Contents:
- Medical Video: Tummy time exercises for your baby
- Benefits of baby massage
- 1. Build an inner bond between parents and babies
- 2. Helps baby relax more
- 3. Babies sleep more soundly
- 4. Training the sensitivity of nerves and senses of the baby's touch
- 5. Supports baby's brain growth
- 6. Increase parental confidence
- 7. Relieves postpartum depression
Medical Video: Tummy time exercises for your baby
Babies first learn to communicate through the touch of their parents. So, even though it's still very small, babies can enjoy and interpret the massage you give. Baby massage is indeed a new trend lately. However, baby massage is not just a trend. Massaging the baby is proven to be able to bring various benefits for you and your baby. Immediately see the various benefits of baby massage that should not be missed below.
Benefits of baby massage
Currently there are many baby massage services available, especially in big cities. Usually baby massage is offered along with baby spas. However, research has shown that it is best for parents to do their own massage. So, you don't need to take the baby to the spa or baby massage. Because, massaging the baby is also good for you.
1. Build an inner bond between parents and babies
Since birth, your baby has learned to know you and your partner. Newborns cannot recognize their parents through faces, but through your voice and touch. So, your gentle and intimate touch will help your baby build trust and positive feelings about you. He will also feel more comfortable and calm when together with you. You yourself will also learn to get to know the baby more closely.
When massaging it, you can observe its various expressions, its reaction to your touch and massage, and learn what your baby likes or doesn't like.
2. Helps baby relax more
If a crying baby can be comforted only with your arms or arms, imagine if you massage it for a few minutes. Massaging the baby will improve blood circulation and increase the levels of the hormone oxytocin. This will make it more relaxed and happy. If your baby is fussy and easily agitated, baby massage can be the solution. Baby massage can also reduce pain or discomfort if the baby has digestive problems or when his teeth will grow.
3. Babies sleep more soundly
Because his body relaxes, your baby will sleep more easily at night. With a good night's sleep, the baby will sleep all night, without having to wake up at 2am and crying. So, if your baby often wakes up in the middle of the night and cries, you can try massaging it in the afternoon. That way, when it's time to sleep your baby is ready and not fussy anymore.
4. Training the sensitivity of nerves and senses of the baby's touch
Through a gentle and rhythmic touch, the baby will receive positive stimulation for the nerves and senses that are not yet perfect. He will learn to distinguish which touches are too big and which ones are right. Your massage will also stimulate the activity of baby's nerves so that the various nerves will develop faster. In addition, the baby's muscles will also be more flexible and strong.
5. Supports baby's brain growth
Without realizing it, the benefits of baby massage are also felt by the baby's brain. New experiences will stimulate the birth of new brain cells needed for the growth and development of the brain. Through baby massage, he will learn new things. Starting from variations in your touch, the aroma of massage oil, to your communication with it. The stimulation will also produce myelin, a substance in the brain responsible for regulating nerve impulses related to motor and sensory abilities.
6. Increase parental confidence
Many parents feel overwhelmed, scared, and overly anxious after the birth of a baby. Having a baby is indeed a thrilling experience, but it is also full of warmth and love. By massaging the baby, you will be more calm and confident in facing the baby. Because, this activity helps you realize that you can control various situations that arise when together with a baby. No need to feel overwhelmed or anxious when facing your baby.
7. Relieves postpartum depression
For women who experience postpartum depression, the benefits of baby massage are good for your mood and mind. When you massage your baby, you will also feel relaxed. This triggers the production of the hormone oxytocin which makes you feel more positive. Interacting intently with the baby is also effective in improving your mood. If so far people who suffer from postpartum depression can only see their babies as stressors, spending quality time along with baby massage will help change that mindset.
