infant massage great?
Infant massage has benefits for both the baby and the caregiver. Angela Sinclair conveniently classifies these into four categories: 

• Relaxation – Massage helps both the infant and the caregiver to relax.
• Relief – It can help ease babies’ gas pains or muscle discomfort.
• Stimulation – It can help stimulate any of several body systems, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and digestive.
• Interaction – It can lead to improved bonding and understanding.

Although Sinclair does not use the word “communication” specifically, it seems particularly suitable, too. Infant massage is based on the parent’s reading of the infant’s needs and responses. For example, if the baby seems to dislike a particular stroke during a massage session, the parent should stop that stroke and move on to another. In this way, it encourages the parent to be attuned to the infant’s verbal and non-verbal cues. Another way that communication is supported is that caregivers are often encouraged to talk to their infants during the massage. 

How do I learn it?
The truth of the matter is, you don’t actually need to take a class in order to do infant massage. There are many books and videos available on the topic, as well as several good web sites. 

In fact, you don’t even need to follow a particular infant massage program.

What do I need?
Here are the essential elements: commitment, time, a comfortable environment, and flexibility. You’ll also want a nice oil; the experts tend to recommend almond or grapeseed oil, as these are absorbed nicely.

Infant massage works best when it becomes part of the baby’s routine. Your baby will look forward to the massage and the attention in the same way that you do. (I am reminded of a friend’s toddler son who took it upon himself to bring his mother the bottle of massage oil each evening after his bath!) You’ll probably want to commit a period of time each day to the massage.

You’ll want to make sure that the environment is comfortable for your baby.

• Consider dimming the lights. You want to be able to see what you are doing, but you probably don’t want a bright light or sunlight in your baby’s face.
• Make sure the room is warm enough, since your baby will be naked or clad in just a diaper.
• Place him or her on a soft surface, perhaps a towel or a blanket. (Make it a thick blanket if you opt for a naked baby and are concerned about peeing.)
  

As I recall, the style of massage that I learned started with the infant’s legs and feet, then moved to the tummy and chest, arms and hands, face, and back. It described a series of slow strokes for each body part before moving on to the next area. Another style suggests beginning with the infant’s face. 

Since an infant may be uncomfortable with any of those strokes during the massage session, the caregiver must be able to read the baby’s cues and know when to move on. Flexibility is not only important during each session, but across sessions, too. After all, the infant’s preferences may change over time. 

It’s not just for babies!
Many infant massage courses seem to suggest birth to 18 months as being the optimal time for beginning infant massage. However, I know of one mother who began massaging her adopted son when he came into her care as a toddler. 

It’s not just for mothers!
There’s no reason I can think of that mothers should reap all of the benefits of infant massage. Fathers who want to enhance their bond with their infants, those who feel like they need some direction in handling their young babies, and those who just want to be involved with their children would benefit from engaging in infant massage, too. Infant massage is a great way for dads to learn how to communicate with their babies from the earliest days.

The bottom line
Both infants and caregivers benefit from massage, and readers are encouraged to learn more about it. A formal course may provide welcome guidance, but it is not necessary (after all, my older two children have always responded to my unguided backrubs and footrubs). What is necessary is that parents become accustomed to soothing their children through touch that is gentle and loving. 

Just remember: Handle with care. Each stroke touches body and heart.