A baby massage has a variety of different benefits. Learning how to give a baby massage can help soothe a crying baby, as well as form an ever lasting bond between the baby and his caregiver. It gives the person giving the massage, whether it is a mom, dad, sister, brother or a grandparent that special one on one time with the infant.
In premature babies, a gentle massage can actually help the preemie’s development and growth. One study indicated that by massaging a premature baby as little as three times a day, for ten days, actually helped the babies gain nearly 50% more weight than those who were not given massages.
When giving a baby massage timing is a key element. You will want to make sure you begin the massage when you yourself are relaxed and are not in a hurry and when you will not be interrupted. Also, don’t plan on giving your infant a massage when he has just finished eating or when he is extremely hungry.
Begin the massage by making sure that both you and the baby are very comfortable. Try sitting on the floor or the bed with the baby. Lay the baby on a terry cloth towel across your lap. Begin by first massaging the baby in the front and then move to the backside. Some relaxing music in the background can also be helpful.
Natural massage oils can be used on infants. However, it is important the oils never be used on the head or the face. Before applying the oil, be sure to slightly warm it up in your hands. Cornstarch can be used if you are planning a quick, short massage.
Before beginning a massage, ask your baby for his permission. Although he won’t give you his verbal permission, this is an important step. If at anytime you feel like your infant is becoming over stimulated you should immediately stop the massage. For a newborn, a simple two to five minute massage will be sufficient. However, for an older infant, a more elaborate massage may be in order.
Begin the massage on your baby’s head. Make tiny, gentle circles on the head as well as jaw. If your baby is teething, giving him a gentle massage around his mouth may help soothe some of the pain and comfort him. Next, you can move onto your infant’s chest.
Work your way to the infant’s fingers. Be sure to massage each little finger, on both hands. From the hands you can then move to the legs, gently massage the legs with tiny rubbing motion. Massage the baby’s feet the same way you did his hands. After you have finished with the legs and feet you can then flip the baby over to his tummy and massage his back. Stroke your baby’s back very gently. Use a back and forth motion. Be sure to always keep one hand on your baby.
Giving a baby massage can have a variety of different benefits. Massages can not only help soothe a cranky baby, it can also help to form bonds between the infant and his caregiver. Be sure to take your cues from the baby, immediately stopping if the baby becomes over stimulated. Be sure to always be gentle when giving the massage. Chances are, after the massage is over, you will be just as relaxed as your infant.
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