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The Benefits of Baby Massage
In many hospitals and birth centers, newborns are places on the mother’s chest to give them as much skin-to skin contact as possible. Gentle and loving touch can help small babies grow stronger and feel less anxiety. Infants who experience routine touch show 50% more eye contact and are 3 times more likely to have an overall positive expression than infants who do not.
Infant massage may soothe your baby and reduce his/her crying, aid digestion and help relieve colic, gas and constipation, increase daily weight gain, enhance your baby’s adjustment to nighttime sleep, and help him/her sleep more deeply, relieve nasal congestion and teething discomfort, help develop good muscle tone, coordination and suppleness, enhance body awareness, boost the immune system, improve skin texture, help calm and relax both you and your baby, and boost your confidence.
Did you know?
Researchers believe that a positive maternal childhood helps to form the basis for future relationships.
How To Massage a Baby
A gentle massage can calm your baby, aid in his/her development and even help him/her sleep better. All it takes is a few minutes and these five easy steps.
8 Baby Massage Tips & Tricks
Choose a time when your baby is awake and alert, not too hungry or too full.
Ensure the room is warm and lighting not too bright.
Have what you need ready: baby massage oil or lotion, towel, clean diapers and clothes.
Wash your hands and remove jewelry.
Find a comfortable place to massage so they can see your face clearly.
Before starting, relax with a few full breaths — this can help your baby relax too.
Babies are always changing. Some may feel more secure if they’re close to their parents.
Use baby oil or lotion and glide comfortably over baby’s skin.
WARNING: Keep all products out of reach of children. Keep any baby oil out of children’s reach to avoid drinking and accidental inhalation, which can cause serious injury. Should breathing problems occur, consult a doctor immediately.
Massage Guides
Don’t be afraid to start a massaging routine shortly after birth. Routine massage helps you grow your bond and leads to baby’s happy, healthy development. Through newborn massage, you can gain increased awareness of how your baby communicates and ideas on ways to support your baby in his/her first few months. You and your baby will discover what is best for you both. It is important to be mindful that massage is something you do with, rather than to your baby. Start easing into a routine with these newborn massage techniques.
Always begin every massage with a resting hand. It can also be used when your baby needs a break during the massage. This is a good way for your baby to feel secure and enjoy touch.
Check you have enough massage oil or lotion on your hands before you start. With one hand, gently hold your baby’s ankle. Place your other hand at the top of your baby’s thigh, molding it around the leg, then slide it to the ankle. Repeat with firm yet gentle rhythmic strokes, one hand after the other.
Start with your hands on both sides of your baby’s head, then run your hands down both sides of his/her body, from his/her head to his/her toes. Next, draw tiny circles on your baby’s head with your fingertips.
Babies usually love having their feet massaged. Watch your baby’s reactions in case of sensitivity. A little newborn foot massage can have a positive effect on the whole body. Gently squeeze and roll each toe between your thumb and index finger. Using alternate thumbs stroke the top of the foot from toes to the ankle.
When baby’s umbilical cord is healed, a gentle newborn tummy massage can help with digestion and tummy troubles. Start by making contact with your baby’s tummy with a reassuring relaxed hand. If your baby is happy, make gentle paddling strokes, with one hand following the other.
Start your massage beginning at your baby’s neck, swooping down to their bottom. You can also use skin-to-skin contact to enhance the bonding experience between baby, and mom/dad.
