Sometimes the most meaningful stories come from babies are soft, bouncy, and spend most of their time eating and sleeping — so, at first thought, they may not seem like a demographic in need of frequent massages. Yet infant massage has actually been practiced for centuries in Asia and is explained to offer myriad benefits. Studies have discovered that it can increase weight gain and contribute to preterm infants thrive , and it may also aid with sleep, stimulate the circulatory and digestive systems, and even encourage brain development, according to the International Association of Infant Massage .
Mother and marketing expert Elina Furman is well-aware of the history and benefits of baby massage. She was so motivated to spread the word with other parents that she created a massage wand just for infants. Touted as the world’s first baby massager, Kahlmi is made of antimicrobial, edible-grade silicone and delivers low-frequency vibrations.
In addition, in addition to positively impacting the child, it provides comfort and value to parents. Courtesy of Kahlmi “So many people assume that because you have a baby, you are automatically bonded with them,” Furman, who is also a certified infant massage instructor, explained to Nice News. “That said, many parents struggle with the attachment bonding process, especially those who go through postpartum anxiety and depression. So doing baby massage has been shown to truly increase that bond, increase a parent’s sense of competence, [and] sense of satisfaction in being a parent.” She added that the time spent using the device is calming and restful for parents as well.
Kahlmi, which won an iF design award in 2022 , is shaped a bit like a rattle and is small enough for a baby to hold, which Furman felt was important. “They love holding it because the sensory input of the vibrations is so calming to them, but they also love putting it in their mouth,” she shared, adding that the company is now working on developing attachments to aid with teething.
Elina Furman with the Kahlmi Courtesy of Kahlmi One mother who used the Kahlmi knows firsthand how helpful it is that the babies can pick it up themselves. Tessa Gorski’s infant son, Ryder, suffered a stroke at birth; he had worked with physical and occupational therapists, but it wasn’t until his mom got her hands on the Kahlmi that she saw an incredible improvement — or rather, until he got his hand on the Kahlmi, when he was around age 1. “I charged it as soon as we got it, and I gave it to him, and it was the remarkably first thing I’ve seen him pick up with his right hand by himself,” Gorski said, adding that witnessing the moment “was just amazing.” She shared that Ryder, now 19 months, loves baby massages in the evening and that the Kahlmi also helps relieve constipation.
“It quite has been a huge sensory tool for us.” Tessa and Ryder Courtesy of Tessa Gorski Furman worked with Manasa Mantravadi, a pediatrician born in India whose mother massaged her as an infant. Mantravadi did the same for her own children, and informed Fast Company in June that the experience was calming for both her and them, but she understands how it can seem intimidating to parents who are unfamiliar with the practice. “If you don’t happen to have an Indian immigrant mother who can teach you the basics, you might need a tool to support you,” she said. Courtesy of Kahlmi Furthermore, the benefits of baby massage extend beyond the individual families practicing it, Furman communicated to Nice News.
Citing research that established that cultures in which children receive more physical touch in the maternal-infant relationship are less violent later in life, she expressed her desire to see the Kahlmi make a positive contribution to society as a whole. “It’s truly building that early relationship between parent and baby, which is the foundation for that whole child’s upbringing,” she said, adding: “There’s no downside to baby massage. … So I’m just super excited to support foster that connection and bonding at the earliest stages.” RELATED: Spontaneous Baby Movements Serve a Larger Purpose Than Previously Thought, New Study Finds Experts in the field have noted that discoveries like this one are part of a broader trend toward more personalized and preventive healthcare.
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Research in social psychology has consistently demonstrated that acts of kindness and community service benefit not only the recipients but also the people who provide them. Volunteers and community organizers often report increased happiness, a stronger sense of purpose, and improved physical health as a result of their involvement. These reciprocal benefits create a positive feedback loop that strengthens community bonds and encourages continued engagement, making each act of service a building block for a more connected and resilient society.
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The stories that capture our attention and imagination serve as reminders that progress is not inevitable but rather the result of dedicated effort, creative thinking, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. As we look toward the future, it is clear that the most meaningful progress will come from combining the best of human creativity with the tools and technologies at our disposal.
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This serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often starts with a single step in the right direction.
