Baby Massage 101

One of the most natural ways to comfort your baby in times of distress or before bedtime is by giving them a massage. Not to mention the fact it’s free and parents need all the breaks they can get in that department, right? Learning the right way to give your little one a massage can mean more nights of peaceful sleep and days without tears for both baby and mommy.

 

Massaging your baby on a daily basis can help calm them for better rest but may also foster their development in other ways. Massage is a natural remedy for colic (set periods of uncontrollable crying) and indigestion and also supports proper circulation. Lastly, massage may boost your child’s immune system to better protect them from illness. Not to mention the fact it’s a wonderful way to bond with your new baby and the act of touch is universally known to be a powerful healer.

 

So, how do you do it? Here are the basics of baby massage:

  • Wait until a period between meal times when your child has had a chance to digest their last meal and won’t be eating a short time later.
  • Use a non-irritating,all natural oil that is safe for babies to help moisturize the skin and make your movements smoother.
  • Apply gentle pressure as you lightly squeeze the arms and legs, gliding your hands down away from the center of their body.
  • Make sure to delicately exercise the joints, rotating the wrists and ankles.
  • Make small circles on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
  • To massage your baby’s chest, use flat palms and light pressure to caress their upper body in an outward motion from the sternum.
  • Make small circles on both sides of your baby’s spine, followed by light strokes down the length of his or her back.
  • Use your fingertips to massage more sensitive areas, like the scalp and face.
  • Be careful with the tummy, using light, circular strokes to assist in digestion.
  • Have your baby lie on a favorite blanket on the floor during the massage for extra comfort.
  • Pay attention to how your little one reacts to the massage. There’s no set time for how long the massage should last, especially if they seem irritated.

 

Practice giving your child a massage and see how they respond. Once you’ve gotten used to the procedure, make a massage part of their daily routine as often as possible — children thrive on routine and the massage can signal it’s time to wind down after a long day.
Who knows, this convenient way to soothe your baby could be the answer to all your prayers.