Exploring infant massage in child health care : An observational study of caregiver–infant interaction and group dynamics
Frennessen, Sabina ; Persson, Sofie ; Einberg, Eva Lena and Garmy, Pernilla LU
(2026)
In Journal of Pediatric Nursing
90.
p.774-781
- Abstract
Aim Infant massage has been suggested as a beneficial approach; however, evidence regarding how it is implemented within routine child health care remains limited. The aim of this observational study was to explore how infant massage education was enacted in a child health care setting, with a focus on infant behavior, caregiver–infant interaction, and group dynamics among caregivers during the sessions. Methods A qualitative observational study was conducted in six infant massage groups at three child health centers in Sweden, comprising 14 observed sessions. Data were collected through structured observations and field notes and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four categories emerged: infants becoming calm and... (More)
Aim Infant massage has been suggested as a beneficial approach; however, evidence regarding how it is implemented within routine child health care remains limited. The aim of this observational study was to explore how infant massage education was enacted in a child health care setting, with a focus on infant behavior, caregiver–infant interaction, and group dynamics among caregivers during the sessions. Methods A qualitative observational study was conducted in six infant massage groups at three child health centers in Sweden, comprising 14 observed sessions. Data were collected through structured observations and field notes and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four categories emerged: infants becoming calm and alert; challenges in maintaining infant attention; enhanced caregiver–infant interaction; and evolving peer dynamics among caregivers. Infants often appeared relaxed and attentive during massage, while caregivers actively engaged in communication and frequently sought infants' consent before continuing the massage. Over time, group interactions among caregivers became more open and supportive. Conclusion Infant massage sessions within child health care may support caregiver–infant interaction while also providing a social context for parental learning and peer support. Implications for Practice Incorporating infant massage into parent education programs may represent a practical strategy for strengthening early relational interactions within routine child health services.
(Less)
- author
- Frennessen, Sabina
; Persson, Sofie
; Einberg, Eva Lena
and Garmy, Pernilla
LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2026-09-01
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Caregivers, Group processes, Infant, Infant behavior, Massage, Parent-child relations, Parents, Primary health care, Qualitative research, Social behavior
- in
- Journal of Pediatric Nursing
- volume
- 90
- pages
- 8 pages
- publisher
- Elsevier
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:105045818516
- pmid:42526327
- ISSN
- 0882-5963
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.07.056
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 61e74982-e7a4-447e-9c06-6db22457a637
- date added to LUP
- 2026-09-28 16:20:31
- date last changed
- 2026-09-29 02:53:55
@article{61e74982-e7a4-447e-9c06-6db22457a637,
abstract = {{<p>Aim Infant massage has been suggested as a beneficial approach; however, evidence regarding how it is implemented within routine child health care remains limited. The aim of this observational study was to explore how infant massage education was enacted in a child health care setting, with a focus on infant behavior, caregiver–infant interaction, and group dynamics among caregivers during the sessions. Methods A qualitative observational study was conducted in six infant massage groups at three child health centers in Sweden, comprising 14 observed sessions. Data were collected through structured observations and field notes and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Four categories emerged: infants becoming calm and alert; challenges in maintaining infant attention; enhanced caregiver–infant interaction; and evolving peer dynamics among caregivers. Infants often appeared relaxed and attentive during massage, while caregivers actively engaged in communication and frequently sought infants' consent before continuing the massage. Over time, group interactions among caregivers became more open and supportive. Conclusion Infant massage sessions within child health care may support caregiver–infant interaction while also providing a social context for parental learning and peer support. Implications for Practice Incorporating infant massage into parent education programs may represent a practical strategy for strengthening early relational interactions within routine child health services.</p>}},
author = {{Frennessen, Sabina and Persson, Sofie and Einberg, Eva Lena and Garmy, Pernilla}},
issn = {{0882-5963}},
keywords = {{Caregivers; Group processes; Infant; Infant behavior; Massage; Parent-child relations; Parents; Primary health care; Qualitative research; Social behavior}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{09}},
pages = {{774--781}},
publisher = {{Elsevier}},
series = {{Journal of Pediatric Nursing}},
title = {{Exploring infant massage in child health care : An observational study of caregiver–infant interaction and group dynamics}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2026.07.056}},
doi = {{10.1016/j.pedn.2026.07.056}},
volume = {{90}},
year = {{2026}},
}