What Is Infant Massage?

What is Infant Massage?

by: Jasmine Reed

One of the many responsibilities as a parent, is to ensure your children grow up in a secure and nurturing environment. That can look different for each family depending on their circumstances and resources, but may include things such as: using positive and uplifting language, showing affection with hugs or acts of kindness, etching out quality time, etc. With the internet at our finger tips, there’s so many creative ways to curate that type of environment for your little one, and we have another one we think you should add to your list; Infant Massage.

That’s right! The babies need their weekly appointments, too! As described on infantmassagewinc.com, “Infant massage is a step beyond cuddling and may be a fun way to provide an emotional and physical link between parent and infant. It’s a way to communicate and convey affection and a sense of security.” Developed by the International Association of Infant Massage, Inc. (IAIMI) in the 1970’s, infant massage has expanded beyond the US and is practiced worldwide with 20,000+ Certified Infant Massage Instructors (CIMI). Fun Fact: Vinehouse Nursery Director and Owner, Khiari McAlpin, is a CIMI! How cool is that?

Using traditional gentle massage strokes such as kneading and squeezing, there’s a unique bond that’s created between the parent and infant during the experience. As explained on infantmassagewinc.com, when it comes to the teaching of Infant massage, instructors aren’t hands-on. Instead, they use a doll to demonstrate and then encourage the caregiver or parent to be the hands-on one. That way, the bond between infant and parent mentioned earlier, is maintained through smell, sound and touch. 

Of course, there are various benefits to daily 15-minute massages for your little one. As stated on infantmassagewinc.com, those benefits include: relief from daily stress or discomfort from constipation, trapped gas or teething, increased circulation, relaxation, aid the digestive and respiratory systems, and relieve muscle tension. It’s also a great way to get other family members, such as grandparents and siblings, involved and allow them to enjoy spending time with the baby as well. 

There’s so much information about Infant massage than we’re able to put in one blog post, so be sure to visit infantmassagewinc.com to learn more. Here’s to learning new ways to love on your little one each day! 😊