Infant massage is an ancient practice that has been used in many cultures to increase children and parents well being. In this article, we will explore how childcare workers can support families with valuable knowledge about Infant Massage and how families can benefit from incorporating it in their routine. Childcare educators work closely with young children and their families and it is important that they are able to provide guidance with correct information.
Infant Massage therapy uses different massage techniques such as Indian massage, Swedish massage and Reflexology. Providing daily massages has many benefits for the health, physical and mental wellbeing of babies and children. It is a great way for new parents to bond with their child and increase their confidence.
INFANT MASSAGE TECHNIQUES
The Infant Massage therapy uses different massage techniques:
Indian massage: This technique uses long and gentle strokes moving away from the body and following the hair growth. Indian strokes promote deep relaxation and increase blood circulation in babies and young children. This gentle massage can be performed as long as the child is happy with it.
Swedish massage: This technique uses gentle and rhythmic strokes going towards the midline and against the hair growth. It increases lymphatic circulation but can be too stimulating for babies. It is recommended to execute a small amount strokes (about 3).
Reflexology: Reflexology is a technique that aims to apply pressure onto significant areas of the feet that are believed to be linked to different organs of the body. Reflexology is used to relieve blockage and discomfort such as tummy pain, congestion and more.
https://mumsgrapevine.com.au/2023/03/baby-reflexology/
THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY IN BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN
From the infant stage to preschoolers, children benefit from massage therapy in many ways. Below are some of the benefits of massaging young children.
Physical benefits:
Vagal Stimulation: Massaging with gentle pressure helps stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a major role in children's physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.
What is the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve is a vital cranial nerve responsible for the transmission of information between the brain and body organs such as muscles, heart, digestive system, sensory and motor functions. Appropriate stimulation of the vagus nerve through massaging can help with children's mood regulation, easy digestion, breathing control, sensory functions such as taste and skin sensations. The vagus nerve also stimulates and regulates muscle reflexes and improves the immune system.
Relieving constipation, Gas and Colic pain: Massaging infants can help relieve pain and discomfort such as gas and colic when performing the right technique. It also promotes a healthy digestive system. Increase of blood circulation: Massages help to improve the blood circulation and oxygen around organs. Massages help stimulate the growth and development of infants, including increasing their body weight.
Emotional and social benefits:
Massage therapy supports Infants and young childrens sense of well being. It helps them connect to their parents and/or primary care givers and build trust within their close circle. Massage can help children regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety. When massaging is incorporated in a daily routine, it helps children learn communication and social skills. Through massaging, children will become familiar with their anatomy and will learn to communicate their preferences through verbal and non-verbal cues.
Appropriate touch awareness:
Baby massage therapy plays an important role in teaching appropriate touch to young children. Prior to giving a relaxing massage to a child, it is important to perform the permission sequence and listen to the cues of the child before proceeding with the massage. Babies will learn to recognise cues and will be able to tell if they want the massage or not. It is important that parents respect their child's choice.
Communication and Permission Sequence:
The permission sequence will help parents determine if it is the right time to give a massage to their child. It is important to look for positive cues such as a relaxed and smiling child as well as paying attention to negative cues such as becoming clingy, moving around, crying or saying no. To perform the permission sequence parents should lay their child on their back on a soft surface and comfortably sit in front of them. While keeping eye-contact, rub your hands in
front of your child, then place them in front of them. Using a soft and calm voice tone, ask: “Would you like a massage now?”. Make sure to wait for your child's response cues before proceeding with the massage.
THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY FOR PARENTS AND CARE GIVERS
Massage Therapy enhances relationships between parents and children. One of the main benefits for parents who incorporate massage into their child's routine is the development of a strong and deep connection with their child. It can sometimes be challenging for new parents to learn to connect with their baby. By massaging their child everyday, parents will learn to connect with their child, learn about what they like and dislike and will be able to understand them better.
Increases parents confidence and wellbeing: By learning how to effectively provide a massage to their child, parents will become more confident in their ability to care for and help overcome their child's discomfort. This will help parents feel more at ease and help reduce their anxiety.
HOW TO INCORPORATE MASSAGE THERAPY INTO A DAILY ROUTINE
Incorporating massage therapy into an infant and young child's routine can be an amazing way to promote relaxation and bonding.
