Infant massage has so many positive effects for both parent and child. To highlight just one, infant massage aides in improving infant sleep patterns. 

More Info. at http://www.infantmassageusa.org/research/research-benefits-infant-massage/ 

Infants who were massaged before bedtime adjusted to a more favorable rest-activity cycle by the age of 8 weeks and produced more melatonin, a sleep regulator, during the night by the age of 12 weeks.

Ferber SG, Laudon M, Kuint J, Weller A, Zisapel N. Massage therapy and sleep-wake rhythms in the neonate. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 2002;23(6):410-415