Soft, soothing touch has been shown to promote both emotional and physical development in newborns. Because each infant responds differently to touch, St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers infant massage classes to help you get to know your baby and find out what you can do to calm and comfort your bundle of joy.
“Infant massage is a great technique for bonding with your baby,” says Rebecca Courtney, certified child life specialist and certified infant massage instructor at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “It doesn’t have to be a lengthy experience—just five minutes of quiet time with your child each day can build a strong foundation for your future relationship.”
Infant massage has been shown to:
- help babies get better sleep
- promote relaxation and reduce stress levels
- reduce crying
- relieve discomfort caused by constipation, gas and colic
Infant massage will help heighten your sensitivity to your baby’s signals and cues, thereby making you a better, more confident parent.
Learn more about infant massage classes offered by St. Louis Children's Hospital.