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Baby Massage

Benefits of baby oil massage I have survived many fussy days and nights with babies as a mom and a new grandparent. I am sharing with you what I have learned over the years with some simple and practical techniques on how to massage your baby.

Health and happiness for your baby

Massaging your baby is a loving way to bond with him or her. Massage will provide a wonderful way for a daily connection. Infants crave a parent’s touch. It gives them joy and pleasure. While you are focusing on your baby you are helping your baby learn to enjoy comfort, trust and an overwhelming feeling of security.

Benefits of massage for your baby

  • Helps to strengthen and regulate these primary systems in an infant, muscular, nervous system, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine and gastrointestinal, which can help reduce symptoms of colic.

  • Help your baby relax and be less irritable

  • Enhance sleep

  • Provide a way to bond and communicate

  • Stimulate normal body function and improve digestion.

How to prepare

  • Choose a time when you aren’t rushed. Give yourself 10-15 minutes.

  • The room should be warm. Completely undress your baby.

  • Do not give a massage if your baby has a full stomach. After a bath is best.

  • Lay your baby on a soft surface with a towel to lie on. Your bed is a good place.

  • Use lots of oil that is warmed with your hands. Make sure your nails are trimmed and you are not wearing any sharp rings.

  • Look directly at your baby and sing and talk to him or her. Have fun! If your baby isn’t enjoying it then stop and try again later.

Technique

  • The massage should go from the head to the toes. Use slow, firm movements.

  • Gently touch the forehead, eyebrows, temples and the base of the neck. Never press on the baby’s soft spot.

  • Now use your thumbs to gently stroke each side of the nose and then across the cheekbones. Continue around the area of the mouth and then around the ears front and back.

  • Using small circular strokes, massage gently around the lower neck area and slowly move down to the shoulders. With both hands, massage up and out over the chest. Now come around and gently massage the rib area.

  • With your baby’s arms out at each side, form a ring with your thumb and index fingers and gently stroke from the armpit down toward the hands.

  • Gently massage your baby’s palms and fingers with your thumbs.

  • To massage the tummy use a circular motion moving clockwise using the flat half of your fingers.

  • Do this gently and do not press down. Keep the motion clockwise. Use a bicycle movement alternating one leg straight and the other bent at the knee. With one hand on each foot, gently bend at the knee and press up toward the abdominal area as though your baby is peddling a bike.

  • Moving to the legs use a hand over hand movement with gentle strokes from the thighs to the feet.

  • Using more warm baby oil begin massaging your baby’s feet. A foot massage is very relaxing. Use gentle pressure on each of the toes. Use your thumbs in a circular motion to massage the sole and heel areas.

  • Don’t forget your baby’s back. Gently turn your baby over. Use large and slow movements. Start at the back of the head moving slowly down the neck. Remember to use gentle motion and gentle pressure. While using your fingertips, use soft circular strokes on the shoulders moving down the back making sure you do not massage the spine area. Take special care to stay away from the spine.

  • Work your way to the thighs and legs going down toward the feet. Take time to listen and talk to your baby. Play and cuddle with your baby. Comfort your baby and sing favorite lullabies. The most precious gifts are often the simplest.