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Many people wonder if babies need to be massaged. As a new parent, this may be one of your questions, too. Yes, there are many great benefits to giving your little one a nice and soothing baby massage.
Regular baby massage brings forth many benefits in terms of the overall development of your little one. It helps with digestion and sleep routines. It is also said to enhance brain development and the immune system. Trust your doctor at Omega Pediatrics!
And the best part? Besides calming and soothing your baby, you spend quality time with them when you give them a massage. After all, there’s unequaled fulfillment for every parent who wants to foster a deep connection with their little one.
Comforting and soothing your baby? This article, The Science Behind Baby Crying: How to Stop a Baby from Crying, offers you further insights.
We will help you navigate through the basics of baby massage, including the techniques and which areas of your baby’s body you can try them on. With a regular massage, you will be able to reap the long-term benefits, not only for your baby but for you as well.
Preparing for Baby Massage
Like any activity involving your little one, adequate preparation should be done before starting to explore.
Know the Right Time
The perfect time is when your little one is in a good mood. This may be after a warm bath or when your baby has just awakened from a good sleep. Remember, each baby is unique. The moods and cues of babies vary from each other.
Comfortable Environment
Where you will give a massage significantly matters. The room should be warm and quiet, without many distractions such as bright lights. Place a towel or blanket over the surface where your baby will lie. Also, there should be less movement in the room.
Prepare the Supplies
The only supplies needed are oil or lotion, which should come in handy when it’s time to apply. Also, prepare a diaper and a change of clothes, just in case. Plus, your baby’s favorite toys or pacifiers when they start to get fussy.
Relax
As a mom, you should be in a relaxed mood. Don’t think about stressors or problems if you’re in a hurry and pressing for time. This is important since it will affect how you massage later.
When you feel relaxed, your baby will also feel relaxed throughout the session. You will be able to stay attuned to your baby’s cues during the session and adjust as needed.
With practice and patience, you and your little one can reap the marvelous benefits.
Techniques for Baby Massage
Now that you’ve done the preparations, let’s go over some basic techniques for baby massage. Several strokes are commonly used in baby massage.
Stroking
Stroking is the most common technique for baby massage, which involves using your palm to gently stroke the body from head to toe. As much as possible, avoid using your fingertips since this can stimulate, rather than soothe, your baby’s skin.
Begin from the head, then go down to the body and onward to the toes in a gentle stroking motion. You can also stroke the arms. Do this repeatedly.
The benefits of this technique are:
- It calms your baby when they feel fussy or upset. After applying this technique, your baby will most likely feel sleepy. This is because your hands will make them feel secure and at ease, allowing them to relax and give in to sleepiness.
- Boosts skin health by improving blood flow and circulation. The skin will look more radiant, which will make the baby feel more comfortable.
Circling
In addition to stroking, circling can also help your baby relax. What’s even better about this technique is that it helps with digestion. If stroking is a gentle up-and-down motion using your palm, circling is making revolving strokes using your fingertips.
Do this technique on the baby’s chest, back, and, of course, stomach. Apply gentle pressure using a circular motion in a clockwise direction on a certain area. Be watchful of your baby’s reaction to ensure that they’re comfortable.
The benefits of this technique are:
- Promotes digestion by helping to move gas and waste in the system. This reduces the baby’s discomfort and promotes regular bowel movements.
- Promotes relaxation to soothe your baby. The muscles are stimulated, thus increasing blood flow.
Kneading
Kneading is pretty complex as it involves manipulating the muscles using your fingers and thumbs while still applying gentle pressure. This works best if there’s muscle tension and the baby manifests discomfort. Often, apply it to the legs and arms.
Begin by gently pressing and rolling your baby’s muscles using your fingers, particularly your thumb. Focus on a specific area using a circular motion. From there, work your way around the muscle.
You can also try gentle squeezing to release your baby’s muscles by using your fingers and thumbs many times.
The benefits of this technique are:
- Soothes any muscle tension or discomfort.
- It increases flow and oxygen to the muscles, thus promoting the baby’s comfort.
It can be a bit complex to master the art of kneading, but doing it frequently will make your baby feel more comfortable.
Rocking
For some parents, rocking isn’t exactly a baby massage technique. The motion is similar to what your baby has experienced while inside your tummy; hence, it can be soothing for your little one.
This technique is quite simple since you only need to perform a slow and steady motion to rock your baby back and forth. The key is holding them securely in your arms. Try different directions and speeds, and observe what your baby loves the most.