Time management
When providing massage to babies and children it is important to be aware of the right timing to do so. Make sure that you allow enough time for yourself to relax and enjoy the moment without having to rush the experience with your child. Massage can be done at any time of the day but for infant it is recommended to do it during their “quiet alert” phase. This phase usually happens when a child just woke up or just had a feed and is laying still and relaxed. The massage should last as long as the baby or child is showing positive cues. If a child is showing negative cues after a certain area was touched, then parents should try a different
area and if negative cues persist then stop the massage and try again next time.
Because we are using massaging oils, the massage should not take place just before bath time as the oil could cause the baby to slip out of parents hands.
If a baby or child is hungry or over tired, they probably won't enjoy having a massage and respond with negative cues.
Lastly, be consistent in your massage routine. The more consistent you are with timing, the better your child will be able to learn and respond to cues. The experience will become more enjoyable for both children and parents.
Choose a calm and comfortable environment
The environment in which the massage takes place is important to make sure that children and parents are comfortable. A quiet and warm space with low light will be preferable to avoid too much stimulation or distraction for babies and children.
It is encouraged for both parents to take part into the massage routine. One parent could be massaging one part of the body first and the other parents an other part right after, or swap days. This way, babies and children get to bond with both parents and share the experience as a family. Parents will also get to learn from each other.
Choosing the right oils
Before applying an oil that has never been tested, make sure to test patch it on a small area and wait for 24 hours to see if there is any reaction. Parents can use their usual moisturiser until they find the right oil. Cold pressed and organic fruit, nut or seed oil are preferred as they are healthier for the skin. Avoid using mineral oils as they are derived from petroleum and more likely to cause allergic reaction and skin irritation. These cold-pressed and organic Sesame, Almond and Apricot baby oils can be found on the Infant Massage Information Service website at: https://www.babymassage.net.au/store/baby-massage-oils
HOW CHILD CARE EDUCATORS CAN GUIDE FAMILIES WITH THEIR KNOWLEDGE
Professional guidance for families
There are many different massage techniques and sequences that can be learnt from relevant professionals. Parents should be referred to a Certified Infant Massage Instructor or health care professional for personalised guidance.
Child care workers are not authorised to teach parents how to provide massage on their babies if they are not certified instructors. Child care workers are not authorised to give massage to babies and children in their care for safety reasons. It is important that the massage is provided by the parent or gaurdian only.
When to refer parents to a Certified Infant Massage Instructor
Educators are welcome to discuss with parents and share thoughts about the benefits of massage on children. Educators should not tell parents what to do or not to do, but rather guide them towards an Infant massage professional or healthcare worker.
Some situations in which massage therapy could be referred to families would be:
Parents showing interest and asking for guidance or advice about massaging their child.
Parents being aware of their child's developmental delay and asking for guidance.
Parents with premature children or underweight children looking for advice.
Parents experiencing difficulties with bonding with their child.
Parents telling you that their child is experiencing tummy pain, gas, constipation or colic.
Parents with children experiencing sleep issues or struggling with relaxing.
Parents feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions for Early Childhood Educators
Is it possible to hurt a baby while doing a massage?
Yes it is possible to hurt a baby or child if the massage technique is not done correctly. This is the reason why educators should refer parents to a professional. It is important to be mindful of the child's age, health condition, weight and developmental stage to provide an appropriate massage. The child's safety is the priority and it is necessary to correctly interrpret and respond to children's cues when providing a massage. Poor massage technique can result in physical pain, strains, tissue injuries, bruises and more.
At what age can babies receive massages?
Newborn and premature infants can benefit from touch therapy from the moment they are born. Infant massage doesn't only cover massage therapy but also touch therapy such as kangaroo care. The technique uses to sooth a premature infant or newborn will be different from the technique used to massage a toddler or preschooler. A professional will be able to guide parents towards the more appropriate technique for their child. It is very important that a baby is medically cleared before introducing massage therapy.
When should babies and children not receive massages?
It is important that parents discuss with an infant massage professional or healthcare professional to check that massage therapy is appropriate for their child. Some contraindications may include:
Skin inflammation
Open wounds
Recent surgery
Fever
Sickness
Some mental and/or physical disabilities
Undiagnosed lumps and more...
How long for and how often should babies and children receive massage?
It is parents choice to decide how often they want to give massage to their child. Allowing time for a daily massage will help children build comfort and trust with parents and get used to a routine. The massage does not have to be long, it is important to follow children's cues to stop the massage when they have enough. A baby/child massage could last only 2 minutes or it could last 15 minutes if this is what the child wants. It is important to base the duration of the massage on the child's cues rather than a set number of minutes.
How can we give massage to very active toddlers and pre-schoolers?
