Are body massages recommended for healthy full-term newborns?

Gentle full-body massages are recommended for full-term newborns for their potential growth and developmental benefits.

Gentle stroking and massage provide an opportunity to stimulate infants and interact with them.

Reactions to massage should be respected according to the principles of tender and sensitive care.

The results of a study that called for fathers to massage their infants for 15 minutes every night for three weeks, highlight benefits such as relieving infant stress (soothing effect), reducing maternal stress (caregiving), and increasing the father’s confidence and contribution to caregiving.