Now baby spa has become a fairly popular baby care option. Massage and water therapy are the most common activities found in baby spas. Baby spa can be done since the baby is only a few days old until he is 8-9 months old.
Baby spa is actually a place that offers a range of physical therapies, such as massage and water therapy for babies. Baby spas can help children experience relaxation and stimulation to support their growth and development
Baby Spa Options and Benefits
Massage and water therapy are believed to be able to stimulate the baby's motor development, and if done with parents, these activities can strengthen the bond between parents and babies.
Choose baby spa treatments that are carried out by trained personnel, to be safer and get maximum benefits.
There are several treatments that can be done at a baby spa and each has different benefits. Here is the explanation:
Massage therapy for babies
Massage therapy is one of the treatments that can be done at the baby spa. Massage therapy is useful for reducing the stress felt by the baby, making the baby calmer so that he is not often fussy or crying, and helps the baby sleep well.
In addition, massage therapy is also believed to be able to help increase the baby's weight. This is associated with vagal nerve stimulation which can increase the absorption of nutrients by the digestive tract. In premature babies, massage therapy can even improve sleep patterns, circulation, and skin health, and make heart rate and brain activity more stable.
Actually, baby massage can not only be done by therapists, parents can also learn how to massage babies properly. Massaging the baby can help improve mood mothers and reduce the risk of mothers experiencing depression after childbirth. Mother can take turns with Dad to massage the Little One, so Dad can also build a bond with his baby.
nowTo get the benefits of massage, do massage when your little one is not hungry or too full. Also, avoid massaging your baby before bedtime.
water therapy (hydrotherapy/aquatic therapy) for baby
Water therapy is a natural treatment method that has long been used by various cultures in the world. The use of water in various temperatures is known to provide different benefits for each part of the body.
Water therapy for babies is done by taking the baby to soak in a tub of water that has a warm temperature, between 35-36 degrees Celsius. In infants, this therapy aims to provide pleasure and strengthen the bond between the baby and the parents. In water therapy, babies are not taught how to swim, but are allowed to move their arms and legs freely.
Water therapy is not just a fun spa treatment, but can also bring benefits. A study states that premature babies who do water therapy have better quality sleep and look more relaxed.
Although more research is needed, water therapy can help babies move their arms and legs, stretch muscles, and improve balance and coordination.
To get the benefits of this water therapy, it is recommended that you take your little one to the baby spa after he feeds and during the hours when he is active. Bringing your little one for water therapy at nap time or at feeding time can make him not enjoy this therapy and be more fussy because he feels hungry and tired.
Tips for Choosing a Baby Spa
Currently, there are quite a number of baby spas that offer a variety of baby treatments. However, you do not need to be confused in choosing it. Choose a baby spa that:
Bag the certificate
Choose a baby spa that has certified and trained therapists. A spa place that has certified and trained therapists will make you calmer to entrust your little one's care.
Has facilities and a comfortable atmosphere
A spa place with facilities and a comfortable atmosphere will make Mother and Little One also feel at home there to do spa treatments.
Using safe products
Make sure the products and equipment used by the baby spa are products that are safe for babies. You can ask the staff on duty at the spa.
Baby spa does have a variety of benefits. Even so, not all babies can be taken to the spa. If your little one has special needs or certain medical conditions, you should first consult with your pediatrician to find out what type of therapy is appropriate and safe for your little one's condition.
