How to Massage Your Baby
Many parents find that massaging their baby is instinctive and their baby responds well whether or not they have received specific Baby massage training. Massage for infants is very different to massage for adults and it is recommend to seek advice from a qualified instructor in regards to specific stroke techniques. Proven to be more effective with the use of baby massage oil, in this article we outline one technique that many babies enjoy.
Start at the feet:
- The legs and feet are an appropriate place to begin the massage as your baby is used to having them touched every time their nappy is changed.
- Use strokes that are firm but gentle – most babies find this relaxing and can be irritated by light ticklish strokes.
- Sometimes babies signal that having their legs and feet massaged is quite enough for them. This is perfectly normal and acceptable and you may find that as your baby gets older, they grow to enjoy and accept more massage.
- Work your way from the hip to ankle with long firm strokes alternating between one hand and the other.
Stomach:
- When massaging your baby’s abdomen (or tummy), make the shape of lower case ‘n’ always go in a clockwise direction.
- Start at the lower right side of the baby’s abdomen and, using one hand, gently massage up and across the tummy, finishing on the lower left side.
- The tummy should feel soft. Your baby will give you signals if they are not enjoying or content enough to receive a massage. If this happens, you can finish the massage and try to offer massage again at a later stage.
Arms:
- Stroke from the shoulder and down the arm to the baby’s wrist with long firm strokes, alternating hands as you go. It is important to use a natural, cold pressed, organic fruit, nut, vegetable or seed oil that is free from essential oils. This will ensure that the oil is edible and safe for the baby to ingest when they inevitably puts their fingers in their mouth during massage time.
Face:
- Many babies enjoying having their face stroked across the forehead and then across the cheeks.
- Your index finger and thumbs can be used to massage the baby’s face.
- Start in the middle of the baby’s face and stroke outwards to the side of the face.
- You can also try starting beside the nose and moving your fingers out to the side of the face, down along either side of the nose and along the cheeks.
Back:
- If your baby is content to continue (and you are too), the baby can be turned onto their tummy. While they are in this position, use long, smooth, soothing strokes that run from the baby’s head to their toes. Babies that can hold themselves up on their elbows are more likely to enjoy this position and the massage that they receive.
- Start at the baby’s head and slowly travel down their back to their toes.
Finishing:
- Perform some long firm strokes from head to toe (avoiding the chest) to finish the massage and hold and rock your baby.
Massage for infants is very different to massage for adults and it is recommend to seek advice from a qualified instructor in regards to specific stroke techniques. It is important to watch your baby for cues and and respond appropriately. Parents that do use massage with their baby often testify to the benefits and the ability of baby massage to soothe their child. Almost invariably, parents report that the time spent massaging their baby is special and enjoyable.