Joanne Bagshaw

There are so many great reasons to massage your baby. It can help foster bonding, prevent illnesses and help relieve common ailments, as well as provide physical and emotional benefits for both of you. By perfecting some simple baby massage techniques, you can keep yourself from running to the doctor for every minor condition that creeps up and enhance your attachment to one another.

Approximately 25 percent of babies experience colic — a condition that causes babies to cry inconsolably for at least three hours a day at least three days a week. Keep in mind that this is the minimum amount of crying for a diagnosis; some babies cry for hours on end with no apparent reason — they simply will not stop.

Bathing with your baby is a convenient way for you to mix play, skin-on-skin contact, warmth, and massage all at once. In this article, we show you how to do so in ways that are safe and enjoyable for both of you. Playing it safe Here are some tips to help you make bathing with your baby safe: Always check the water temperature before you bring your baby into the tub.

Many new parents, upon arriving home with their babies, are in awe of the responsibility of parenthood and — to be perfectly honest — terrified by it. If you know many couples who have had children, chances are you've heard at least a few of them admit to looking at each other after their homecoming and saying, "Now what?

Toddlers struggle to reconcile their need for autonomy with their need for their parents' help and guidance. One of the many ways that kids in this age group express their autonomy is by saying no. Sometimes toddlers say no to everything, even things that you know they want. You may find that your toddler says he doesn't want a bowl of cereal, for example, only to turn around and demand that same bowl a few seconds later.

You don’t need fancy equipment, a special room, or lots of free time to give your baby a great massage. Let’s face it. Moms are busy people. Here are just a few ideas for good times to massage your baby: Work massage into your daily routine: Give a massage before or after your baby’s nap. Give a massage before or after your baby’s bath.

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.

Bonding with your baby is very important to his development. You can improve your bond with your baby through physical contact — not just massage. Here are just a few suggestions to get you thinking: Breastfeed your baby. Co-sleep with your baby. Wear your baby in a sling. Hold and cuddle your baby frequently.

Most babies experience mild ailments, such as constipation or congestion. Baby massage is a great way to provide relief for your little one from these common developmental milestones. There are several physical ailments whose symptoms can be improved with massage, such as the following: Teething Colic Eczema Dry skin Cradle cap Constipation Chest and sinus congestion When you find yourself wondering what you can do to help your little one feel better in times of discomfort, keep in mind that your hands may hold the cure!