It can sometimes be challenging to initiate massage time with active children who just want to run around. Some ideas for toddlers and pre-schoolers would be to have massage as a play time, singing songs and drawing on your child's back while having him/her guess what you are drawing; doing the pizza and weather massage can encourage children to calm down after a big day of play. Massage with pre-schoolers can be well received after an active day at day care or at the park, allowing them to relax and bond with parents before sleep time.
Why is it inappropriate for educators not massage children in their care?
There are many reasons why educators should not massage children in their care. Massage is meant to build trust, comfort, and attachment between the child and their parents or guardian. Educators should focus on building trust through techniques such as communication, reassurance and play, but not through touch and intimacy.
Educators are not family members, it is important to remain professional with children and families. Some parents may not be comfortable with having educators touch or massage their child for cultural or personal reasons.
It is also important that educators protect themselves, if they were to provide a massage and hurt a child, they could be legally liable and the consequences of this are signficant. Educators are not qualified massage instructors and do not hold the knowledge intended to provide the correct massage techniques.
LINK TO THE EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK (EYLF)
Infant Massage therapy links to the Early Years Learning Framework through its Principles, Practices and Learning Outcomes.
Link to the EYLF Principles: Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships
Link to the EYLF Practices: Holistic approach
Link to EYLF Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcome 1 - Children have a strong sense of identity -
1.1. Children feel safe, secure and supported
Learning Outcome 3 - Children have a strong sense of wellbeing -
3.1. Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing
Learning Outcome 5 - Children are effective communicators -
5.1. Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
RESEARCH
The links below provide access to some helpful research on paediatric massage practice from the National Library of Medicine:
Paediatric Massage Therapy Research: A Narrative Review: This research covers the effects of massage therapy on children of diverse age, from preterm-babies to teenagers. It also covers aspects
such as effects on gastrointestinal problems, attention disorder, chronic illnesses and more.
Clinical Efficacy of Infantile Massage in the Treatment of Infant Functional Constipation: A Meta-Analysis
The effectiveness of mother-led infant massage on symptoms of maternal postnatal depression: A systematic review
Effectiveness of infant massage on babies growth, mother-baby attachment and mothers; self-confidence: A randomized controlled trial
The Effectiveness of Baby Massage in Increasing Infant'S Body Weight
CONCLUSION
Massage therapy is a powerful way to increase infant, children and parents confidence and wellbeing. Incorporating massage into a daily routine,will enhance children's physical, social and emotional health and promote the development of a strong emotional bond between children and parents or their primary care givers.
Infant massage includes different massage techniques that need to be correctly applied on children to avoid discomfort and injuries. Children's consent, cues and opinion must be parents primary consideration when providing massage to their child.
Child care workers can play an important role in guiding families who could benefit from learning massage therapy from a Certified Infant Massage Instructor. As educators, their role is to respond to families; questions and doubts and provide guidance towards the relevant professionals.
References:
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Blog babymassage.net.au. Archive posted November 14, 2023. https://www.babymassage.net.au/blog/november-2023/infant-massage-for-early-childhood-educators
(Accessed 19/05/2024)
The Effectiveness of Baby Massage in Increasing Infan's Body Weight: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9309640/
(Accessed 10/05/2024)
Rebecca Mrljak , Ann Arnsteg Danielsson , Gerth Hedov , and Pernilla Garmy, (2022). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9179989/
(Accessed 20/05/2024)
Cleveland Clinic – Vagus Nerve, Last reviewed 01/11/2022. Available at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22279-vagus-nerve
(Accessed April 2024)
Children (Basel). 2019 Jun, available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6617372/
(Accessed May 2024)
Baby massage: an overview, Written by Diane Rai, Medically reviewed by Dr Saroja Balan , Paediatrician and Neonatologist: https://www.babycenter.in/a1042915/baby-massage-an-overview
(Accessed May 2024)
Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, ACECQA. (2022) Available at: https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2018-02/belonging_being_and_becoming_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf
Anita (03/2023): How to use reflexology to calm an upset baby https://mumsgrapevine.com.au/2023/03/baby-reflexology/
(Accessed May 2024)
Loredana Tomasello, (2019) Licensed Massage Therapist & Birth and Postpartum Doula: https://www.mgpl.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/Guide%20To%20Infant%20Foot%20Reflexology.pdf
(Accessed May 2024)
healthychildren.org, (2009) - available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/States-of-Consciousness-in-Newborns.aspx
Catherine McDowell, (2017) viewed on physicaltherapy.com. Available at: https://www.physicaltherapy.com/ask-the-experts/infant-massage-contraindications-3413