Sensory Processing Concerns

• may provide relaxation and decrease sleeping issues
• may help child to adapt to become more accustom to tactile stimulation may help nervous system to process various stimuli
• may help with body awareness
• introduces positive, nurturing touch and provides appropriate stimulation may improve brain and nervous development
• may provide relaxation and decrease anxiety
• may help child to adapt to become more accustom to tactile stimulation

O’Brien M, Lynch H. Exploring the Role of Touch in the First Year of Life: Mothers’ Perspectives of Tactile Interactions with Their Infants. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2011;74(3):129-136. doi:10.4276/030802211X12996065859247

Abstract:
Touch is a basic instinctual interaction between a parent and his or her infant and has a vital role in the infant’s early development. Parents provide a variety of tactile stimulation while addressing their infant’s daily care routines. This paper reports on research findings, exploring the nature of this tactile interaction and how it is influenced by personal and contextual factors. The mothers described the importance of tactile interaction as a medium through which to bond with their infant and also discussed the influence that the infant’s development has on this dyadic relationship. Personal and contextual factors were identified as affecting engagement in tactile interaction.