All newborn babies enjoy being touched; they love the feel of loving and tender hands running over them, feeling reassured and cared for. Human touch for babies is a critical part of growing up in a natural environment and is responsible for development.

Skin-to-skin contact develops a special bond between you and your baby, taking the level of attachment to new levels. In cases when your baby is upset, a simple massage can bring peace and tranquility to your baby. Follow this guide to infant massage.

Preparation for Infant Massage

Infant massage has its untold benefits and needs to b undertaken after certain precautions. These are quite simple to follow and institute.

Massage must be started on a surface with temperature not lower than human body. For this reason, it is better to use a blanket on a floor. This will act as a cushion as well, giving comfort and warmth to your baby.

When pouring oil on hands, you might find it at temperature lower than room temperature. This can be overcome by rubbing oil on your palms so that oil as well as your hands are warm enough for baby’s skin.

Maintaining eye contact during the massage is important and the feeling is enhanced for both mother and baby is you can sing and talk to the baby during massage. It is important to watch out for any signs of discomfiture in the baby. On seeing any such signs, lighten your touch. If it still doesn’t soothe the baby, you must stop.

Tips for Infant Massage

Baby’s skin is quite tender and so are the organs covered by skin. At no stage you must exert any undue pressure during massage.

Choice of oil should be such as to provide relaxation as well as skin nourishment. A bath followed by massage can bring peaceful and fulfilling sleep for the baby.

If you intend to bathe your baby after a massage, ensure there is sufficient gap between the massage and bath time to allow baby’s body to cool down.