5 Commonly Asked Questions About Baby Massage
Awareness of the benefits of baby massage is growing and although most people have a general idea of what the practice entails, they are not always confident that it is right for them or their baby. It then follows that there are a number of questions that are most commonly asked about baby massage and here we present five of these questions with their answers.
1: At what age should I start to massage my baby?
There really are no rules about when to begin massaging your baby. A baby can be massaged from birth and there is an emerging body of evidence to show the positive results that can occur when children are massaged from very early in life.
It is also well understood that the power of touch and gentle massage delivers a positive effect for premature babies.
The best advice is to undertake your baby massage training when both you and your baby are ready.
2: What oil should I use to massage my baby?
Baby massage oil is an important element of a wonderful baby massage. Quality baby massage oils can be purchased from a range of places, but a cold pressed, organic oil that is free from essential oils works well. Cold pressed, organic sesame oil, sweet almond oil or apricot kernel oil make good massage oils but parents should always be mindful of their baby’s skin being able to breathe and signs of allergies appearing.
Prior to lathering your baby in any massage oil, test the oil on a small patch of skin first.
3: At what time should I massage my baby?
You will be the best judge of the best time to massage your baby. After a nap, when babies are typically quiet and alert is often an optimal time as they are often content to look around and are relatively content.
Following a feed, can still be a good time to massage if this is when your baby is most content, but it is vital to avoid abdominal massage following a feed and avoid lying your baby on their tummy for back massage following a feed.
While massage can have a relaxing effect, keep in mind that it is usually not best received when your child is extremely upset. Rather, it is best done when your baby is as calm and as content as possible.
4: How much pressure should I apply when massaging my baby and how long should a massage last?
Infant massage training is particularly important so that you know and have practiced how hard to press when massaging your baby. Of course, you should not press hard enough to hurt your baby or cause them discomfort and nor is touch that is too light advisable as this often tickles a baby and can be irritating for your child.
Through education, you will know and have practiced the strength of pressure that should be applied; you will therefore feel more confident that your baby will receive the full range of benefits of baby massage.
There is no hard and fast rule regarding the duration of a massage. Be guided by your baby; they will communicate to you when they have had enough, so always be observant of their body language.
5: Can older children be massaged?
Absolutely! Even if you have not massaged your child as a baby, it is never too late to learn and start. While there are some techniques that most appeal and are most beneficial for babies, these can be modified to best suit older children.
Massage for older children is a great way to open up the channels of communication and it is not uncommon for the precious time in which massage is given to be used to talk about feelings and concerns.
Baby massage has some incredibly important benefits for babies, older children and parents. Undertaking infant massage training is a great way for parents to increase their skills and knowledge of the most effective and nurturing ways to deliver massage for their baby or child.