Infant Massage
Some studies have suggested benefit to infant massage to calm crying and for colic. In a 2006 Cochrane Review, there appeared to be some evidence for improved maternal-child interaction, sleeping and crying.(1) One randomized control study found swaddling to be more effective than infant massage.(2)
The effects of massage on preterm infants have been evaluated. A Cochrane review in 2004 noted methodological flaws in several studies showing improved daily weight gain and reduced length of NICU stay by 4.5 days.(3) At least one study since that time has again suggested benefit in certain groups of preterm infants on weight gain.(4)
One study suggested infant massage as a particularly effective intervention for teen mothers in that it helped them bond with their babies and understand their temperament better.(5)
Data to support infant massage for growth promotion in preterm infants and for colic is not definitive; however, the risks are low. For families who are interested, massage may be a reasonable option.
1. Underdown A, Barlow J, Chung V, Stewart-Brown S. Massage intervention for promoting mental and physical health in infants aged under six months. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD005038.
2. Ohgi S, Akiyama T, Arisawa K, Shigemori K. Randomized controlled trial of swaddling versus massage in the management of excessive crying in infants with cerebral injuries. Arch Dis Child. 2004 Mar;89(3):212-6.
3. Vickers A, Ohlsson A, Lacy JB, Horsley A. Massage for promoting growth and development of preterm and/or low birth-weight infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(2):CD000390.
4. Massaro AN, Hammad TA, Jazzo B, Aly H. Massage with kinesthetic stimulation improves weight gain in preterm infants. J Perinatol. 2009 May;29(5):352-7.
5. Oswalt KL, Biasini FJ, Wilson LL, Mrug S. Outcomes of a massage intervention on teen mothers: A pilot study. Pediatr Nurs. 2009 Sep-Oct;35(5):284-9, 317.