Numerous countries globally are facing the problem of low birth weight (LBW), which is increasing furthermore every year. LBW is mainly due to nutritional status and a history of maternal health. It impacts children by more likelihood of delayed growth and development. A recent study by Lestari KP. et al. explain the effect of baby massage on infants′ body weight.

Their research design used a quasi-experimental pre and post-test type with a control group. They selected 16 infants for each group by purposive sampling and rendered Baby massage twice a week for four weeks, 10 to 15 mins per session. They further carried out Data analysis with paired t-test and independent t-test.

Lestari KP. et al. described that the mean age of infants in their study was 3.69 months for both groups, the mean age at birth was 37.8 and 38 weeks (intervention and control, respectively), and the mean birth weight of infants was 2,295 and 2,288 grams (intervention and control, respectively). The majority of the infants were male. They found baby massage effective in significantly increasing infants′ weight gain with a history of low birth weight.

This study describes that Baby massage can increase infants′ weight with a history of low birth weight aged 1-6 months. Hence the health workers must educate the parents about baby massage to stimulate infants′ growth and development. 

Integrating this intervention with maternal and child health programs in primary health care facilities will be helpful.

Lestari KP, Nurbadlina FR. et al. The effectiveness of baby massage in increasing an infant′s body weight. Journal of Public Health Research 2021; 10(s1):2332