Babies long to be touched. Touching gives them a sense of security and emotional support. Baby massage is one way to express your love and care to your baby.
Benefits of Baby Massage
Medical research shows that premature babies who get regular massage require minimal hospitalization. It also promotes healthy growth and weight gain among newborns.
Baby massage increases blood circulation, stimulates digestion and eases the symptoms of colic. Massaging the baby is a good exercise that keeps them alert during waking hours, promotes motor activity and helps in muscular development.
It has various psychological benefits as well. Massaging improves the parent-child bond and keeps the child happy. It has a soothing effect that helps the baby sleep better.
Steps for massaging
Put the baby down on a soft mat or towel. Rub some oil your hands to make them warm.
Step 1: Oil your fingers and trace the letter ‘I’ on the baby’s abdomen, starting under the ribs and going up to the hip joint. Be gentle but firm, watch your baby’s reaction and reduce the pressure if he\she doesn’t like it.
Step 2: With two fingers trace the long side of the letter ‘L’ on the baby’s abdomen moving from left to right. Then trace a short downward stroke on the right side to complete the letter ‘L’.
Step 3: Now trace an inverted ‘U’ on your baby’s stomach. Starting from the left hipbone, take your finger up, till it is under his rib. Then, move the finger along the top of the tummy and finally, stroke down the right side of his stomach.
This is just a beginner’s massage for your baby. You can gently massage his head, shoulders, arms, legs, feet and heels as well.
Tips
You can massage your baby with baby oil or pure vegetable oil. Aromatherapy oil may not be suitable for infants.
Keep eye contact with your child and sing or talk to him\her to keep him\her engaged.
Don’t put too much pressure on baby’s fragile body, keep your nails short and remove your rings or bracelets when massaging him\her.
Don’t massage half-hour before and after feeding your baby or when the baby is ill.
Go ahead; express your love to your baby by massaging him\her.
