Out of babies five senses touch is the one that is most developed from birth, this is one of the many reasons babies crave a soothing massage just as much as you do!
Find out about the possible benefits of infant massage and learn how to get started.
What are the benefits of baby massage?
Increased Bonding
Infant massage provides a great opportunity for you to get to know your baby better. You will begin to connect through intentional touch. Massaging your baby provides an opportunity for you both to slow down and relax together. You will learn to read your baby’s cues better as you focus on her response to the massage. By making this part of your daily routine you will both be able to look forward to this special time together.
The best part is that this is an activity you can carry into the toddler stage. Once your baby becomes familiar with massage it can become a calming technique in the future.
Relief from Constipation
It can be challenging as a new mom to not have a solution for your baby’s constipation. By having specific tactile massage techniques to apply that are proven to help will give you a sense of empowerment. If constipation is something your baby is struggling checkout our course to learn more about baby massage for gas and constipation.Improves Immunity
There are specific massage techniques that you can perform around your baby's sinuses to help relieve congestion. You can learn more about how to boost your baby’s immune system in our course. Regular infant massage will also help to improve circulation for your baby which in turn will help the immune system become stronger!Improves Sleep Quality
Studies show that regular massage can result in a more restful sleep. Performing infant massage on your baby before bedtime or naptime can help her associate it with sleep and may make the process of winding down a little easier!
When should I massage my baby?
Although it is tempting to want to use infant massage as a tool to help relieve a temper tantrum this is not the ideal time to perform it. It is best to massage your baby when they are in a ‘quiet but alert stage’ this is generally before or after nap time or bedtime. It is best to perform the massage at the same time each day so that the baby can learn to expect and enjoy it.
If the infant massage is done when your baby is fussy it is likely they will never be able to associate massage with relaxation- we don’t want this to happen!
Make sure to wait 20 minutes + after a feeding to avoid tummy upset and spitting up.
Tip: Many moms love to incorporate massage post bath time as this is a time that you would ordinarily be applying oil or lotion to your babies skin.What oil should I use for baby massage?
There are many baby massage oils on the market which appear to be safe but ensure that you check the ingredient label for anything non-edible. During infant massage the baby massage oil will be spread on the face and fingers so it is best to be a little more cautious than normal!
We suggest using an edible cold-pressed fruit or vegetable oil traditionally used for cooking: coconut oil, grapeseed oil and apricot oil are all great choices! Not only will these oils have a great glide on your baby's skin (this is important for comfort!) but you will not have to worry if your baby ingests some- we know the baby will end up with a finger or toe in her mouth at some point!
Make sure to test the oil on a small area of your baby's skin and wait a few days to ensure there is no reaction.
Check out your local dollar store for a small lotion pump travel container and keep the oil in there ready for your next baby massage session.
How frequently should I massage my baby?
Infant massage can easily become part of your babies daily routine and we highly suggest it! Because there are so many benefits even if you only have time for a few minutes each day it is still worth doing. Build infant massage into your babies schedule by performing it at the same time and in the same place each day.
What do I need before I start a baby massage?
It doesn’t take many supplies to begin your babies infant massage routine. Here are a few things we suggest:
Warm Room: Since you will be undressing the baby for the massage it is important for the room to be warm so that she is comfortable.Soft Place for the Massage: Many mamas like performing the massage routine on baby’s change table, a soft carpet, couch or bed- make sure wherever you choose is safe.Soft Blanket: It is important for your baby to be warm and comfortable during their massage. Try using the same blanket each time to help your baby associate it with massage time.Baby Massage Oil: Edible cold-pressed fruit or vegetable oil.*if your baby has eczema you may want to use his prescribed cream for the massage.
Warm Hands + Calm Mom: Try rubbing your hands together several times before you begin and take a deep breath. It is important for you to be grounded in order to transfer relaxation onto your little one. Nervous touch can make a baby feel anxious- be confident mama!Training Guide: It is best to learn how to do all techniques properly. Check out our video course here or book a private infant massage lesson to learn curated techniques for your babies needs in a one on one setting!Can my partner massage the baby too?
Performing infant massage on your baby is a great way to bond.
If you are breastfeeding, baby massage time can be a great opportunity for your partner to get some one on one skin to skin bonding with the baby too. (When you stop breastfeeding it can help ease the transition for mom and baby by giving you another way to connect.)
Are there any areas on my baby's body I should avoid?
It is important to be cautious around baby’s joints as they are still developing. Be cautious when massaging around the elbows, knees, ankles, wrists and spine.
What is the ideal age for infant massage?
Once your baby is old enough to crawl it can be challenging to begin a new routine- we suggest starting at 2 months old. This is generally around the time you will begin to receive cues from your baby such as eye contact, cooeing and distinguished cries that you will be able to recognize as a time to stop. These cues will give you important insight into which techniques your baby is enjoying.
How to Massage Your Baby
Make sure to checkout our full course to learn all of the techniques on how to massage your baby.Here are a few techniques to get you started:
Begin by rubbing some lotion in your hands above your baby. Ask him if he is ready for his Massage. Your baby will be laying on her back for this routine. Start at the feet and work your way up, repeat on the other side of the body. Perform each technique 3-5 times before moving on to the next body part. If your baby begins to fuss make sure to stop- you always want your baby to associate massage with relaxation.
Feet: Gently draw little circles with your thumb from the heel to the toes.Legs: Start on the outer ankle and with a flat hand stroke all the way up to the bum.Bum: With your palm draw larger circles along the side of the bum.Belly: With the pinky edge of your hand starting at the lower ribs gently swipe hands one after the other towards the hips.