Infant Massage Shows Promise in Improving Health Outcomes, Finds Systematic Review

A recent systematic review of global research highlights the potential benefits of infant massage in improving critical health outcomes in babies, including pain relief, reduction in jaundice, and enhanced weight gain. The findings suggest that this simple, non-invasive practice may offer a valuable complement to routine infant care, particularly in clinical and home settings.

The review analyzed 16 randomized or controlled clinical trials published between 2017 and 2021, encompassing a total of 1,416 infants aged 0 to 12 months. The studies were drawn from major medical databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, and rigorously assessed for quality and risk of bias by two independent reviewers.

Key Findings:

• Pain Relief: In five out of seven studies (involving 717 infants), infant massage was associated with reduced pain, indicating its potential as a soothing intervention during medical procedures or general discomfort.
• Reduction in Jaundice: All six studies (455 infants) investigating the effects on jaundice reported a reduction in bilirubin levels, suggesting that massage could support faster recovery in jaundiced infants.
• Weight Gain: All four studies that examined weight outcomes (244 infants) reported increased weight gain in infants who received massage, a critical factor for overall growth and development.

While the outcomes across the studies were generally positive, the authors caution that not all differences between experimental and control groups reached statistical significance. However, no adverse effects from infant massage were reported in any of the trials, supporting its safety profile.

The review concludes that infant massage appears to be a beneficial, low-risk intervention with potential applications in pediatric and child health care settings. Still, the researchers emphasize the need for further high-quality studies to better understand its mechanisms and long-term effects, particularly within structured child healthcare programs.

With growing interest in holistic and non-pharmacological approaches to infant wellness, this review offers timely insight into the evolving landscape of early childhood care.