Q: What are the benefits of massaging a baby?

A: Studies show that babies who are massaged have increased cognitive development, are more relaxed, sleep more deeply, have better muscle tone, improved weight gain and digestion. In addition, it enhances emotional bonding, improves parental confidence and increases parental awareness of their baby's nonverbal behavioral cues.

Q: How often should a baby receive a massage?

A: Babies are affected by the stresses of everyday life. As an infant, your baby encounters many new experiences on a daily basis. Such things as new tastes, textures, sounds, smells and sights can be overwhelming until they build up coping skills. Massaging your baby daily helps build up their tolerance to stimulation, which carries over into their day to day life. However, we realize that with busy schedules, that is not always realistic. For you and your baby to enjoy the many benefits of Infant massage it is a good idea to massage your baby at least 2-3 times per week. On the other hand, if your baby suffers from colic, gas or constipation, it is a must for you to massage your baby's tummy more frequently as indicated in our book and video. Studies show that although massaging the tummy may not entirely eliminate colic, it will definitely decrease the intensity and the length of your baby's fussy times.

Q: How long should one massage a baby?

A: Once your baby is used to being massaged, a full body massage should take no longer than 15-20 minutes. Please note, when massaging a newborn (3 weeks is the earliest we recommend), parents need to slowly introduce the massage strokes. If your baby is unable to tolerate the gentle stroking, the other option would be to use what is known as Deep Tissue Pressure or DTP. DTP involves cupping and holding your baby's extremities and applying a squeeze and release technique which is demonstrated on the Lasting Impressions video and in the book.

Q: How much pressure should be used when
massaging a baby?

A: You will always want to use a firm, yet gentle pressure when massaging, however, be aware that if you are leaving red marks on your baby's skin, you may need to lighten up your pressure or apply more massage oil. Keep in mind that babies do not like to be tickled or touched with any light feathery strokes; most babies become overstimulated if a light feathery stroke or touch is being incorporated into the massage.

Q: What about babies with special needs, do the same benefits apply to those babies?

A: Yes, all of the above benefits apply to your baby and in addition, you may also notice a decrease in tactile aversion and an improvement in your baby's muscle tone and range of motion. The massage will also help to increase your baby's tolerance for touch, stimulation and feelings of self-acceptance. However, some of the massage stroke will need to be modified to your baby's special needs. These modifications are demonstrated in the book and video.

Q: Does one have to do a full body massage on a baby for him to get all of the benefits of the massage?

A: No, your baby will get many of the same benefits of the massage whether they enjoy a full body massage or only have their favorite areas massaged. Most babies prefer their legs, feet and back and it is perfectly fine to massage only those areas. The key to remember is that infant massage is an activity to be done with your baby and not to your baby.

Q: Should the massage stop if the baby starts to cry?

A: There might be times when doing the massage when your baby may begin to whimper or cry. The relaxation and security that your baby feels during massage time can be the perfect time for them to release their pent-up stress and emotions. Watching your baby's cues, holding, soothing and otherwise talking to your baby can go along way towards affirming that you value and understand what your baby is telling you through his tears.

Q: When is the best time to massage a baby?

A: The best time to massage a baby is when she is in a quiet yet alert state. It is important to remember that babies like consistency and routine. We recommend doing the massage at the same time of day everyday. ( I personally massage my girls every night after bath and story time).

Q: What kind of oil can I use?

A: Any unscented natural oil is suitable for massage, but be sure and use plenty of it to avoid pulling on your baby's skin. We do not recommend that you buy scented oil while your baby is young. Scent is very stimulating to your baby and in order to keep the stimulation to a minimum for a successful massage, it is not a good idea to use scented oils.

Q. I’m interested in working with term, well babies. How do I get training and certification in that area?

A. If you are interested in getting certified in well baby infant massage instruction, that is not something I do. However, there are two organizations that do. If you call them they will be happy to mail you a schedule of their upcoming trainings which occur throughout the United States. They are the International Association of Infant Massage at 1-800-248-5432 (www.IAIM-US.com) or the International Loving Touch Foundation at 1-800-929-749 (www.lovingtouch.com).

Q. I’m interested in getting into the field of working with preemies or hospitalized babies but don’t know where to start. Any suggestions?

A. The key to success in implementing a touch therapy program with the medically fragile infant population is education and training. Until now, there has been little formal education in this new and innovative field. The Nurturing NICU^® Workshop  provides both NICU experienced and Non-NICU experienced professionals the training to implement a touch therapy program in the medical environment. For specific information on the workshop, please refer to the "Workshop" section of the website.