Current special Baby City - Valid from 01.11 to 30.11 - Page nb 19

Products in this catalogue

soft comfort baby warm chamomile muscle bone international security oils sunshine sandalwood

~~ BETTER CHILD WHAT DOES A BABY MASSAGE ENTAIL? In a cosy room, a parent or caregiver massages their baby’s face, neck, shoulders, arms, chest, belly, legs, and feet. With warm and soft hands, the massage begins gently and becomes slightly firmer as your baby grows more comfortable. Depending on the baby, massages can last for five minutes or up to 20 minutes. The best time to do them is when your baby is calm or about half an hour after a feed. Oils such as chamomile, lavender, rose, mandarin, or sandalwood are used rather than stimulating oils. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Massages are important because they play a vital role in strengthening the relationship between the giver and the receiver. According to Friedman, founder of the Sunshine Colour and Health Academy (which offers baby massage classes), the massages help to settle your baby. The massage “allows for bonding between parents and babies, while enhancing non- verbal communication through touch”. Furthermore, according to the International Association of Infant Massage of South Africa (IAIMSA), studies have shown that massage brings a 92% increase in parent-baby bonds. Massaging also helps your baby feel pleasure as it facilitates the release of oxytocin, the “love hormone” associated with feeling good. “This hormone, also known as the ‘love hormone’, promotes feelings of trust and empathy, which all contribute to strengthening the bond between parents and their baby,” explains Friedman. She adds that oxytocin also helps reduce stress and anxiety, protects the heart by reducing inflammation, and promotes feelings of well-being and contentment. Massaging a baby has long-lasting physical benefits, such as colic relief and assistance with your baby’s digestion and sleep. IAIMSA claims an 80% increase in improved digestion and colic relief. Furthermore, massage assists in development and proprioception. “Massages help the baby grow stronger through the promotion of bone and cell formation, muscle tone, and circulation. They also ground the baby, who is still unsure of their place on earth, creating a sense of security,” says Friedman. MASSAGES HELP BABIES GROW STRONGER WHILE GIVING THEM A DEEP SENSE OF COMFORT AND SECURITY.