Baby massage

Getting started

1- Baby massage is soothing and can comfortably last 10-30 minutes. Before starting, make sure the room is warm and your baby is quiet.

Good times to perform massage on your baby include after a nap, when your baby is clothed and after a bath.

2- To get started, smooth a few drops of edible oil such as olive or sweet almond oil into your warm hands and begin massaging the soles of your baby’s feet. Use firm, gentle, slow strokes from the heel towards the toes. Always keep one hand on your baby while massaging.   

3- Continue with long smooth strokes up your baby’s legs. Massage from the ankle up to the thigh and over the hip. You can try massaging both legs at once or one at time. Avoid massaging the genital area. Hold your baby's leg under the knee and gently press it towards the tummy to help her expel gas.

Massaging the upper body

 

1- Start the upper body massage with your hands on your baby's shoulders and make gentle strokes in towards the chest.

2- Massage the arms by stroking from the shoulders down towards the wrists. Try not to get oil on your baby's hands but if that happens, wipe her fingers clean before she sucks them.

3- If your baby’s tummy feels soft (not hard or full) massage his belly using circular, clockwise strokes. Babies' tummies are sensitive, so if he becomes unsettled, move on to the next step. Avoid massaging the naval area if the cord has not completely healed.

Massaging the face and back

1- Use your fingertips to massage your baby’s face. Stroke from the middle of his forehead, down the outside of his face and in towards his cheeks. With your fingertips, massage the scalp in small circles as if you are shampooing hair.

2- If your baby is still relaxed once you've finished massaging the front of her body, you can turn her onto his tummy and use long, smooth strokes from head to toe.

3- Use respectful touch and stop the massage if your baby is not enjoying himself or is showing signs of discomfort. It’s also best to avoid a massage if you are very tense, or if your baby is agitated or upset.

  from raisingchildren.net.au