Some babies prefer a faster speed with vigorous motion, while others like it better otherwise.
The benefits of this technique are:
- Promotes baby’s sense of security since they are being held in their parent’s arms, especially for fussy and restless babies
- It makes your baby feel sleepy because they tend to relax when they are carried. This is perfect to do before naptime or bedtime.
- Fosters the bond between you and your baby due to the close physical contact while rocking.
Overall, rocking is a simple yet effective technique to add to your baby’s massage routine. When you often rock your baby to sleep, they will be more relaxed and, of course, connected to you.
Always communicate with your baby throughout the massage session. With your gentle touches, be mindful of their reactions.
Body Areas to Focus on During Baby Massage
Legs and Feet
Start from the top of the legs down to the feet. The key is using long, sweeping strokes. Upon reaching the soles of the feet, use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure, soothing any tense muscles. You can extend the gentle pressure to the toes.
Arms and Hands
Start at the shoulders and work your way down to the hands. Use circular motions, even using your fingertips, to knead the muscles. This helps increase circulation and promote relaxation.
Chest and Stomach
Use long and sweeping strokes with gentle pressure. But for the stomach, use circular motions to ease any discomfort your baby may be feeling. This will aid the digestive system. This also helps babies who always experience colic pain.
Face and Head
Babies love to be stroked on their faces and heads. Use your fingertips to gently stroke their temples and foreheads. At the scalp area, circular motions work best to help your baby relax.
Tips for a Successful Baby Massage
A happy and healthy outcome is the goal of every baby massage session. Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing your baby feel secure and comfortable after your gentle pressure and strokes. Here are a few tips for a successful baby massage:
Limit the products you use.
Often, you don’t need anything, but if you choose to use oil or lotion, ensure that it’s baby-safe. Avoid using products with strong scents or harsh ingredients.
Additionally, be mindful of where you place the products while massaging. Take extra care that these aren’t within reach of your baby. Untoward incidents may happen, like spilling the oil or lotion over the baby’s eyes.
Start slowly and gently.
Begin with light pressure and simple strokes, and gradually build up to more advanced techniques as your baby gets comfortable with the massage.
Observe your baby.
There may be instances when your baby is no longer comfortable being massaged. This can be quite easy to tell by simply observing your baby.
Stop for a moment if your little one is uncomfortable. Otherwise, just continue if they’re enjoying it. Try adjusting the massage technique depending on what your baby wants.
Certain babies are happy with gentle pressure on their skin, but others respond more positively to deeper pressure. Some babies also enjoy long massage sessions, while others become fussy instead of relaxed the longer the session.
Observe your baby to know what he likes, so you can adjust accordingly.
Focus
When giving a massage, focus your full attention on the activity. If possible, stay away from your phone or avoid watching TV so you can enjoy your bonding activity.
Relax
Yes, you need to relax too! If you aren’t comfortable in your position, then there’s a great chance that you won’t be able to make your baby feel comfortable, either.
Connect with Your Baby through Baby Massage
Baby massage is a beautiful way to connect with your baby, especially for newborns, while promoting relaxation and comfort.
With the appropriate preparation and correct techniques to follow your baby’s moods and cues, you will both enjoy this special bonding activity, reaping the benefits in the long haul!
Not only this, but creating a lifetime of loving memories. Make baby massage a part of your baby care routine. We at Omega Pediatrics share with you the joy of baby massage for your little one.
FAQ
Do babies need to be massaged?
Yes, baby massage offers numerous benefits for both babies and parents. It aids in digestion, improves sleep routines, enhances brain development, boosts the immune system, and fosters a deep connection between parent and baby.
How should I prepare for baby massage?
Adequate preparation is essential. Choose a time when your baby is in a good mood, create a warm and quiet environment, gather supplies such as oil or lotion, and ensure you’re relaxed to maximize the effectiveness of the massage.
What are some basic techniques for baby massage?
Basic techniques include stroking, circling, kneading, and rocking. These techniques promote relaxation, aid digestion, soothe muscle tension, and foster a sense of security and connection between parent and baby.
Which areas of my baby’s body should I focus on during massage?
Focus on areas such as the legs and feet, arms and hands, chest and stomach, and face and head. Each area can benefit from gentle strokes and pressure, promoting relaxation and improving circulation.
What are some tips for a successful baby massage session?
Limit the use of products, start slowly and gently, observe your baby’s cues, focus on the massage without distractions, and remember to relax yourself. Adjust the massage techniques based on your baby’s preferences and enjoy the bonding experience.
