The Benefits of Baby Massage for Newborns
Baby massage is a gentle and nurturing practice that involves the systematic stroking and kneading of a baby's body using specialized techniques. This practice offers several benefits for newborns, both in terms of their physical and emotional well-being.
Baby Massage Tips
- Giving your baby a massage is as simple as it is enjoyable. All you need is 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pick a time when you're relaxed and your baby is quiet but alert. (If you try to massage a fussy baby, you may overstimulate them and make them even more unhappy.) Try starting after a diaper change or as part of a bath time ritual.
- Before you begin, make sure the room is warm and quiet. Take off any jewelry that could get in the way, and grab some baby oil. Strip your baby down to their diaper, and then lay them facing up on a soft towel or blanket. Begin by holding your baby's hands and gently rubbing their palms with your thumbs a few times.
- Pay attention to your baby's cues. If they seem uncomfortable or fussy, it's okay to stop or take a break.
- Keep your strokes slow, gentle, and consistent.
- Maintain eye contact and talk or sing to your baby to provide reassurance and bonding.
- Be cautious around your baby's fontanelles (soft spots on their head) and avoid applying direct pressure to them.
How to Do a Baby Massage
Performing a baby massage can be a wonderful bonding experience for both you and your baby.
Leg massage
Gently but firmly wrap your hands around your baby's leg and glide your hands down from thigh to ankle. Do this a few times, then repeat on the other leg.
Belly massage
Place your hands at the level of your baby's navel. Then, in a clockwise motion, rub your fingertips firmly and gently over their tummy in a circular motion. Repeat.
Arm massage
Gently roll your baby's arm between your hands, starting at the shoulder and moving down to the wrist. Repeat two to three times, and then switch to the other arm.
Neck massage
Support your infant's head and upper body with one hand. Next, place the thumb of your other hand on one side of their neck and your first two fingers on the other. Then use your fingertips to gently rub your baby's neck in a circular motion. Repeat these circles a few times.
Colic and gas relief massage
First, give your baby a belly massage. Then bend their knees up to their tummies and hold for about 30 seconds before releasing. Repeat a few times. Then place the edge of one hand on your baby's belly, gliding from the belly button down in a rhythmic pattern to help release pent-up gas. Repeat if needed.
Use massage oil.
Apply a small amount of baby-friendly massage oil to your hands and rub them together to warm it up. Be sure to choose an oil that's safe for your baby's sensitive skin.
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