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How Occupational Therapy Uses Touch to Support Babies and Families

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Why Infant Massage Matters

Touch is one of the earliest senses to develop in the womb—and it remains a powerful form of communication long after birth. Infant massage is more than a soothing routine; it’s an evidence-based intervention used by occupational therapists to support sensory integration, bonding, and early development.

As occupational therapists, we often use infant massage as a tool to promote regulation, body awareness, and secure attachment, especially for infants with delayed development, sensory processing differences, or who are born prematurely (McCarty et al., 2023).

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💡 What the Research Says

1. Improves Sleep and Regulation
Studies show that infant massage can help improve sleep-wake cycles and reduce the stress hormone in the body known as cortisol. According to Rezaei et al. (2023), infant massage was linked to longer sleep duration, reduced sleep latency, and fewer night wakings in infants. 

2. Supports Motor, Sensory, and Nervous System Development
Through deep pressure and rhythm, massage stimulates the tactile system and vagus nerve, which can help improve sensory processing and parasympathetic regulation leading to increased motor development. This is especially important for infants with signs of sensory sensitivity or under-responsiveness (Rakhmawati et al., 2024).

3. Encourages Bonding and Attachment
Infant massage promotes parent-infant bond, a core concept in occupational therapy’s family-centered approach. It provides a moment for responsive, mindful connection—especially vital for parents who may be experiencing postpartum depression. In a recent study, parents who participated in infant massage had reduced feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety, from the hormone oxytocin, which is released through physical touch, aiding in strengthening the bond between baby and parent (Mrljak et. al, 2022).

4. Supports Digestion and Muscle Tone
Gentle abdominal massage has been shown to aid digestion and reduce gas discomfort. For infants with low muscle tone or high tone, massage can also help prepare the body for movement and engagement.

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👐 How Occupational Therapy Uses Infant Massage

In a therapeutic setting, we tailor infant massage to the baby’s cues and developmental needs. An OT might incorporate massage into:

·   Sensory integration therapy

·   Feeding and digestion support

·   Tummy time prep or recovery

·   Regulation and calming strategies

·   Parent education and empowerment

We often guide parents and caregivers to use infant massage as part of a daily routine, turning it into a predictable, bonding ritual that supports both child and parent.

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🍼 When Is Infant Massage Recommended?

Occupational therapists may recommend infant massage for:

·   Preterm infants

·   Babies with reflux, gas, or colic

·   Infants with low tone or high tone

·   Babies showing sensory sensitivities

·   Parent-infant bonding challenges

·   Postpartum recovery support for the parent

Always check with your pediatrician or OT if your child has any medical conditions.

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💛 Final Thoughts

Infant massage is a gentle, accessible tool with powerful effects. As occupational therapists, we use it not just to support the baby’s development—but to nurture the connection between parent and child, reduce stress, and build daily routines that empower families.

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Interested in learning infant massage techniques tailored to your baby?
We’d love to help. At Sunny Day Therapy, we offer individualized sessions and group classes to support you and your little one—through evidence, empathy, and hands-on care.

📩 Contact us today: to schedule a consultation.

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🧠 References

McCarty, D. B., Willett, S., Kimmel, M., & Vittner, D. (2023). Benefits of maternally-administered infant massage for mothers of hospitalized preterm infants: A scoping review. Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, 9(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-023-00151-7

Mrljak, R., Arnsteg Danielsson, A., Hedov, G., & Garmy, P. (2022). Effects of Infant Massage: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(11), 6378. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116378

Rakhmawati, W., Mediani, H. S., Dhamayanti, M., Maryati, I., Setiawan, A. S., Hendrawati, S., Maryam, N. N. A., Hasanah, A., Mulyana, A. M., Mariani, D., & Rochimat, I. (2024). Potential of massage therapy for improved growth and development among infants under 9 months: A systematic scoping review of intervention type, technique, and outcome. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 17, 3931–3943. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S475731

Rezaei, R., Sharif Nia, H., Nazari, R., Beheshti, Z., & Saatsaz, S. (2023). The efficacy of massage as a nightly bedtime routine on infant sleep condition and mother sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatrics, 23, Article 253. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-023-03986-3