Touch is one of the first senses to form for your baby and it is one of his key senses for interacting with the world around him.
The next time you put your baby down on the playmat for playtime, watch how he explores and connects with his sense of touch. That is why baby massage is an excellent way to help babies relax and improve their wellbeing.
The benefits of baby massage
Baby massage is the gentle kneading or manipulation of a baby’s muscles and other soft-tissue with your hands.
Baby massage benefits are pretty impressive and here are some of them:
It helps both of you feel good
Baby massage benefits not just your baby, but also yourself. Skin to skin contact with baby stimulates the production of oxytocin, a feel good hormone, for both of you.
It’s a great way for you and baby to bond
Speaking or humming softly while massaging your baby helps to reassure him and promotes mother and baby attachment. Undivided attention given during massage also nurtures feelings of love between mother and baby.
It helps to stimulate your baby’s body systems
According to the Raffles Medical Group, baby massage may stimulate baby’s nervous, circulatory and digestive systems as well as improve hormonal and immune systems. These are very beneficial for your baby’s growth, including better sleep, better body coordination and motor development.
It works like magic to ease pain and discomfort
Baby massage improves blood flow and may ease growing pains such as colic, constipation, teething and other bodily discomforts.
How to give a baby massage
Baby massage: There are many ways to massage your baby to help him relax.
There is no specific time recommended for a baby massage – it should last as long, or as short as you and your baby enjoy it.
Here are some simple techniques you may wish to use to start massaging your baby:
Head massage: Apply gentle pressure all around the head with fingers in circular motions.
Neck massage: Support your baby’s head and his upper body with one hand and use the thumb of your other hand to gently rub your baby’s neck in circular motions.
Tummy massage: Gently rest your hands on your baby’s tummy at the navel and massage in circular motions in a clockwise direction.
Limb massage: Roll your baby’s limbs gently between your hands, starting from a higher point to a lower point, for example, from shoulders towards the wrist.
You can also bend baby’s knees up to his tummy and hold for about 30 seconds, repeating 2 to 3 times. Alternatively, try cycling movements to release built up gas in your baby’s stomach and encourage bowel movement.
Tips for successful baby massage
In order to reap the above baby massage benefits, you may consider incorporating one or more of the following tips while giving your baby a massage.
Be prepared
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a successful massage session. Get all the necessary items such as massage oil, towels, diapers, wipes and clothing within easy reach so that you do not fumble when you do need these items. Also take note to remove any jewelry you may be wearing to avoid accidentally hurting your baby.
Pick the right time
There are no hard and fast rules on the best time of the day to give your baby a massage, but you can choose to give your baby a massage when baby gives you cues that they are in a calm, happy state.
During such a state, your baby may adopt an open body posture and is happy to lay still. Some examples of good times can be after a bath or before bedtime. However, do refrain from massaging baby immediately after a feed to avoid spit up – wait at least 45 minutes after feeding.
Create a comforting atmosphere
Choose to massage your baby in a warm environment to prevent baby from catching a cold. You may choose to dim the lights and/or play some light music to induce relaxation during the massage.
Control the strength of your touch
Massage your baby in a gentle but appropriately firm manner, so that it does not become ticklish for your baby. The strength of your touch can also communicate confidence and promote trust between you and your baby.
Give your undivided attention
The best gift you can give to your baby during a massage is to stay undistracted. Put away any gadgets and stay focused on interacting with your baby while giving him comfort through your sense of touch.
Read also: Colic in Babies: What Is It and What To Do
You and your baby may have to go through a few sessions of baby massage before you find out what your baby enjoys – but with each session, you may find yourself more confident at understanding your baby’s cues and enjoying a deeper bond with your baby.
Don’t forget that baby massage benefits both yourself and your baby, so take time to enjoy it as well – your baby will thank you for it!
