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Why Massaging a Baby is Important
For newborns, their surroundings are a new environment. They have spent their time soaking in the warmth of their mother’s uterus. When they are met with new surroundings, they need comforting and a familiar touch, voice, and scent to feel at ease and relaxed. Touch is the best thing a mother can do to bond with the baby. Baby massage is a stimulating practice to boost a baby's health, improve circulation, and release trapped gas.Here are a few more reasons why baby massage is important:
- Deep, gentle stroking promotes better sleep
- Circular, clockwise massage can release gas, ease constipation, and colic
- Encourages healthy blood flow and oxygenation
- Improve lymphatic flow, stamina, and immunity
- Foster a bond and a sense of safety for healthy emotional development
- Reduces stress-inducing cortisol
- Boosts serotonin, helping the baby remain calm and relaxed
- Stimulates sensory receptors, the brain, and neural development
- Increases weight and height
- Mothers can easily understand their baby’s cues and improve their confidence
When is the Best Time to Massage
After the sixth-week check, mothers can introduce gentle massage. Six-week-old babies are more conscious about their surroundings and can easily enjoy the massaging technique. Babies are more receptive to the massage during the conscious stage.You can also massage when the baby is showing positive cues, like:
- Smiling and cooing
- Actively looking at your face
- Reaching out to you
- Gently moving
- Opening their eyes
When is Not a Good Time To Massage
Before massaging, understand if the baby prefers massage or not. While massaging, if the babies show negative cues, immediately stop. If their cues are ignored, they might think their opinions don't matter. If the baby enjoys the massage and shows positive cues, continue.The worst times for massage are:
- Deep sleep, tired, or crying
- Raised temperature or fever
- Skin infection or rashes
- Bruises, wounds, or an unhealed navel
- Just received a vaccination
Best Oil for Baby Massage
Choosing the right oil allows for gentle strokes without irritation or friction on the baby's skin. Organic, cold-pressed oil is the best choice because it allows the skin to breathe, has no fragrance, is easily absorbed, and nourishes the skin.Below are a few oil suggestions you can try:
- Olive Oil- It can be heavy, but it has anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe the sensitive, rashes, and chapped skin. Dilute it with sunflower oil.
- Coconut Oil- It absorbs easily and moisturises the baby. It is perfect for warm and humid climates as they are lightweight and have cooling properties.
- Sesame Oil- An important Ayurvedic ingredient used to heal skin issues.
- Almond Oil- Natural, pure sweet oil is rich in Vitamin E and offers great nourishment for normal and dry skin.
Best Techniques to Follow
Before starting massage, make sure the environment is cosy and comforting for an enhanced experience. Trim your nails and remove your jewellery as it may scratch the baby’s skin. Avoid direct sun exposure and opt for warm light for a relaxing environment. This is an intimate and bonding time for you and the baby. Let the baby hear your voice by singing a lullaby or talking with them. Don't light candles or use artificial scent; let the baby feel your natural scent.Before starting the massage, relax. Since this time is important for bonding, you have to be fully invested and comfortable. Once that is done, follow the below practice for an enhanced, soothing massaging session:
Get ready
- Place a soft rug or carpet on the floor that allows the baby and the mother to move easily.
- Choose an oil of your choice and warm it for better absorption.
Start with legs
- Raise one light slightly and cup the feet with your hands.
- Take a few drops of oil and gently glide from heel to toe, alternating your thumbs.
- Then slowly go from foot to thighs.
- Repeat three times for each leg.
Arms and Hands
- Open the fist and massage each finger.
- Stroke the wrist from the centre to the side.
- Start from the shoulder to the wrist for each hand.
Chest and Stomach
- Starting from the chest, gently stroke outwards towards the shoulder.
- To release trapped gas and ease constipation, follow a clockwise massage.
- Draw a flower, or a square, using the pads of your index and middle fingers.
Back to Bottom
- Slowly turn the baby and place them onto their tummy.
- A long sweep starting from the neck to the bottom.
- Don't strain the spine.
- Slow down the movement from the bottom to the ankles.
- Draw circles and move from the centre to the sides.
Face and Head
- Trim your nails before touching your face.
- Use your fingertips and gently press different points on the face and head.
- Draw gentle circles on the head.
- Gently touch their cheeks and jawline.
- Use your thumb to gently stroke down the rim of the ear and continue to the lobe.
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FAQs on Everything You Need To Know About Baby Massage- Techniques And Safety Measures To Follow
- What are the signs that my baby is enjoying the massage?
If the baby makes eye contact with you, smiles or coos, or responds to a positive cue for your touch, the baby is more likely to enjoy the massage. - Is it okay if I don't massage my baby?
Massaging and gentle touch help babies relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and aid in digestion. Touching is the baby's first act of communication. So it is recommended to add a few minutes of a massaging session every day for emotional and sensory development.
