Infant massage: The practice and evidence-base to support it

Abstract

Parents across the globe have been massaging their babies for centuries. The popularity of infant massage in Western countries is a relatively recent phenomenon; the trend has probably developed due to the perceived health benefits. In some Eastern cultures, the practice of infant massage is passed on from one generation to the next. In Western cultures, it is more likely that new parents will attend a local baby massage class with an instructor. Whichever form the practice takes, it is important to know that there is no potential for harm to the baby. This article will consider the perceived benefits of infant massage, how to massage, the role of the health professional and whether we should be concerned about what products, if any, should be used for infant massage.