Understanding Baby Massage
Baby massage is steadily gaining popularity. Although it has been practiced by other cultures for thousands of years, western cultures are only just realising the benefits of this art. Touch is an incredibly important and powerful sense, capable of providing comfort, love and security. For this reason and others, baby massage is often a nurturing, soothing and relaxing practice for both the baby and their parent(s) or caregivers.
What is baby massage?
Baby massage is the term for massage given to babies or infants. It incorporates the sense of touch, kinaesthetic strokes and stimulation and is widely recognised as a therapy that can increase the cognitive and physical development of babies.
When should baby massage occur?
Quiet alert state is where an infant will lie happily and quietly, simply looking around the room. This often occurs after a nap, or following a feed after their nap and is the ideal time for baby massage as opposed to immediately before sleep time.
It is suggested that a massage on the abdomen is not performed directly after a feed.
Combining bath time and massage time is not recommended for infants under 5-months due to a concern of over-stimulation. While the bath itself can be very relaxing to many newborns, the nervous system still goes through quite an involved process due to temperature changes and skin stimulation.
Massaging a baby who is already upset is rarely successful unless massage is being used specifically for wind, colic or constipation. Try to massage your baby when they are agreeable to it and in a pleasant mood!
How often should you massage?
Massage can be performed once or twice a day. Never feel pressured that you have to or ‘should’ massage your baby. It is far more important to observe your baby’s cues as to what they do and do not like and also your own feelings.
What do you need?
It is important that the room in which you massage the baby is warm and free from draughts. Choose a time in which you are unlikely to be interrupted and can devote time to the experience.
Many people find it beneficial and pleasant to play soft music. This can be immensely enjoyable for both you and the baby!
Make sure you have warm hands and remove any jewellery that may dig in or cut the baby’s skin.
Lay your baby on a towel; many people use a change mat to massage their baby and this can work very well.
Baby massage oil will help you to massage your baby. It is best that the oil that you use to massage be as natural as possible. Look for an organic baby massage oil that is made from fruit, vegetable, seed or nut oil avoid peanut oil however, especially if there is a history of allergies in your family. Before smothering your baby in any baby massage oil, place a small amount in the crease of their elbow and back of their knee and leave the oil for 24 hours and check for any reaction.
Keep in mind that not all babies like to not be completely undressed and that some people prefer not to fully undress their baby, particularly if the weather is cool. However, this need not be a barrier to giving your baby a massage. Many babies enjoy having just some of their body massaged – for example, the legs and feet.
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. The benefits of baby massage are understandably leading to growth in popularity of the practice.