It as a common practice in certain countries to
regularly massage infants, and some cultures even
encourage the massaging of newborn babies as soon as
they are introduced into the world. However, due to
the widespread nature of this practice, a lot of
information spread around and well-known regarding
baby massages have become questionable and are more
myth than fact.
Here are 7 common baby massage myths, and the truth
behind them.
1. Massages have no benefits.
Opinions are divided about the usefulness of
massages, but in general, they do provide some
benefits for babies. They can help stimulate growth
and enhance the circulation of blood, oxygen, and
nutrients for better nourishment. In addition, the
act of massaging can strengthen the immune system
and provide relief from some of the growing pains a
baby might face, and it can even aid in the
reduction of nose and chest congestion. Regular
massages can even make a baby become more flexible
and grow up to have better coordination. Best of
all, babies sleep much more easily and soundly after
a massage!
But it isn't just physical health that is improved
through a massage. Babies can form closer bonds with
their mother, fathers, or caretakers who massage
them. It also helps parents take time off from their
busy days to spend some quality time with their
children while getting some much needed relaxation
in the process. In addition, some say that the act
of massaging your baby can improve your own
self-esteem and confidence.
2. There’s no difference in the benefits of a normal
massage and an oil massage.
This is definitely not true! Oils can help
moisturize and soften skin, and a study published in
“Infant Behavior and Development” proved that
babies actually prefer being massaged with
lubricants as opposed to just with bare hands. The
oil can also have soothing properties that help both
the child and the person massaging him to relax,
providing dual benefits for parent and child.
However, not all babies can be massaged with oils
and some may have negative reactions to it, so it is
important to be aware of your child’s allergies and
reactions to different substances before investing
time, money and effort into products and routines
that may just endanger your baby.
3. Newborn babies must be massaged.
A baby who has just been born has incredibly
sensitive skin that is only half as thick as an
adult’s, and the use of medications and oils may be
too strong for the infant to handle. Some of these
oils might even enter into the body through
absorption and circulate throughout the baby’s body,
leading to health problems and infections. The
combined factors of the immaturity of an infant’s
body and the use of a massage that aids circulation
will only help infection spread faster. It’s
recommended that if you really must massage your
baby, you do it once they've reached three months of
age and not a moment sooner.
4. Babies should be massaged daily for optimum
health.
It is often believed that without daily massages, a
baby’s blood circulation and bone strength won’t
reach optimum levels. But the fact is that an infant
will receive just as many benefits from infrequent
massages done well as he will from daily massages
that are only mediocre. Without the proper
knowledge, daily massages can have little to no
effect on a child you have to be aware of how to
do it properly.
5. Oil can be used liberally all over a baby’s body.
Certain cultures encourage the use of various oils
on all surfaces, but there are some areas that
should be avoided. Placing oil in the nose and ears
can be harmful and lead to fungal infection if the
baby is more sensitive to them. There are even some
cultures that place oils or certain forms of massage
products in a baby’s eyes this is to be avoided at
all costs, especially due to the carbon content of
many oils. Using a lot of oil in a baby’s navel is
also believed by most doctors to be unhygienic and
should be avoided.
6. It is normal for babies to cry during a massage.
If a baby starts bawling his eyes out while you’re
massaging him, he's telling you that he really isn't
enjoying it. Massages should not cause discomfort,
but ease it, so it may be time to stop or change the
way you’re using your hands if your child starts to
cry while you massage him. A too rough massage can
be painful and injure your baby if you aren't
careful. The trick is to be gentle, but firm.
Remember that your baby’s bones and muscles are
still very soft and need time to develop, so what
feels nice and gentle to you may be hard and painful
for an infant!
7. Massaging with certain scrubs can make a baby’s
skin fairer.
No homemade or store bought scrub will ever lighten
a baby’s skin. The color of skin is genetic and
cannot be changed by products it’s impossible to
alter someone’s DNA just by scrubbing or massaging!
It’s much safer to opt out of using scrubs at all,
as they can be harsh and rough on a baby’s skin and
cause dryness and irritation. On a more important
note, society might have taught many that fairness
is equivalent to beauty, but these stereotypes
perpetuated by the media are far from true.
Regardless of fairness, your baby’s skin color is
beautiful exactly as it is, and any energy being
used to change their skin tone is better used
teaching a child to love themselves!
With any luck, these facts have helped set the
record safe about massaging babies. At the end of
the day, it is up to you whether or not you massage
your child and as long as you do it safely and
your baby is happy and healthy, massages have many
benefits and can work wonders.
I
was introduced to massageservices.com.sg by my
colleague. My husband and i called for
traditional outcall massage to our home. The
masseurs arrived on time and they are very
professional. We signed a monthly package with
them and we are very happy with their service.
Rachael Tan (Bishan)
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