According to a recent review in the Cochrane Library babies may benefit from massage as much as adults.
The review involved 23 studies that looked into the effects of infant massage on a variety of factors including colic, sleep, well being, growth and development.
A total of 9 studies were deemed acceptable for inclusion based on design and methodology.
Based on the data compiled from these nine studies infant massage was effective at reducing symptoms of colic, improved sleep, and relieved crying spells in these infants (all under the age of 6 months).
The studies did not find any positive or negative effect on growth and development.
The wonderful aspect of this information is that infant massage can be taught to parent or caregivers. It is safe, effective, and gentle enough to be used everyday.
The review did not draw any definative conclusions about how much is needed to provide benefit. In most cases the massage was carried out for a few weeks. The studies also included infants who had massage from a provider and their parents, both equally effective.
As adults we can benefit from regular massage. It eases muscle tension, improves sleep, and reduces stress. Perhaps that is all some of the fussy babies need, a little massage, to turn their mood around.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on November 20, 2006 04:44 PM
