We all feel the need for reaching out to others, and for others to reach out to us. Babies and children can derive special benefits from massage, and other healthy and appropriate physical contact. Premature babies who receive several short massages daily do better than their counterparts who do not. They gain weight faster, develop faster, and are ready to go home sooner. Full term babies also benefit from regular massage.
Babies are very active little people, as busy in their own way as any athlete.
They wave their arms and kick their feet, constantly exercising and working their muscles. And, like any athlete, they benefit from a soothing massage after all their strenuous working out. A good time for massage for your baby or young child is right after bath time. For infants and toddlers, the massage doesn't have to be longer than ten minutes or so. You can dust your hands with baby powder or cornstarch so your hands don't stick to baby's tender skin, and just stroke firmly, but gently.