Baby massage has so many great benefits — including on the person giving the massage! Following are just some of the ways that massage can promote a baby’s health and development:
Massage strengthens a baby’s immune system.
It reduces stress (including for the caregiver).
It stimulates the baby.
It increases sensory awareness.
It stimulates digestion.
It relaxes fussy babies (and nervous parents).
It promotes growth and weight gain in premature babies.
It stimulates neurological development.
For a new mom, it can prevent or help alleviate postpartum depression.