Everyone likes to feel loved – babies perhaps most of all. Amazingly, scientists believe that even newborns sense when they are loved, and that this is most easily communicated through touch. So what better way to give your baby that lovin’ feeling than through massage?
Studies have shown that baby massage can help babies to relax and sleep better, and perhaps even boost their immune systems. It also can be instrumental in aiding proper digestion by helping to disperse wind and ease colic. A massage through the gums can help babies who are suffering the pain of teething, while a face massage has been shown to help unblock a stuffy nose.
More importantly, baby massage can be key to forming a strong parental bond. Babies who have regular physical contact seem to thrive better overall, and massage is a great way to give new parents confidence and newfound competence in caring for a baby. In fact, baby massage is often prescribed for mothers who suffer from post-natal depression. And scientific research has concluded that premature babies who underwent regular, gentle massage gained more weight and became more alert and active.
Baby Massage Classes
As long as you do it in a safe, loving manner, there is no real right or wrong way to massage a baby. However, many parents feel more comfortable giving a massage – especially to a newborn – if they have been taught by a professional.
Baby massage classes not only provide the basics in giving your baby a massage, but also a great way to meet other parents and participate in an activity that can bring you and your baby closer together. It also is a fantastic way for first-time parents to feel more comfortable when handling their child, and realize that babies don’t break as easily as they might think.
Most massage classes last for about an hour, and usually end with a coffee break (for the parents, that is). Adults are taught how to massage their child in detail, and which kind of techniques are best suited to ease specific complaints (some classes are geared toward premature infants, or babies with disabilities). Types of massage oils (see below) are also discussed, and in some classes baby reflexology and baby yoga are also on the menu.
Do-It-Yourself Massage
If you want to give your baby a massage at home, it’s easy and virtually free. The key to a happy massage is to follow your little one’s lead, and to stop if he or she appears unhappy or unwell. Follow these simple steps to get maximum effect:
- Find a time when the baby is happy and relaxed. It’s no use planning a massage when your little cherub is hungry, exhausted or screaming his or her head off. It’s best when they wake up from a nap or are in a good mood before a feed.
- Choose a quiet, warm place – it’s recommended that the room is roughly 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t schedule a massage in a cold kitchen, or when there are screaming toddlers around. The goal is to make baby feel happy and secure. Get it?
- Prepare a massage mat. A blanket or towel will do, but make sure it won’t be ruined by the the massage oil you choose – or the baby. You know what they’re like once their diapers come off…
- Clean and warm your hands. Avoid using a heavily perfumed soap or hand lotion.
- Begin the massage. Undress your baby – you can leave their diaper on if desired – and them on their back. Start with small, soft strokes on their head, then move to the chest. Start in the middle with little strokes, moving outward. You can do the tummy, the back, even the hands and feet. You’ll quickly learn what the baby likes and dislikes, so let them guide you.
Top Tips
Follow these top tips to make the experience as relaxing as possible – for both of you:
- Don’t give your baby a massage when he has a full tummy. Some babies also balk at the idea when they need a feed, although some enjoy a massage followed by a breastfeed.
- Many people like lying the baby on a mat or blanket on the floor. But if back pain is a consideration, you can put him or her on the floor, a sofa or even a table. Just make sure they don’t roll off!
- Playing peaceful music in the background, or even calming nursery rhymes, can help the baby to relax, and also be a signal that the massage is about to begin.
- Natural oils are best to use with baby massage – so you don’t need to buy baby oil. Many parents like plain old olive oil, although vegetable oil with a touch of lemon or other flavors will do. Don’t use almond oil unless you are sure your child has no nut allergies, and steer clear of certain essential oils, which aren’t good for small babies. And avoid putting oil on the baby’s face or neck.
- Newborns are often happy with a short massage lasting five minutes or less, while the older the baby gets the longer the massage can be. Follow your baby’s lead and stop if they seem bored, disinterested or distressed.
Baby massage not only makes your little one feel happy and loved, it can also be instrumental in helping a mom – or dad – bond with their child. It also gives both adult and child time to relax and take time out from the hassles and cares of everyday life. For parents with older children and little time to spare, it can become a special one-on-one time that can make a real difference in years to come.
For anyone who has had a massage, it’s easy to see why a baby would enjoy one as well. But keep in mind that baby massage is as much for the parent as the child. Babies can sense when a parent is unhappy or stressed, and this can have an effect on them. Regular massage, up to three times a week, can help keep those stressful times at bay.
