The Benefits of Baby Massage For Fathers

When it comes to baby activities in the early months, how many dads have the luxury to enjoy that special quality, one-to-one time with their little one? Because of work commitments, the truth is not many, but the good news is that baby massage is a wonderful way for dads to get that special bonding time with baby.

In a recent study: "A minority report: teaching father's baby massage" published in Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Peter Mackereth, who led the study, observed that that although public literature actively encouraged father's involvement in childcare, dads rarely took part in baby massage classes. Although one factor was lack of time, the study did note that another influential factor was that dads were not used to comforting babies, particularly if they had not been used to being comforted by their own fathers as a baby.

However, research in Australia (cited in the same report above), reveals that fathers who did take part in baby massage enjoyed a more interactive relationship with their babies, involving more eye contact, vocalisation and reaching out. Baby massage also helps fathers feel more comfortable - and capable - in caring for their offspring.

What's more it can be a fantastic way to de-stress. Another study on fathers and infant massage conducted by The Touch Research Institute in the US also identified similar benefits. "As they learn to soothe their babies, fathers notice their own stress levels come down. Together they experience the calming, power of touch and begin to build life-long attachments," said Tiffany Field, Ph.D., director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine and co-author of the survey on father-infant massage. The survey showed that fathers who used massage techniques with their infants for three months experienced increased self-esteem as a parent due to increased involvement with their newborns. The babies, in turn, greeted their fathers with more eye contact, smiling, vocalising and reaching responses.

So why not let dad to experience all these fabulous benefits and take part in a very simple and short massage routine at the end of day? I've put together this short baby massage routine for dads to try as part of the bath and bedtime routine:

1. A great time to massage your baby is after bath-time. Make sure your baby is dry and content and the room is warm and dimly lit. Apply a little oil to the palms of your hand (make sure the oil is natural and chemical-free as little hands will end up in his or her mouth!).

2. Begin with the baby's legs. Supporting one ankle with one hand, use the other palm to firmly stroke the outside of the leg from the ankle to the top of the thigh. Then glide down the back of the leg. Change hands and repeat on the inside of the leg. Massage the leg several times then change legs.

3. Move to the chest area. Start with both your hands in the centre of the chest and make a lovely heart shape, sweeping down to the baby's abdomen. Repeat several times.

4. Finish with a short tummy massage. Using your hand make a gentle circular movement in a CLOCKWISE direction around the belly button. At the end slowly sweep your hands down the baby's body, from the chest down to the toes. Repeat several times. Take your time with the massage, enjoy it and see how relaxed daddy and baby will be!