How baby massage helps

Babies respond well to our touch. It not only allows the baby to relax, but it can also help you to relax and you can gain as much enjoyment from this bonding experience as the baby can. This gives the baby a sense of security and trust with the parent, increasing your connection with them, especially for dads who normally have fewer opportunities to interact with baby in a personal way such as mum does with breast feeding.

While there is no particular routine for massaging your baby, you should use gentle flowing strokes. This reassures and relaxes the baby. It can also help provide relief for babies with wind or colic. The aim here is to gently relax tense muscles, although it also stimulates blow flow within the body and aid digestion. De-stressing is also an aid to the immune system helping to prevent coughs and colds. It can be particularly helpful with premature babies, as research shows that baby massage can help to increase weight gain by as much as 47%.

Which oil to use when massaging baby

Babies prefer massage with oil as it reduces friction and irritation to the baby. Mineral based oils such as baby oil do not absorb readily into the skin and are not easily digested which is an important factor should baby suck on his/her thumb with oil on it. They can also block the pores in baby's skin. Because of these factors, massage therapists recommend a vegetable oil such as grape seed or sweet almond oil. Generally fruit, nut or vegetable oils are recommended as long as they are pure, organic and cold pressed to lower chances of irritations and so that baby will be ok if he puts his little oiled hand into his mouth.

It's a good idea to test the oil for allergic reactions by applying a very small amount of oil on different patches of skin and watching to see if there is any reaction to it. Be careful not to use massage oil on broken skin because it increases the chance of causing an allergic reaction. Some infant massage oils contain essential oils, it's best to avoid them as they can be too strong and have side effects.

Baby's comfort during the massage

A good time to massage baby is when he is relaxed and open to the experience. Make sure your hands are warm and clean and that the room is quiet and warm with no draughts. It's best to choose a time when you are not rushed and have plenty of time. Also, avoid massaging baby when he is hungry, has recently eaten or is sleepy. You may even choose to turn off your phone while you do this. Seat yourself comfortably on the floor or your bed. Lay the baby gently on a warm, soft towel in a position that is comfortable. If sitting on the floor, you can lay baby between your legs or on your lap. If standing, ensure the surface that baby is on, is safe and at a good height for you so you don't strain your back. It is up to you whether baby is wearing a nappy or not. Pour about 1 teaspoon of oil into a saucer or small bowl.

You may choose to play some soft music or sing or speak to baby as you massage. As you begin the massage, watch baby's reaction and if he seems to be getting irritated or distressed, it would be best to leave it until another time. The same applies for during the massage. Be aware of him moving his hands in the way or any gestures or behaviour that shows that he is not receptive to the massage. You must stop at this point even if you've not completed the massage.

Massaging Baby's legs and feet

The Infant Massage Information Service (http://www.babymassage.net.au/getting-started.html) recommends beginning with the legs as it is less intrusive to baby. This is because baby is used to being touched on the legs while changing their nappy.

Supporting one of baby's legs with both hands, give the thigh a gentle squeeze and release. Support the leg with one hand and gently stroke it with your other hand moving up from the knee to the thigh then back to the knee.

Now support the ankle and use your other hand to gently smooth the palm of your hand over the top of the foot moving from near the ankle to the toes and back. Gently stretch each toe to relax the muscles. Then do this on the other leg.

Massaging baby's front

Put a little of the oil on your hands and smooth it over the front of baby's body from the shoulders to the feet, being sure to avoid the face. Stroke down the baby's chest and abdomen with long firm but gentle strokes, then smooth your hands over baby's lower tummy area using circular strokes from your left to your right a few times. Work your way up the right side and across then down the left side, using continuous gentle, round strokes. Repeat several times.

Stretch baby's arms out to the sides gently and spread his hands and fingers if he lets you. Give his arms a gentle squeeze along them and then use a light circular massage with your thumb along the wrist and palms. Give his fingers a gentle tug to help loosen the muscles.

Massaging baby's back

Lay baby on his front. Rub a little bit of oil over his back using gentle strokes. Stroke the sides. You could follow this with long, firm but gentle strokes down baby's back to his legs.

Note:

There are many methods recommended for baby massage. The techniques in this article come from a variety of sources. I have written what I hope is generally safe massage. I recommend that you seek the guidance of professionals and the feedback is excellent on baby massage courses so don't hesitate to look into that.

Wishing you and baby all the best.