What is a Baby Massage?
Baby massage is the ancient practice of applying regular, gentle pressure to a baby’s body for their physical, mental and emotional well-being. While baby massage has been practiced for centuries across regions including India, Pakistan and Africa, it was popularized in the West by Vimala Schneider McClure during the 1970s. McClure traveled to India and noted the benefits of infant massage while visiting an orphanage. When she returned to her home in the United States, she wrote about the practice and founded the International Association of Infant Massage. The advantages of massaging babies are numerous. On a physical level, infant massage aids digestion by reducing gas and colic, stimulates blood flow, strengthens immunity, increases nerve function, improves sleep patterns and helps premature babies gain weight. Babies’ intellect and motor skills have even benefited from the practice. Infant massages can also fortify the bond between parents and babies. While some parents choose to t
