Baby Massage: What A Wonderful Thing To Do For Your Baby!
Think about how you feel when you receive a really great massage. You are less stressed and more relaxed. Your muscles don’t ache and you feel a little like “jelly.” It’s just a wonderful, wonderful feeling! Massage is an ancient practice and is considered a healing art throughout the world.
What Are the Benefits of Baby Massage?
This is a practice just as old as regular massage. There is a lot of medical research that has proven the many benefits of baby massage. Premature babies are not hospitalized as frequently when there is regular infant massage. The research has also shown that all babies thrive better, have more weight gain, and have healthy growth if they are massaged on a regular basis.
More importantly, good baby massage oil will help to calm and soothe a baby. It will also help them to relax and sleep much more soundly. You may notice that your baby is more alert during the day. It also helps your baby with their muscular development, pass gas, and stimulate digestion. Baby massage will increase circulation throughout the body.
Infant massage also helps build a strong bond between the baby and the parent. After birth, the parents and the baby need to spend quality time together. Smiling and talking to your baby while you give him a baby massage will help the baby to feel more secure and happier.
How to Give a Baby Massage
If you feel uncomfortable because you don’t know the proper technique, there are baby massage courses that you can take. Some of these baby massage classes are available on the internet. There are even baby yoga classes online as well! However, here are some tips for giving your baby a massage that will make them feel healthier and more content.
First, gather everything you need before you begin. There are simple baby massage oils that contain no fragrance or colors that your baby may be allergic to. You can also use vegetable oil. You’ll need a blanket for the baby to lay on, tissues or a soft cloth, and clean clothes and diapers. Make sure your jewelry will not scratch or poke the baby. Also remember that it’s easy to scratch your baby’s skin with long fingernails.
Place a towel or a baby blanket on the floor. Next, lay your baby face up on the blanket. Using only a half teaspoon or so of oil, rub your hands together. You want them to glide across your baby’s skin, but you don’t want too much oil. You can add more later if you need it.
Make sure your hands are warm. Otherwise, your baby may be startled when you start the baby massage. Avoid aromatherapy oils, as they could cause a rash on your baby’s skin.
Start by using gentle strokes with your fingers or your palm. You want to move your hands smoothly across the baby’s chest and tummy. Stroke the shoulders and move downward when massaging the arms and legs. Avoid the spinal area and don’t press too hard. Talk to your baby and smile at him while you are giving the massage. He will know that he has your undivided attention as you gaze into his eyes.
Don’t stop the massage suddenly, as this may also startle your baby. Avoid the fingers and hands. Babies have their fingers in their mouths all the time, as well as around their eyes. The oil may cause some irritation if it gets into these areas of the body.
When you are done, wrap the baby up and spend some time cuddling. Then dress and diaper your baby. You should see a very relaxed and comfortable baby! if you want more info. about baby massage there is an excellent book called 'infant massage' see link.
You should not wake a baby up to give a massage or give one just before or immediately after a feeding. You will want to avoid any areas that have a rash or where they just received a shot or a vaccination.
When Should I Stop Giving Baby Massages?
You can easily give baby massages until your child is three or four years old. Some toddlers will love this time with their parents, but others may wiggle and squirm. If your toddler doesn’t seem interested any longer, don’t push the issue.
In Closing
A baby massage is a terrific way to spend quality time with your little one. It offers a lot of health benefits and can really be soothing to your baby. Get into a routine of giving your baby a massage and you’ll soon see they will look forward to it.
