Newborn massage is a great way to bond with your baby. Massages may promote better sleeping, relieve colic, and enhance your infant’s immune system, motor skills, and intellectual development.
When should you start massaging your baby?
It’s advisable to start massaging your baby immediately after they’re born. It significantly prevents cramps and constipation in babies.
How often should I massage my baby?
At least once a day is recommended. Remember to wait 45 minutes after their meal before the massage. Massaging immediately after a meal can lead to vomiting.
Items you need before massaging your baby
Blanket or Towel
Massage oil
How to massage your baby
Use a blanket or towel, and massage oil in a non-breakable container. Test the oil on a small spot of your baby’s skin and wait a day to be sure no irritation appears. This is called a patch test. Undress your baby and start massaging them section by section.
Tummy
Massage your baby’s abdomen with your fingertips in a circular, clockwise motion.
Head and Face
Cradling your baby’s head in both hands, massage the scalp with your fingertips like shampooing. Massage the ears too.
Chest
Place both hands on your baby’s chest and stroke outward from her sternum to her shoulders.
Arms
With one hand, hold your baby’s wrist and stroke down from shoulder to wrist with both hands rotating in opposite directions as if you were gently wringing a towel.
Back
Place baby on tummy horizontally in front of you. Keep hands in front of and not sides.
Thighs
Lift your legs by the ankle and relax it by lightly tapping the upper thigh.
General tips
Make strokes gentle but firm and not ticklish.
Avoid scorching hot water when massaging your baby.
Build massage into your baby’s daily schedule.
Follow your baby’s signals when to stop. A massage can last 10 or 30 minutes, depending on their mood.
Comments