In a review of nine studies, which included analysis on 598 normal-term babies aged six months and under, researchers at the University of Warwick found that massage could be a useful technique for parents who want to improve their babies' sleep and ability to relax.
Associate professor Angela Underdown, who led the review, said that massage affects the release of the hormone melatonin, 'which is important in aiding infants' sleeping patterns'.
She said, 'Given the apparent effect on stress hormones, it is not surprising to find an effect on sleep and crying.'
Massage was found to help relationships between babies and mothers with postnatal depression and had a significant effect on growth 'where infants were deprived of normal levels of touch, such as those who live in some orphanages', she said.
Infant massage is practised around the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. In Western cultures, nurses in intensive care units use it to stimulate and comfort premature babies.
Read the review at www.mrw.
interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD005038.
