How to massage your baby

Massaging your baby is a great way to express your love while soothing your baby and spending quality time with them. It also has many benefits for your baby. Keep on reading to know more about baby massage.

What is baby massage?

Baby massage is a gentle process of stroking your baby’s body with your hands. Use oils or gentle moisturisers to massage your baby in a smooth and gentle manner because baby massage is quite different from adult massage. You should be careful with the amount of pressure you apply. Try to use gentle manipulation on your baby’s ankles, wrists and fingers. Making soft sounds like humming or singing can also make the process soothing for your baby.

What are the benefits of baby massage?

— It’s a special time for you and your baby.

— It helps your baby to develop mentally, socially and physically

— It helps your baby relax

— It can help you to soothe your baby if they are crying or fussy

— It also helps them sleep better

When to massage your baby?

You should pick a time ideally between your baby’s feeds when they are neither too hungry nor too full. You should also avoid baby massage just before their nap time. It’s best to do it when the baby is awake and settled. It may happen that the baby is either feeding or napping and you may not get your golden opportunity to massage them. But be patient, you will surely get the time. You can make it a part of your baby’s bedtime routine, perhaps after their bath and before the bedtime feed.

A massage before bedtime will help your baby to wind down after the stimulation of the day and become calm, and ready for sleep.

How to massage your baby?

1. It is important to set the environment right and be ready for the massage. Find a quiet room to massage your baby in and lay your baby down on a towel or folded sheet. You can even keep a changing sheet below.
2. Keep everything you might need close — like massage oil or moisturiser, towels to clean up in case of any accidents, clothes to dress your baby in after the massage, usual things you need to change your baby’s diapers.
3. Avoid using certain lubricants like mustard oil, unrefined peanut oil or any harsh creams on your baby’s skin. You can even do a patch test a day before you’re going to massage your baby.
4. To start the massage, you can begin with your baby’s legs to get them accustomed to it. Legs are ideal starting point as they are used to having their legs touched during diaper change.
5. Work your way up to the baby’s tummy, chest, arms and fingers. Keep going for as long as your baby is enjoying it.

Along with the process, it’s important to read the signs your baby is giving you. Keep in touch with them and notice these signs to know what touches the baby likes or dislikes and when to stop.

Source: Baby center, Zyla Medical Team