A new study finds that babies who received regular massages from their parents tended to sleep better, cried less, and diminished their levels of stress hormones.

This study reviewed previously published research involving more than 600 infants, ranging in age from 0-6 months of age.

Parents in this study had been trained in the correct techniques for baby massage. One of the referenced studies found that regular massage impacted the release of the hormone melatonin, which is known to help sleep patterns.

Another study offered that women with postnatal depression may bond more fully to their infants by the act of infant massage.

Aside from the internal benefits, massage can also help keep baby skin well hydrated and protected from environmental toxins.

Even your best efforts will sometimes be in vain, and your baby will still end up with diaper rash. Here’s how to cope:

• Keep your baby’s skin clean. Use a gentle washcloth or cotton pads to wash the skin. Use lukewarm water.
• Use ointments to create a protective barrier. Examples would be Desitin, Eucerin, A&D.
• Leave your baby diaper-free for some time- this will allow the skin to heal in the open air
• Change your baby’s diaper more often. Diaper rash happens when skin stays wet for too long.
• Wash your baby’s bottom with soap no more than three times per week. For the other days, a warm clean washcloth should suffice.
• Try different types of diapers if your baby continually has diaper rash, despite trying all these tips.
• If the diaper rash doesn’t improve in a couple of days, take your baby to the doctor. He or she may prescribe other treatments or ointments to keep the existing rash from getting worse.