After discovering the many benefits to infant massage, many parents are choosing to start this wonderful, loving practice with their own children. Anyone can perform an infant massage, whether a parent, grandparent, babysitter or other caregiver. Not only is it simple to do, it’s also a warm and gentle way to bond with the baby.
To begin, select a relaxed time when baby is not full, but is also not hungry. Bedtime and bath time are great for infant massage. Make sure baby is comfortable with the massage; if he or she is not, it defeats the purpose. As a newborn, he or she will probably only enjoy a massage for a few minutes.
Before beginning, make sure the room isn’t too cold since baby will be naked. Select a natural oil that won’t harm baby, such as apricot or almond oil. Never use cosmetic oils with added fragrances, and remember to not use any oil on baby’s face or head. Each time you use a bit of oil, be sure to warm it by rubbing it in your hands first.
Place baby safely on a on the floor, the bed or on your lap, using a soft towel beneath baby. Make sure that he or she cannot fall off.
Start with clean, oil-less hands on baby’s head. Create small circles moving around his or her head until you start to massage baby’s forehead. Place both of your hands in the center of baby’s forehead, and softly smooth your fingers out, working from the center to baby’s temples. Continue with circular motions around baby’s jaws.
Now you can apply the oil. Remember that you won’t need much! Apply it softly to baby’s chest, working from the inside outward as with the forehead. Roll each arm gently, and follow with hands, making sure to massage each finger.
Massaging baby’s tummy is important as it can help with digestion. Follow one hand with the other, moving right to left. Remember to keep a hand on baby at all times. Finish by rubbing baby’s legs and feet, rolling as you did with his or her arms. If baby will tolerate it, finish with his or her back.
Tags: baby care, baby massage, how to give a baby massage, Infant Massage, newborn care