A number of mothers might recall that aside from giving baths to their babies, giving them baby massages also form part of the most memorable and most treasured times they have with their babies. Picture this: cradling your little one while sitting on your rocking chair, listening to soothing music and gently rubbing his skin. Wouldn't just that be a perfect bonding moment between you and your baby?

Giving baby massages are very beneficial for the baby and the mother, or the massage giver. Listed are five common benefits from baby massages and they include:

• Interaction between mother and child.

Although babies are mainly the ones that benefit from massages, do you know that giving baby massages are beneficial to the massage giver too? Massages often times create a bond between the mother and the baby. The mere contact between the massage giver and the baby creates an instant connection between them.

There is an unexplained understanding between the two of them where they seem to know what each other needs. It is through this that parents or mothers are given the chance to communicate with their babies. This is necessarily true since touch is the primary sense developed by an infant the moment it is born.

• Promotion of good relationship between mother and child.

It gives them an opportunity to just be together and relax and a chance to worry of nothing else but the comfort of each other's company.

• Holistic growth and development of the infant.

Massage can contribute to a child's sense of self and worth, which is related to developing one's self-esteem. When babies are not in the mood, a calming massage can heal their tension and tetchiness and make them feel more safe and assured. You are also giving your baby an opportunity to know how to relax. Oftentimes, massages are a great defense for stress. When you allow stress to build up, this may affect your baby's ability to learn new things and thus hindering its mental development.

Research also shows that physical contact promoted by baby massages helps improve respiration and breathing, digestion, and development of strong and flexible joints and muscles. Massages lessen possibilities of nasal problems, coughs, colds and ear infections. It also provides a possibility for the baby to suffer less colic attacks, indigestion, diarrhea and even constipation.

• Increase of the baby's resistance to infections and diseases.

Studies have shown a number of children that were deprived of touch or were separated from their parents in their early childhood often contracted illnesses frequently particularly respiratory ailments and digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea.

• Improved circulation and healthier skin for the baby.

With improved circulation, toxins and waste are rapidly eliminated from the system thus giving your baby glowing and healthy skin.

While giving your baby a massage, you have to keep in mind that the main objective is to develop intimacy and learning how to communicate with each other. It is not only an opportunity to relax and bond with each other but also an opportunity to have fun together.