Touch and Trust – How Massage Builds Baby’s Confidence from the Start

From the moment Baby is born, touch is their first language. Long before they can see clearly or understand words, they learn about love, safety, and comfort through gentle, caring contact. When you hold, stroke, or massage Baby, you’re doing more than stimulating their skin and muscles — you’re building the foundation for trust, emotional security, and healthy brain development.

Touch Builds Connection and Security

Research shows that early, nurturing touch helps Baby’s brain form strong connections that shape how they relate to the world (1). When you gently massage Baby’s arms, legs, or back, their body releases oxytocin, which strengthens the emotional bond between you and Baby (2). Over time, this consistent, loving contact teaches Baby that the world is a safe place and that their needs will be met.

Confidence Grows from Consistent Care

Confidence doesn’t appear overnight; it develops through repeated experiences of comfort, connection, and nurturing touch. When Baby feels safe in your arms, their body relaxes, and their stress hormones decrease (3). This calm, trusting state allows them to confidently explore their surroundings and try new movements. Massage gives you a simple, meaningful way to support Baby’s learning from the very start — not through words, but through touch that communicates love and acceptance.

The Science of Touch and Brain Development

Gentle touch stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps regulate Baby’s heart rate, digestion, and emotional balance (4). It also supports the growth of neural pathways related to attention, empathy, and emotional control. Studies show that babies who receive regular infant massage cry less, sleep better, and show more positive social behaviors (5). These early experiences lay the groundwork for lifelong emotional health.

How to Begin

Start by creating a calm environment — soft lighting, a warm room, and your full attention. Begin with slow, gentle strokes, watching Baby’s cues to guide your touch. If they turn their head, wiggle, or look away, pause for a moment and let them set the pace. Every time you touch Baby with warmth and presence, you help them feel secure and loved.

If you are interested in learning how to massage your baby, consider purchasing the Best Beginnings Infant Massage and Movement Program.

Best Beginnings gives parents easy, research-based ways to nurture Baby’s development through touch and movement. The online course includes guided videos, printable stroke sheets, and insights from neuroscience — all designed to help you support Baby’s growth with confidence and care.

Learn more at www.bestbeginnings.ca.

References

1. Field, T. (2017). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24(1), 19–31.

2. Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Handlin, L., & Petersson, M. (2020). Self-soothing behaviors with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 581036.

3. Feldman, R. (2012). Parent-infant synchrony: A biobehavioral model of mutual influences in the formation of affiliative bonds. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 77(2), 42–51.

4. Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.

5. Bennett, C., Underdown, A., & Barlow, J. (2013). Massage for promoting mental and physical health in typically developing infants under the age of six months. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(4), CD005038.