A New Mom's Guide to Baby Massage
Learn How to Use the Sense of Touch to Soothe and Calm Infants
The ritual of massage is one that is enjoyed by both mother and child. Using gentle, loving strokes, it is possible to soothe and calm babies, help them to sleep better, and reduce colic and griping pain. However, massaging a tiny baby can seem somewhat daunting to a new mother. So, use these simple steps and apply this age-old technique of soothing and calming infants as well as bonding with them.
When and Where to Massage Baby
Babies generally enjoy being massaged right before their morning bath, since the oil will get washed away when bathing. You could also massage babies before the bedtime bath. The gentle strokes will relax them and help them to sleep better. Avoid massaging if baby has just been fed, is unwell, asleep or has had an immunization in the last 72 hours.
The room should be reasonably warm and baby should be laid, naked, on a sheet or towel placed on the bed. Play some soft music to create an atmosphere of relaxation and calmness. Ensure that there would be no interruptions for at least five or ten minutes and then, begin the ritual of massaging baby.
How to Massage Baby
Before beginning to massage baby, make sure hands are clean and nails are clipped, since long nails would scratch and hurt baby. Warm some baby massage oil or olive oil or any other organic oil that suits baby, take some in your palms and rub them together. Smile at baby and talk in soft, soothing tones, and use the following steps-
- Start by gently stroking baby along both the sides of the body and work from the shoulder down to the ankles.
- Gently rub the stomach in circular motions and continue this over the chest.
- Raise the arms and massage the underarms and then, stroke the arms and hands gently and firmly. All the while, keep talking to baby in soft tones.
- Come down to the thighs and massage them gently, going down towards the knees, calves and ankles. Rub the soles and tops of the feet in small circular motions.
- Turn baby over on the stomach and gently massage the back in long, stroking movements. Move your hands over the bottom and backs of the thighs and legs, massaging them as you move down.
- Finally, turn baby over on the back and gently massage the scalp in small, circular movements. Keep talking and smiling at baby, gently and softly explaining what you’re doing all the while.
- Finish the massage by giving baby a gentle hug and wrap him up in a clean towel.
Infants can be massaged from around three months of age and can continue to be massaged as toddlers. In many cultures, it is believed that regular, gentle infant massage improves muscle tone and suppleness of limbs and cleanses the system. The massage can be done daily, twice in a week, or even once a week.
Use the ritual of baby massage to get more familiar with your baby. Baby massage is a unique and gentle way of connecting with your child, and infants and even toddlers love to be massaged gently and lovingly. So, use this loving way to bond with baby and experience peace and relaxation at the same time.
References -
Cooper, Carol Dr. The Baby and Child Question & Answer Book. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2000.
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