Massaging your baby is a great way to bond with her
and calm and settle her. It also offers plenty of
health benefits. You can start your baby from about
2 weeks (or once the cord falls off). Baby massage
is safe, simple and best of all, anyone can do it.
Massage Essentials
• Choose an appropriate time
i.e. when he is well rested (mornings are good) or
the last thing in the night after his bath.
• If you use oil, opt for baby oil or cold compressed
versions such as almond oil.
• Wash your hands, remove jewellery and make
sure your nails are trimmed.
• Do it in a warm room with warm hands, using
slightly heated oil.
• Remember that massage is not a mechanical
routine - you need to bring yourself to the moment.
• Use gentle rubbing and soft stroking motions.
• If your baby becomes fretful it is best to
stop and try another day.
• Always wait 45 minutes after feeding before
massaging.
• Avoid massage if baby has any illness, skin
rash or infection.
• Avoid massaging on the injection site (after
an immunization shot) for at least a week.
Materials
You will need baby oil or lotion, soft towel or comforter
for your baby to lie on, soft music or you can sing
to your baby, some wipes and diapers just in case.
Basic Positions
There are 3 basic positions to choose from when massaging
your baby. Pick one that you find most comfortable.
1. If you decide to stand, place your baby on a changing
table and stand in front of him so that your baby
faces you.
2. If sitting, you can sit cross-legged on the floor
or bed. Lay your baby on the comforter on his back
facing you.
3. You can also sit on a couch and place your baby
on a towel over your crossed legs. Position your baby
on his back facing you.
Massage is love which
is one unique breath, breathing in two. - Frederick
Leboyer
Rub your Baby the Right
Way!
Begin by massaging your baby's feet with your thumbs.
If baby shows resistance wait until baby is ready.
Use this time to softly talk to her about what you
are doing or sing a lullaby. Your touch should be
fluid but firm at the same time. Use repetitious strokes
over her feet, legs, tummy, chest, arms, hands, back,
and face. Rotate, squeeze pull and stretch.
•
Feet and legs:
the feet and legs are areas where babies are most
receptive. First massage the feet using your thumbs
and gently massage each toe. Then rub the ankle stroking
from heel to toe. Move your hands to one leg; work
from his thighs to his knees in a downward motion
and gently squeeze around the shins. Do the same for
the next leg.
•
Tummy and chest:
Bicycle her legs and push both knees to the belly
and hold them there for about 20 sec. Do this a few
times. Next, gently stroke the chest using a downward
motion. Rub the tummy clockwise using a circular motion
starting at her lower belly, up and across to the
top of her tummy. Next, using your fingertips massage
outwards from navel. (This may cause your baby to
poop or release gas).
•
Arms, neck and shoulders:
Stroke his neck and move down unto his shoulders.
Massage each arm by squeezing as you move down. Massage
the wrists, hands and fingers with your thumbs and
fingers.
•
Head:
Lightly massage the head, avoiding the fontanelles.
Stroke the sides of his cheeks. Massage his forehead
from the center out, moving across his eyebrows and
ears.
•
Back:
Turn baby unto his tummy. Stroke from his neck to
the buttocks then stroke from one side to the other
side of his back a few times. Complete the massage
by lightly brushing your fingers up and down his body
- this final step will let your baby know that massage
is over.
If your baby shows signs of restlessness, she is signaling
you to change the pace or end the massage. Wipe the
excess oil from her body but let a little remain as
nourishment to the skin. Bathe her with soap and warm
water later that day or the next morning.
Massage Benefits
• Massage is an effective way to soothe and
communicate with your baby.
• Massage can help your baby sleep better.
• Massage has lots to offer in terms of physical
and psychological benefits.
• Massage reduces fussiness, relieves gas and
constipation, and even reduces colic.
• Massage is believed to strengthen the immune
system, improve muscle development and stimulate growth.
• Massage benefits baby greatly if done daily
for a minimum period of 6 months.
• Massaged everyday for 15 minutes resulted
in babies who cried less, were more alert and socially
engaged, gained weight faster and had better IQs.
