How To Massage A Baby | Step By Step Techniques + Benefits

Introduction

    Howdy people welcome to another wonderful article on how to massage a baby. So without any further due let's begin.

First, here are some answers to your most asked questions.     Why massage is important for a baby? Giving your baby her first massage is extremely important because it has so many benefits! Massages are great for both mother and child, they help babies sleep better, relax, hydrate skin as well as helping mother and child form a stronger bond. When to start oil massage for a newborn baby?

    Know that your baby needs a massage but scared you’re going to mess it up? Then, mothers, this article is just for you! Giving your baby her first massage is like a right of passage for new mothers. Massages help babies sleep better & relax. It also hydrates their skin. It can also help the mother and child to form a stronger bond.

      I can totally understand what it feels like to massage your baby for the first time. But babies are delicate after all. So what are the precautions you should take and where do you start? Don't worry, we are going to cover everything for you.

     Indian mothers swear by the importance of massage and so do I. Not only is it great for their skin and bones but it also helps them sleep better, reduces excessive crying, and helps them gain some weight. Isn't this amazing.

        Before we begin, mothers, it is important that you clip your nails and keep your hands moisturized. And you need to know exactly what you are doing. So here are some tips when it comes to giving your baby a message the right way. 

Process

        For the massage, you will need a towel, a massage oil, a baby mat, and a face cream. When I started giving my baby a massage, I didn't pay much attention to her face. But this was a mistake. A Baby’s facial skin is 3X more sensitive than other body parts since its always exposed. I use mama earth's natural baby face cream with Muru Muru butter which keeps the skin healthy and glowing. 

    You could use the table to perform the massage, I prefer placing my baby on the floor with a soft towel placed underneath her. The towel helps absorb any excess oil. Make sure the room temperature isn’t too hot or too cold 1. Asking For Permission - It’s important that your child is aware that you’re going to be giving her a massage. If she seems hesitant or irritable, you’ll only end up upsetting her.

 To take permission:

        Take some massage oil and rub it on your baby’s stomach and behind her ears. If she seems receptive and happy, then continue with the massage. If she’s annoyed or irritable, try again a little later. Here is my tip, it is important to tell your baby that you are going to massage her. Using a familiar location at a similar time will help make it easier for you. 2.

Initiation

         Start with the legs Rub a few drops of oil on your palms and start massaging the soles of your baby’s feet. With your thumb, start massaging the heels up to the toes. You can also make circles with your thumb all over the feet and then the toes. Lightly massage the toes. as it will help stimulate nerve endings. Then, lift your baby’s left leg and slowly extend it towards the thighs. Massage from foot to thigh. Gently grasp each thigh with both hands. Slowly wring each leg from thigh to foot. By wring, I mean the same motion as squeezing a wet towel. 3. Move To the Arms Hold your baby’s hands and make circular strokes on her palms. Using small strokes move from her palm to the tips of her fingers. Turn her hand and massage the back, use straight strokes down to the wrist. Massage her wrists in circular motions. You can continue this move towards the rest of the arm. Use the same wringing motions used for her legs. 4.

Chest Portion

     Chest and shoulders For the chest, use simultaneous strokes from the left and right shoulder and move towards her chest. Then trace the movement back to the shoulder. Then, place both hands at the center of your baby’s chest and rub towards her sides. Use gentle strokes starting from the center, make a heart shape around the chest. 5. Tummy Now, we’ll venture a little lower. This is a delicate area, so use minimum pressure. Start from the top of her belly. Place your palm just below her chest bone and use clockwise circular motions across the belly. This also helps release indigestion and gas in your baby.

     It is important that you do not touch the navel or the belly button. In young babies, the belly button/navel can be sensitive because of the umbilical cord stub. 6. The Face While massaging her face, I prefer using MamaEarths natural baby face cream.

         Start by placing the tip of your index finger in the middle of her forehead and slowly stroke along the outline of her face towards the chin. Then, move your finger towards her cheeks and massage the cheeks in a circular motion. 7.

Back Last But Not Least

             Back Last, but not the least, turn your baby on her stomach to massage her back. Her hands should be in front of her and not to her sides. Place your fingertips on your baby’s upper back of your baby and massage in clockwise circles while slowly moving towards her bottom. Then slowly place your index finger and middle finger on either side of the baby's upper spine and gently move the fingers all the way along her back.

         Lastly, massage her shoulders in the same clockwise circular motion. You can also massage her scalp, just like you are shampooing her hair. And you’re done! Wasn’t that great? It’s so therapeutic for the mother and your baby will love it too! Here are a few things you should keep in mind, especially if your new at this: Always be extra careful and extremely gentle during a massage. Rough massages were very common, especially in India, but they can be dangerous for the young child.

     Also, remember to never massage near the genitals or near the groin area. Talk, smile, and laugh while massaging your baby. Maintain eye contact whenever possible. This will help her keep alert, attentive, and spike her interest, making it easier for you to massage her.

             Make sure you wipe away all the oil on the baby’s palms and fingers using a tissue paper. Choose a massage oil that is 100% natural and approved for use on baby’s skin. Stick to a scheduled time for the baby's massage and don’t deviate too much. So, that was simple, wasn’t it?

Conclusion

         This is the method mothers have personally used and the baby has loved it! However, some mothers prefer using a different order, or a slightly different technique, just remember to be gentle and you can adapt it to suit your child. Thank you so much for watching. If you liked this article there’s a lot more amazing content coming your way. Make sure you visit our website and get all our latest posts.