Children's massage

Pediatric massage refers specifically to massage for infants under one year of age. It is usually performed by pediatricians or specialists in infant care. Since babies have a high concentration of nerve receptors in their skin, tactile stimulation positively affects all their systems and organs.

Benefits

Scientific research has proven that the more physical touch an infant receives during the first months of life, the better it affects their development. This procedure has a positive influence on all body systems:

1. Skin: Noticeable improvement in skin tone — the skin becomes more elastic and soft;
2. Digestive system: Eliminates gas buildup, normalizes peristalsis, and helps relieve infant colic;
3. Central nervous system: Significantly improves blood circulation, enhances sleep quality, and calms restless babies;
4. Joints: Helps prevent chronic joint diseases such as arthritis and arthrosis;
5. Muscles: Strengthens and develops the muscular system, bringing it into proper tone;
6. Cardiovascular system: Prevents pathologies due to improved circulation;
7. Lymphatic system: Enhances lymph flow and prevents fluid retention in the body.

Despite the effectiveness and benefits of this procedure, there are several contraindications:

• Heart defects;
• Tuberculosis;
• Acute inflammatory processes;
• Asthma;
• Obvious hernias.

If none of these apply, you can safely practice infant massage.

Features

The main difference between infant and adult massage is its beneficial impact on the child's organism. This is due to the fact that skin surface area relative to body weight is much greater in infants than in adults — which makes them highly receptive to physical contact.

Infants are extremely sensitive to any kind of touch, which supports the development of the musculoskeletal system, emotional state, and central nervous system functions. Adults cannot achieve a similar response through such simple methods.

Types of Infant Massage

Depending on what result parents are aiming for, they may choose from several types of infant massage:

1. Therapeutic Massage – aimed at addressing specific problems or visible symptoms of developmental issues. This type of massage is prescribed by orthopedists, neurologists, or surgeons starting from 2–3 months of age. In exceptional cases (such as developmental delays or serious conditions), therapeutic massage may be started as early as four weeks after birth.
2. Corrective Massage – recommended after therapeutic massage to enhance its effects and prevent disease recurrence.
3. Preventive Massage – intended for strengthening immunity and improving the function of all internal organs.

To choose the right type of massage, it’s important to consider the baby’s age and developmental stage.

• Babies under three months often suffer from muscle hypertonus — all exercises should be aimed at relieving it;
• At around four months, all massage techniques should focus on strengthening the baby’s muscles. Special attention should be given to hand and finger massage — this stimulates motor development and even speech functions;
• By six months, babies begin to sit independently — at this stage, massage should target back and abdominal muscles;
• Before walking begins, leg and pelvic muscles should be strengthened — specialists recommend starting this work at nine months;
• One-year-olds don’t tolerate static positions well — they won't want to lie still during the session. That’s why massage should be conducted in a playful way — keep the child entertained with jokes and unusual movements.

Main Techniques

To avoid causing harm, it’s important to understand the differences between infant and adult massage. For infants, the following techniques are used:

1. Stroking – applied at the beginning of the session to prepare the skin for further action. Movements should follow the direction of lymph flow and be gentle, without excessive pressure;
2. Rubbing – improves blood circulation, reduces excessive muscle tension, and promotes healthy muscle and tendon tone. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system;
3. Vibration – used to improve metabolic processes and relieve spasms, colic, and other unpleasant sensations. The therapist’s movements must be intensive yet careful to avoid harming the baby;
4. Kneading – typically used to reduce swelling and improve blood and lymph circulation. Resembles rubbing but is more intensive.

For best results, perform the massage daily — either 40 minutes after feeding or half an hour before it. Start with sessions lasting five minutes and gradually increase the time up to half an hour. To maximize effectiveness, avoid using additional products like oils or powders. If the baby appears overly excited or unwell, it’s better to skip the session.