Gentle Massage Can Help Soothe and Heal a Sick Child, Experts Say

When your toddler is feeling under the weather, a gentle massage may do more than just calm them, it can help support their recovery.

Health experts now say that massaging children aged one year and above can play a significant role in boosting their body’s natural healing processes.

According to pediatric therapists, gentle back, chest, and limb massages stimulate blood circulation, improve lymphatic drainage, and trigger the release of “feel-good” hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which help reduce pain and stress.

“Massage therapy for toddlers helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, this means the body can rest, digest, and repair more effectively,” explains Grace Mwende, a Nairobi-based pediatric physiotherapist.

While massage is not a substitute for medical care, it can be a supportive remedy for common childhood discomforts such as colds, teething pain, constipation, or mild fevers. Parents who practice this technique often report better sleep, reduced fussiness, and improved appetite in their recovering toddlers.

“I started massaging my son when he turned one, especially during teething or when he has a cold. It really helps him settle and feel better faster,” says Anne Wanjiru, a mother from Kikuyu.

Experts recommend using natural oils and warm hands, and keeping the strokes light and soothing. It’s important to avoid massage immediately after meals and to stop if the child shows signs of discomfort.

The Ministry of Health has encouraged such nurturing care as part of holistic child wellness, emphasizing that it also strengthens the emotional bond between caregiver and child.

As more parents explore simple, home-based remedies to ease their children’s symptoms, massage is proving to be more than a comfort ritual,it’s a valuable tool in a toddler’s healing journey.