How To Give a Baby Massage
A gentle massage from the loving hands of mums is a treat for babies. It is beneficial to their health and absolutely necessary for their development. Other than that, massages are also an excellent way for the little ones to unwind before bedtime. Your tender touch, the rhythmic movements and the skin-to-skin contact, all enriched by the therapeutic properties of a baby massage oil will do more than just relax your baby. It will strengthen the "mumma-bubba" bond and allow you to connect with the baby more intimately.
Despite the fact that the act of massaging a baby is centuries old, most first-time mamas are unaware of the proper way to give massages that are not only safe but also support the baby's delicate body.
So, to help those mums out, we've crafted a baby massage guide with simple step-by-step instructions that will teach them everything they need to know. With the help of our guide, every new mum can become an expert masseuse bringing the many delights of a nourishing massage to their little ones.
But first, let's go over the merits of baby massages.
- Massaging with baby massage oil will help nourish the skin, relieve stress and relax bub's tiny muscles by improving circulation and decreasing stress hormones, such as cortisol.
- Uneven breathing is common in newborn babies, and while it is not harmful, it can be discomforting. Chest massage can help babies breathe more evenly by increasing their oxygen intake.
- Massage can naturally relieve pain from stomach aches, teething, and other ailments by releasing endorphins or feel-good hormones.
- Infant massage can help with everything from gassiness to fussiness. The calming power of massage can also make a colicky baby feel at ease.
- Regular massage can stimulate physical and intellectual growth in a baby by boosting the release of growth hormones within the body and encouraging proper neurological function in the brain.
- Through massages, mums can communicate with their babies. By interacting through touch, mums can let their bubs know how safe, secure and loved they are. Conveying such emotions contributes to the strengthening of the "mumma-bubba" bond.
- Since massage relaxes the mind and alleviates various body pain, it can help babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It also promotes better sleep by increasing the production of melatonin — the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycles.
The Step By Step Guide to Give Baby Massages:
Step 1 – Prepare the Baby With a Bath
Massaging after a bath is always better because it leads to better absorption of the baby massage oil, which in turn keeps the skin soft and moisturised for longer. In addition, Babies also find it calming to have a sleep time ritual that includes both a bath and a massage.
Draw up a bath imbued with our Lullaby soak & baby bath oil, swirl the warm waters to dissolve the concoctions, and then gently lower your baby into the healing waters and let bub splash around for a while.
After the bath, pat the baby dry with a soft bamboo wash cloth and slowly lay the little one in the bed.
Step 2 – Set Up the Massage Room/Area
The correct ambience can further enhance the relaxing effect of a massage and foster a sense of peace within the space. So, start by dimming the lights, switching off noisy electronics and switching on a white noise machine.
Then place a towel on the bed, and lay your baby there, as it will stop the oils from staining and spoiling the bed.
Finally, spritz our exotic room tonic around the area and away from the baby, as it will freshen up the air and bring forth a serene feel.
Step 3 – Select the Massage Oil
Before you begin massaging the baby, you must first select the oil you will use. Out of all, it is the most important step because the oil you choose will determine how relaxing and beneficial the massage will end up being.
Always go with a softly scented oil like our baby massage oil, as it will not irritate the delicate skin and bub's heightened sense of smell.
This precious oil contains no nuts, only the goodness of natural ingredients for your precious. The handcrafted blend contains four potent oils (Avocado Oil, Jojoba, Calendula Infused Oil & Cucumber Oil) that hydrate the skin and effectively heal minor skin issues like rashes and dryness.
Pour some onto your hands and rub them together to warm up the oil slightly.
Step 4 – Start With Lower Body Massages
Hold the baby's foot in your hand and gently massage the sole, heel and toes by rotating your thumb and index finger. Then smoothly massage the legs (one at a time) from ankle to hip in long alternating strokes for several minutes.
Step 5 – Then Massage the Upper Body
Tackle the upper body next, beginning with the shoulders. Place both hands, palm down, on your baby's shoulders and sweep downward toward the waist a few times.
Afterwards, lightly place your fingers and slide them clockwise around the tummy area.
Take up one of the arms and start massaging the palm with circular motions. Slowly move up toward the shoulder while making similar motions. Then, massage the entire arm, as you would the legs. Repeat the same technique with the other arm.
Step 6 – Turn the Baby and Massage the Back
Next, work on the back, rubbing down from the nape of the neck all the way to the feet. Make both downward sweeps and circular motions on either side of the spine.
Step 7 – End the Massage Therapy With a Relaxing Face Massage
Because the area of the face is more delicate, you must take extra care when massaging this part of the body. Massage the forehead and work your way down to the chin on both sides with your thumb pads. Ensure your touches are feather-light.
Conclusion
Baby massages don't need to be complicated. You don't even have to follow the exact techniques we mentioned above. Just do what feels comfortable to the baby, but make sure you get the pressure (which should always be on the gentler side) and the baby massage oil right. In order to make the session more fun, enjoyable, and development-boosting for the little one, keep talking, giggling or singing to your baby.
