Always wash hands before handling baby. This is especially important during flu season to prevent transfer of germs, but should also be done year-round. Once clean, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and face in general while touching the baby. Keep loose hair tied back to keep it from falling on the baby (or simply in the way) as well.

Safely secure baby. He or she should lay on a comfortable and secure surface, such as a blanket on the floor.

Only warm oil with your hands. While you may enjoy an oil massage with microwaved oil, it may be too hot for baby. Instead, warm it gently by rubbing your hands together.

Avoid cuts, bruises or rashes. If the baby has a large rash or other skin condition present, it’s best to avoid massage until it has properly healed. If there is just a small cut, simply massage other areas of the body, avoiding the affected area.

Avoid sensitive areas. Eyes and mouth should not be massaged. Other areas that a baby may have a particular sensitivity to should also be avoided.

Avoid baby’s soft spot. Her head should be avoided entirely during massage to ensure safety. Her face and neck can be gently massaged, however.

Never use heavily scented oils or lotions with perfumes. Use naturally based oils, like vegetable or apricot oil.

But how many mothers don’t have enough blankets or onesies? And stuffed animals, of course, are always aplenty when it comes to most children. Why not provide a unique and thoughtful gift that will allow mom and baby to bond and relax, like a baby massage basket? By giving such a loving present you will be providing them with hours of enjoyment as well as the knowledge that you care about their well being.

First, be sure that the new mother plans on massaging her baby. Some parents may not choose to do this. Once you are certain, assemble the following items in a pretty basket.

Massage Oil: Babies don’t need the heavily fragranced massage oils that adults typically use. Instead, vegetable or another plant-based oil should be used. Grape seed or apricot oil is a good choice. Be sure to avoid mineral oil, which isn’t absorbed into the skin as well.

A Comfortable Blanket: While it shouldn’t be too thick or fuzzy, a soft baby blanket for baby to lay on during massage would surely be appreciated.

Infant Massage Techniques: Choose a renowned DVD, book, or both to help provide instruction for the new mother or other caregivers.

Soothing Music: Buy a calming infant music CD or burn a special, personalized set of songs on your own for baby to enjoy.

Feel free to decorate the gift or add in a personal card for a final touch.

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.