Massage is great to help develop your baby's senses and bring you closer together. Here's our guide to massaging your baby safely and effectively.
Everyone loves a massage, even babies! We’ve teamed up with our baby expert friends at Tiddley Pom, to bring you this lovely full-body baby massage routine for you and your little one.
Wait until your baby has had their 6-week check-up before starting the massage. Your baby will love being massaged because it stimulates their senses and you’ll love it because it helps your baby relax, boosts their development, circulation and digestion – it might even help to get rid of wind. Most of all baby massage brings you both closer and helps you communicate with each other through touch and eye contact.
Click through this step-by-step guide on how to massage your baby safely and experience the benefits of baby massage.
Get your baby ready for baby massage
It's important to check that your baby is happy and comfortable enough to be massaged before you begin. Don't massage your baby if they are unwell, have a temperature, or are suffering from a rash or an irritable skin condition. And if your baby is too full or hungry they may not enjoy the experience as much.
To prepare for the massage:
1. Make sure the room is warm, and free from cold draughts.
2. Prepare the area by laying a soft towel on the floor and dress comfortably.
3. Make sure your hands are warm and clean, we suggest you remove rings and other jewellery.
4. Place your massage oil nearby with an extra clean towel. Sunflower oil is safe, gentle and recommended for baby massage or use a baby massage oil from Tiddley Pom.
Introduce your baby to touch
1. Begin by checking that your baby is receptive to being massaged. Start by creating small gentle circles on the top of your baby's head.
2. Ensure you make good eye contact and smiles with your baby to let them know there is nothing to fear. This also allows your baby to communicate with you and let you know they are ready for the massage to begin.
3. If your baby is feeling receptive to massage they will be relaxed and make good eye contact and smile with you. If your baby appears restless or agitated, this is not the right time to start the massage.
How to massage your baby’s head and face
Spend 2 minutes on this part of the massage.
1. Using the first two fingers of both hands, draw small circles on the forehead moving into the hairline. Always use minimal pressure on the fragile head of a baby.
2. Create a stroking motion from the bridge of the nose, downward across the cheekbones. Apply the same technique from the bridge moving outward across the eyebrows.
3. Use your fingers to move down the jawbone, applying gentle pressure from the front of the ear until your fingers meet in the middle of your baby's chin.
How to massage your baby’s chest and tummy
Spend 2 - 3 minutes on this part of the massage.
1. Apply some massage oil to your hands, warming it gently.
2. Place your hands across your baby's stomach. Very lightly, start to move your hands in circles, start to apply a little more pressure after a short time, use just a fraction more than the weight of your hand.
How to massage your baby’s arms and hands
Spend 2 - 3 minutes doing this part of the massage.
1. Holding your baby's wrist with one hand, place the other in a 'C' shape cup at the shoulder, move down the arm maintaining a gentle grip.
2. When you reach the wrist alternate your hands so your movements flow. Apply gentle pressure to your baby's palm with you thumb creating 'half-moons'.
3. Massage your baby's fingers individually, rotating your thumb and index finger.
How to massage your baby’s back
This part of the massage should last just 1 - 2 minutes.
1. Slowly and gently turn your baby onto their stomach, make sure their airway is free then apply a little more oil to your hands.
2. Place your hands across their back, making sure not to apply any pressure to your baby's spine. Begin circles with moderate pressure, alternating between your palms and fingertips.
3. Gradually work your way down from upper to lower back keeping a consistent pressure and speed.
How to massage your baby’s legs
Spend 2 - 3 minutes on your baby's legs.
1. Applying plenty of oil, start by placing your hands at the top of your baby's left hip. Work down the leg gently rolling the leg back and forth in your palms.
2. Gently stretch out the leg as you approach the ankle.
3. Repeat 2 - 3 times with each leg, once complete place a hand on each hip and stroke down both legs together until you reach the ankle.
How to massage your baby’s feet and toes
1. Stroke over the top and bottom of the foot, to let your baby adjust to your touch.
2. Use your thumb to push gently into the base of the foot moving your thumb up from heel to toe, rolling your right thumb to right side of the foot and your left thumb to the left.
3. Placing your thumb on the ball of the foot take your other hand and gently wiggle your baby's toes from base to tip. Do this for 2 minutes and this ends your baby's massage.
We hope you both enjoyed the massage.
This baby massage routine is supplied by Tiddley Pom. Visit tiddley-pom.com for massage essentials including organic oils, lotions and music.
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