Baby massage is a gentle and loving way to nurture and bond with your baby. This page explores some basic techniques and the benefits of baby massage.
Without a doubt, infants enjoy the touch of their parents.
Nothing beats the comfort of a mother’s or father’s arms during feeding or settling down to sleep for a newborn baby. But did you know another way to connect with your child through touch? Baby massage is an effective way to bond with your child. Massage can be used to communicate and comfort your baby before he or she understands the language.
Let’s delve into how to massage your baby and its benefits to you and your baby.
How do I give my baby a massage?
- Set up for the massage.
Massage your little one in a warm and quiet room. Make sure you and your baby are comfortable and relaxed. Place your baby on a soft, comfortable surface away from distractions. Put them on their backs to maintain eye contact. Try massage as a bedtime routine, after a bath, or after changing nappies. Remove rings and other jewelry that scratch or irritate your baby’s skin.
- Talk to your baby.
While your baby is lying on his back, gently massage each body part from face to toe. Maintain eye contact and stay connected to your baby. Smile at your baby, talk to them, and sing to them. At times, they may sing or talk back.
- Use different massage strokes.
Use a light stroke for your baby’s massage, and try not to apply too much pressure. Do a smooth stroke on your baby’s leg; massage the ankle up to the thighs and over the hip. Hold the leg below the knee and press it gently toward the belly. This will help your baby release wind.
Massage your little one’s arms by stroking from the shoulder to the wrist.
Massage the tummy with circular strokes. Avoid the belly button area. Do not put pressure on the area between your baby’s nipples and belly.
Massage your baby’s face with your fingertips. Stroke from the center of the forehead outward to the sides of the face and into the cheeks. Circular strokes are used to massage the scalp.
After you’ve finished massaging the baby’s face, turn them onto their tummy and massage them from head to toe with long, smooth strokes.
If your baby seems uncomfortable, stop the massage and try again in a more relaxed mood.
Benefits of baby massage
Bonding
Baby massage increases attachment between the child and the parent. This is reinforced through eye contact and skin-to-skin contact. This bonding session can benefit mothers with postpartum depression who have trouble bonding with their babies.
Massage promotes sleep.
Baby massage promotes melatonin production. Melatonin’s main role is to regulate sleep cycles. Massage helps your baby fall asleep faster and sleep for longer stretches. Baby massage also lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
Improves digestive functions
Due to an underdeveloped sphincter in the baby’s esophagus, they cannot burp on their own. This causes gas to build up in the system, causing belly discomfort. Massage your baby’s stomach clockwise, in the direction of the digestive system. The purpose is to transport gas and other substances from the gut to the bowel. This will promote good digestion and a healthy gastrointestinal system. Massage also enhances circulation and boosts overall well-being.
Relaxation
Baby massage helps to calm, soothe, and decrease levels of stress hormones. This can be helpful, especially if it’s done as a bedtime routine. Massages before bed can help your infant sleep deeper and longer.
Stimulation and regulation
Massage can stimulate a baby’s brain functions and encourage muscle development and tone. Baby massage also helps babies regulate their circulation, digestion, respiration, and oxygen flow.
Baby massages are a wonderful, soothing therapy that promotes bonding time with your baby. But while it has many benefits, it does not come naturally to all parents. Don’t give up if massaging your baby doesn’t work right away. You might need to practice a few more times before you get it right. With each practice, you build a stronger, more loving bond with your baby. Keep practicing, even if you don’t get the hang of the massage right away. Your child will be grateful.