They're increasingly popular because you can move a sleeping baby without waking him or her, giving parents increased mobility. The convenience has a cost, however. In the simple motion of lifting a baby from stroller to car or vice versa, there's often a quick kiss or big smile, some close contact with Mom or Dad's face, voice and body warmth. It's a matter of emotional security as well as sensory stimulation. Baby massage Touching and massage don't need to be systematic or learned from a class.
Specialists say the point is simply to do it.
Researchers say 15 minutes of massage a day can help a diabetic child's glucose levels remain in the normal range and improve an asthmatic child's pulmonary functions. Use almost any oil or lotion to massage, even a vegetable oil, as long as it doesn't contain mineral oil. Babies should not ingest mineral oil, and they might if it's on their body. Studies show that when premature babies receive a daily massage routine, they will gain 47 percent more weight and be discharged six days earlier than babies without massage. Be sensitive and responsive to how much and what kind of touch your baby likes.