The movement of rocking often helps in digestion and absorption of food. During normal home activities such as diapering, bathing and bedtime, incorporate a few minutes of gentle touching. Rubbing on baby lotion, cuddling before bedtime or massaging arms and legs during a bath can add an extra measure of caring to ordinary events. Sometimes these caring touches can even make a bothersome event pleasurable. One special technique of touching that is being used to increase bonding is infant massage.
Infant massage is a more structured way of touching.
Many hospitals use infant massage with premature infants. Current studies seem to suggest infant massage may enhance a premature baby's physical growth and development. Infant massage is something you do with your baby as opposed to something that is done to your baby. It is a way for parents to connect with their child on a special level. Parent-Child Bonding Through Touch, Amelia D. Auckett, Harper Collins, 1989.