Evidence-based research
Infant Massage is an emerging practice in the United States that has attracted researchers to study the emotional and therapeutic benefits.
Massaging babies provides an important source of tactile stimulation. The classic study conducted at the Touch Research Institute showed that “stimulated [preterm] neonates averaged a 47% greater weight gain per day, were more active and alert during sleep/wake behavior observation, and showed more mature habituation, orientation, motor and range of state behavior on the Brazelton scale than infants who were not massaged.”
Infant Massage is being implemented in many hospitals, Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), specialty pediatric rehabilitation centers, early intervention and parenting programs such as Early Head Start & Healthy Steps as part of their standards in community and parenting education.
Massaging babies provides an important source of tactile stimulation. The classic study conducted at the Touch Research Institute showed that “stimulated [preterm] neonates averaged a 47% greater weight gain per day, were more active and alert during sleep/wake behavior observation, and showed more mature habituation, orientation, motor and range of state behavior on the Brazelton scale than infants who were not massaged.”
Infant Massage is being implemented in many hospitals, Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), specialty pediatric rehabilitation centers, early intervention and parenting programs such as Early Head Start & Healthy Steps as part of their standards in community and parenting education.