Baby massage is a loving, enjoyable activity for you and baby and provides many benefits including: bonding, soothing baby, digestion and most importantly encouraging growth and development.

Before you start massaging your baby:

·         Make sure baby will be warm and comfortable (on a soft surface)

·         Do not attempt to massage baby when he is tired,  hungry, cranky or against his will – find a time of day that suits both of you, try about half an hour after feeding

·         Do not attempt to massage baby if you are tense or agitated as baby will pick up on this

·         Warm your hands

·         Undress baby including nappy

·         Prepare clean nappy and clothes to dress baby in once finished so that he does not get cold

·         Use an organic baby oil to allow your hands to glide freely

·         Make sure you are in a good position so that you do not strain your back – often the change table works well

·         You may like to the dim the lights and put some gentle music on

·         Use light, even pressure, and long brushing strokes

·         DO NOT force baby’s limb into awkward  positions

How to massage your baby:

There are no set rules with baby massage but here is a general guideline that you might like to start with.  Usually 10 (young baby) – 20 (older baby) min is sufficient. Use gentle, slow rhythmical strokes with the palm of your hand or flats of fingers.  Trust your instincts and watch baby for any signs of distress.

·         Slowly and gently massage his head

·         Stroke from the centre of the chest to the sides along the curve of the ribs

·         Massage clockwise circles over the abdomen (after the umbilical cord has separated) – this will help with wind pain as well.

·         Place baby on his tummy and stroke from his neck toward his bottom

·         Stroke babies arms from his shoulders to his fingertips and back up

·         Stroke babies legs from his hips to his toes and back up

·         Finish the massage by holding a foot in each hand and gently moving his legs back and forward as though riding a bike

You do not have to do  a full massage every time, try to incorporate massage into every day activities like change time and even when baby is feeling you may stroke baby’s back if it does not disturb him. Once baby is starting to crawl massage becomes less important.

Disclaimer  

Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies have provided these articles for general information only and they should in no way be considered as a substitute for the advice and information your physiotherapist and or doctor will supply about your particular condition. It is recommended that you always seek professional advice.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies accept no responsibility and cannot guarantee the consequences if you choose to rely upon these contents as your sole source of information.