Parent to Parent: Baby Massage

WSVN -- This group of little ones are experiencing the joys of their first massage.

Stacia Self: "Stimulates brain growth, it's just normal growth and development. It stimulates it just by doing the massage techniques."

Stacia Self teaches new parents and caregivers at Miami Children's Hospital the benefits of touch.

Stacia Self: "The techniques are isolated by body parts. There are techniques for the stomach, so like colic routine to help with gas and uncomfortableness."

Technique is important, but in order for the massage to be truly beneficial, one key element is timing.

Stacia Self: "It's as simple as when you are changing your diaper. Right before they go to bed, in the morning when ever your child is the quiet alert state."

Seven's parenting expert Dr. Valerie Goode says massaging your baby is a great way for the two of you to bond.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "It's just such a gift that you give your baby. The gift of time, the gift of holding, a gift of relief in a lot of ways."

Dr. Val says touching and massaging aids in the development of their bodies since you are isolating the body parts during the massage, and it also promotes communication between the baby and you.

Stacia Self: "You are having eye contact, it's face-to-face, you are speaking to the child, and the child is going to watch and learn all your movements."

Its also very relaxing. Dr. Val says if you have a baby that won't go to sleep at night, try massaging, and the idea is catching on.

Patty Gonzalez: "Anything that I do with the baby that promotes me bonding with him and showing him how much I love him and making him happy, I'm definitely going to do it."

And, from the looks of it, little Aiden sure is happy with mom and his first massage. .

Lynn Martinez: "The classes at Miami Children's are offered during the week and are $20 for four sessions. Dads and other care givers are welcomed to attend."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com