This document summarizes research on the benefits of infant massage for infants and parents or caregivers. It reviewed 31 peer-reviewed studies from 14 countries on the effects of parents and caregivers massaging infants. The research found benefits for both infants and parents, including for infants decreased crying, improved sleep and growth, and for parents decreased stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, increased interaction with their infants and satisfaction in their lives. Fathers in particular increased quality time with their infants after massage. The review found no reported negative outcomes of infant massage.

1. Infant massage benefits for infants and parents/caregivers:
A critical review
College of Human Sciences
Family and Child Studies
M. Kay Keller, M.P.A., S.S.W., C.I.M.I.
Parent/Caregiver Outcomes included: Decreased symptoms of stress, anxiety & depression,
increased care giving activities, increased interaction, improvements in lifestyles, and increased self
efficacy. (Cullen et al., 2000; Feijo et. al.,2006; Ferber et al., 2005; Field et al.,1996; Onozawa et al.,
2001; Scholz & Samuels, 1992). To date there are no reported negative outcomes..
Conclusions
Fathers increased the quality of care giving activities and infants initiated engagement with fathers
after receiving infant massage, (Cullen et al., 2000; Scholz & Samuels, 1992). Mothers reported less
depression symptoms regardless of whether they massaged their infants or watched their infants
being massaged (Feijo et. al.,2006). Caregivers reported increased satisfaction in their lives after
volunteering to massage infants (Feijo et al., 2006).
References
Arora et al., 2005; Arikan et al., 2007; Cullen et al., 2000; Diego et al., 2007; Elliot et al., 2002; Feij’o
et al., 2006; Ferber et al., 2005; Ferber et al., 2002; Ferber et al., 2002; Field et al., 1996; Field et al.,
1996; Field et al., 1998; Fujita et al., 2006; Gitu et al., 2002; Glover et al., 2002; Gonzales et al.,
2009; Huhtula et al., 2000; Jump et al., 2006; Kelmanson & Adulas, 2005; Kim et al., 2003; Massaro
et al., 2009; Mathai et al., 2003; Mendes & Procianoy, 2008; O’Higgins, 2008; Ohgi, 2004; Onozawa,
2001; Pelaez-Nogueras 1996; Scafidi & Field, 1995; Scholz & Samuels, 1992; Teti et al., 2009;
Sankaranarayanan et al, 2005.
Research Question
This critical review aimed to evaluate experimental and
quasi-experimental research previously published which
focused on answering the question: “Does providing
infant massage benefit the infant and the parents or
caregivers?”
Methods
Thirty-one peer reviewed published research articles (27
experimental and 4 quasi-experimental) were critically
evaluated to determine the premise of theoretical
framework and the rigor of the research designs.
Sample
The articles discussed in this critical targeted parents or
caregivers who massaged infants. This research was
representative of fourteen different countries.
Participants
Mothers who reported depression symptoms, fathers,
caregivers and infants.
Results
Infant Outcomes included: decrease in crying/colic,
decrease in length of hospital stay, decrease in diarrhea,
increased interaction (engagement and entrainment
behavior), increase in physical growth, and increased
sleep time (Field, 1995; Field & Diego, 2008; Field &
Hernandez-Reif, 2001; Field et al., 1996; Mendes &
Procianoy, 2008; O’Higgins et al., 2008; Pelaez-
Nogueras et al., 1996; Scafidi et al., 1996 ).