Chapter 9 – Infant Massage

If adults were asked to picture the concept of wellness, a relaxing massage would surely be one of the first images to come to mind. There’s nothing more soothing than spending a day at a spa getting a revitalizing massage. Is it the same for babies? Absolutely. Within certain limits and by respecting some simple rules, massaging a baby is a wellness habit that makes them feel good.

The loving touch of a mother or father brings comfort, conveys affection and security, and evokes sensations and emotions experienced during the nine months of pregnancy. Through skin contact and muscle tone, the newborn begins to understand the tactile language and perceive feelings and sensations from those who care for them. From the very first days of life, parents can “communicate” with their baby through skin-to-skin contact, using a respectful and mindful touch. This constant exchange of body messages strengthens bonding and helps parents learn to understand and interpret their baby’s needs (9).

The techniques of what we now know as infant massage were perfected and spread in the West by American physician Vimala McClure. After working in an orphanage in India, she decided to study and explore the benefits of the practice she had learned there. Upon the birth of her first child in 1976, she refined the massage sequence by directly observing the reactions and benefits, integrating Swedish massage techniques and elements of reflexology. In 1981, together with Audrey Downes, she founded the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) to promote the practice and study of infant massage. Vimala McClure’s sequence, fully described in her book “Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents” (published in Italy as “Massaggio al bambino, messaggio d’amore”, is still taught to parents around the world (in Italy, the authoritative reference is AIMI, the Associazione Italiana Massaggio Infantile).

Vimala McClure categorized the benefits of infant massage into four major areas:

• Stimulation: Beyond stimulating the sense of touch, massage affects all body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and motor). It helps the baby become aware of their own body schema and coordinate movements. During the massage, sensory stimulation also occurs: the baby makes eye contact with the parent, sees their smiling face and eyes, hears their voice, and can respond by making sounds in return. They also perceive scent through physical closeness. This helps the baby relate to others and interact by playing with the adult’s face, hair, mouth, and hands.
• Relief: Regular massage can ease muscle tension and discomfort from teething, and can relieve gas colic, constipation, bloating, and cold symptoms. Emotional tension may also be released through massage.
• Relaxation: Infant massage relaxes both the baby and the parent. It releases beneficial hormones like endorphins, oxytocin, and prolactin, which help reduce stress levels. The rhythmic hand movements and consistent rituals help the baby establish regular sleep–wake cycles and release daily tension caused by the many stimuli they experience.
• Interaction: Massage supports the bonding process between parent and child. It helps create a strong emotional connection and provides a nurturing moment that makes the baby feel loved, supported, and heard. It also helps parents recognize their baby’s cues, making them feel competent and confident.

As long as it’s started gently and gradually, it is possible to begin massaging a baby from their first days of life. Start with simple touch movements and slowly progress to more specific techniques. The touch should always be light and respectful, and it’s best to inform the baby each time by asking for permission using soft introductory phrases that become part of the ritual.

To tell if the baby is receptive, observe their behavior. If they make slow movements and look at the caregiver’s face, it’s a good time to begin. If they turn their head away, stiffen at touch, or seem restless, it’s better to wait.

The environment should be warm, comfortable, and not too brightly lit. Soft background music can help make the setting more relaxing. Ideally, parent and child should be in direct contact, for example, sitting on a sofa with the parent’s back supported and knees bent to cradle the baby, or sitting cross-legged on the floor or bed with the baby supported on a mat, or placing the baby on a changing table (not too high, so the parent can sit on a chair).

Before beginning, it’s best to remove rings and bracelets and warm your hands. If the baby isn’t already undressed, gently undress them starting with the legs. The diaper can be loosened or removed altogether. To help hands glide smoothly on the skin, use a high-quality vegetable oil, such as almond oil, without added fragrances.

To learn more about infant massage techniques, we recommend visiting the AIMI website: https://www.aimionline.it/