BABY MASSAGE

Written by Caroline Meyer

Time used for massage can be relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your baby. It is a time for you to bond with your baby and is best done when they are settled and quiet. After a bath is often the best time as baby has not been dressed yet and they are usually fairly relaxed. The room should be free of draughts and nice and warm (not hot).  Use edible oils such as olive oil, grape seed oil, avocado oil or apricot oil or a basic moisturiser that does not contain a lot of chemicals. Avoid oils derived from nuts for the first 4 months in case of a potential allergy.  Put a little oil or moisturiser in to your one hand, not directly on to your baby.  Make sure the surface is stable and that you have a towel or something underneath to catch the oils. Make sure baby is not able to roll off the surface, especially when they become a little slippery until the oils or moisturisers absorb.  

Before you start, make sure your nails do not have any sharp edges. Remove jewellery and wear old, comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting some oil on. Make sure you are warm and comfortable as well. You can add in some soft music and aromatherapy if you are in the mood to do so. Ensure that you are not going to be unduly interrupted during the process.  

A massage can take up to 30 minutes if you and baby both feel comfortable. Before bedtime is a good time to try it if your household routine is less vigorous at this stage, but you can do it at any time when there is a gap in the routine.  

Avoid trying to massage your baby when they are upset or need food or sleep as this is meant to be a pleasant time with positive associations. Rather wait until baby is calmer and more receptive and it will work out better for both of you.  

Rub your hands together to warm the oils. Start by massaging the soles of the feet in firm strokes from the heel to the toes. Always have one hand on baby at all times while massaging. Move on to the rest of the body. Use continuous smooth, firm strokes using only the flat parts of your fingers or your palm depending on the size of the area you are massaging.  On babies’ front stroke diagonally from the shoulder down to the opposite hip. You can alternate this with circular strokes if baby’s stomach is nice and soft and they are not full. Don’t massage near the naval area if the cord is still healing. When you do the back, stroke in long strokes from the shoulders downwards. You can similarly stroke the limbs, face and even the head. Avoid the genital region. You can end the massage by doing the arms and wrists but do not get oil on baby’s hands. Wipe off any excess oils gently. This is not something that needs to be rushed as it helps you bond with baby and offers skin on skin contact which is very important to growing little ones.    

You need to be aware of your baby while you are massaging and take signals from them on whether to continue or not with massaging certain areas or to stop all together. If they are showing discomfort, are niggly or are not enjoying it, then it is best to stop and try again another time. If you are upset or overly tense, you might also want to delay this bonding experience to a time when you are more relaxed. Baby massage can be a wonderful experience for mum and baby (and even dad and baby if he feels inclined). Start with 5 to 10 minutes and see how it goes. This may become part of your routine and help baby relax before a nap or a good night’s rest or simply some bonding time for the both of you.