At El Centro de Amistad, we are deeply committed to providing essential supportive and preventative services through our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health program. This program focuses on children aged 0–3, ensuring they receive the nurturing and care critical for their growth and development.
One of the unique interventions we offer is infant massage, a practice that strengthens the bond between caregivers and their children while promoting their overall development. During the first five years of life, a child’s brain develops at an extraordinary rate, making it both a time of vulnerability to stress and trauma and a critical period for effective early intervention.
Infant massage is one of the most natural and beneficial ways to foster a child’s development. Touch is a baby’s first language, and through guided massage techniques, caregivers can communicate wordless messages of love, warmth, and security. These interactions not only promote bonding but also enhance a child’s physical and emotional health.
Benefits for Infants and Caregivers
Under the guidance of trained infant massage instructors, caregivers learn and practice gentle massage strokes, promoting connection and confidence. Research highlights the positive impact of infant massage, which includes:
Improved Relaxation and Sleep: Massage helps babies relax and develop healthier sleep patterns.
Stress Reduction: Cortisol levels in babies and caregivers decrease, fostering a sense of calm.
Digestive Relief: Gentle strokes can alleviate colic, gas, and constipation, promoting healthy digestion.
Enhanced Development: Massage stimulates the nervous system and aids muscle and motor skill development.
Stronger Immunity: Physical touch supports lymphatic drainage and circulation, bolstering the immune system.
For caregivers, infant massage is equally transformative. It builds confidence in caregiving, strengthens emotional bonds, and creates calming routines that nurture trust and security between parent and child.
At El Centro de Amistad, we believe that early nurturing contact can have a profound, lasting impact on a child’s life. By offering resources like infant massage, we strive to equip families with tools that foster resilience, health, and joy. Together, we can build stronger foundations for the future of our community.
For more information about our Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health program or to join our next infant massage session, please contact us call 818-898-0223 and ask to be connected to the 0-5 team or email referrals0-5@ecda.org.