Baby Massage Advantages and Techniques

According to the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM), infant massage may help to stimulate the circulatory and digestive systems. This might, in turn, help some babies with conditions such as:
 

• gas 
• cramps 
• colic
• constipation
   

Massages may also help ease muscular tension, growing pains, and teething discomfort, as well as stimulate growth in preterm infants. If your baby has any health issues, you should speak with their doctor first to decide if you should massage your baby.

It is suggested that parents introduce touch as soon as the baby is born. Many moms and dads love to do so by placing their baby on their chest, bare skin to bare skin. This is known as skin-to-skin care or kangaroo care. While you are holding your baby close, gradually start stroking their legs and back. Then move on to other areas such as the arms. Be gentle when giving a newborn baby massage.
 

After the first few weeks of birth, you can begin massaging your baby regularly. However, make sure to follow your baby’s mood. Your baby should be calm, alert, and content when you are ready to give them a massage. Never perform any massage technique that seems to make your baby uncomfortable.
 

There are no set guidelines regarding the minimum age to start massaging a baby. There is a general opinion that the infants must complete one month of their life before they get a massage. The reason for this is that a baby’s skin barrier is underdeveloped at birth, and it takes 15 days for the skin to become water-resistant.
 

It is not the best time for a massage when your baby turns their head away from you or stiffens their arms. It is also suggested to wait at least 45 minutes after a feeding. Performing a baby massage too soon after they eat can cause discomfort or vomiting.

How often you massage your baby depends on you and your baby. Some parents give their baby massages daily, while other parents massage their little ones every other day. There is no restriction on how less or more you can massage your baby. You can massage your baby during the morning to get the day going or at night before bedtime to help soothe your baby to sleep. Pay attention to your baby’s cues to help determine the best massage routine. A fixed massage routine helps your baby reap all the long-term benefits of massage. If your baby faces certain adverse medical problems, then consult the baby’s doctor about the ideal massage routine.

It is not recommended to use oil or lotion for massaging the baby until they turn one month old. This is done to avoid moisture loss from the baby’s skin, which is very delicate at the time of birth. However, during the first month (or longer in case of a premature baby), your baby’s skin develops its natural protective barrier. Owing to this, the baby’s skin becomes relatively thick. This is the time you could start massaging your baby.
 

For babies over one month, you may use any odorless and edible oil so that there may not be a problem even if the oil is ingested by mistake. It is recommended to use natural oils and lotions for your baby. Natural oils have many added benefits, best olive oil for baby or coconut oil are good options. Consult your pediatrician to know about the most suitable oil for your baby.

Massage provides several natural benefits to the baby, such as:
 

• Relieves stress, relaxes muscles: Massage relieves stress in babies by stimulating the release of oxytocin, a feel-good neurohormone, and decreases the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. It relaxes muscles, stimulates their growth, and even works particularly great with colicky babies.
  
  
• Stimulates nervous system: Massage is beneficial to the baby’s nervous system since it greatly improves the baby’s motor skills development.
  
  
• Helps baby sleep better: Babies sleep better when they are massaged. Baby massage for sleep has several benefits from faster muscle gain to improved immune response. Infants who are massaged just before bedtime produced more melatonin – a sleep-regulating hormone.
  
  
• May improve the quality of life for differently abled babies: Massage could be a way to soothe babies with Down’s syndrome or cerebral palsy. Premature babies show better motor development when massaged regularly. They even gain weight faster than premature babies that are never massaged. In fact, massaged premature babies have shorter hospital stays. Babies born to depressed mothers, when massaged, cried less, and showed greater emotional and social development as they grew.
  
  
• Helps improve blood circulation: Massage improves the blood circulation and decreases the level of discomfort caused by gas or acidity, congestion, and teething. A massage stimulates the nerves that pass through the digestive tract, thus benefiting the digestive system.
  
  
• Way to deal with postnatal depression: Massage could be an effective way to deal with postnatal depression among mothers. Depressed mothers showed improved mood and behavior when they massaged their babies regularly. Research has also shown that fathers who regularly massage their babies develop improved self-esteem. They also display increased involvement in baby’s care and interact with babies more frequently.
  
  
• Boosts psychological and social development: The stimulation of the baby’s sense of touch has a positive effect on the baby’s psychological and social development along with strengthening the baby’s bond with the parent.

Here are some tips and techniques that will help you and your baby make the most of massage time.
 

• A cozy atmosphere is essential
  
  Massage your baby in a warm, quiet place. Make sure you and your baby are in a comfortable spot. Place them on a towel on their back so they can maintain eye contact. This can be on their changing table or on your bed.
  
  
• Start slow
  
  Place your baby on their back and begin by slowly rubbing each body part. Your touch should be gentle at first. Spend some time rubbing each of their body parts, starting with their head and moving gradually down to their feet. There is no specific recommended time for the massage. Each part of the massage should last as long as you and your baby are enjoying it. You can also try placing your baby on their belly for a short baby stomach massage, though some babies may not like being on their tummies for long.
  
  
• Repeat it all over again
  
  If you and your baby are enjoying the massage, continue by repeating the rubbing motions, starting again from their head, and moving down toward their feet.
  
  
• Communication is Key
  
  Always communicate with your baby during the massage. Repeat their name and the word “relax” to help them calm down. You can also tell a story or sing their favorite nursery rhyme as you move around their body.
  

The benefits of infant massage greatly outweigh any drawbacks and is very safe if you follow a few safety tips:
 

• Avoid massage oil on the face: It’s too easy for it to drip into little eyes or mouths
  
  
• Avoid massaging the top of the head: Baby’s soft spot is still closing
  
  
• Avoid “deep” massages: They may be great for getting knots out of mama’s back, but little ones are not ready for the same intensity.
  
  
• Keep the massage short and sweet: While adults may like a 1-hour massage, infants need only 5-10-minute intervals of this type of touch.
  
  
• Always stop if baby shows signs they had enough: Such as crying, squirming, or falling asleep
  
  
• Avoid massage oils with harsh ingredients: Make sure whatever you use does not have artificial dyes, artificial perfumes, parabens, or chemicals.
  
  
• Be careful picking baby up after a massage: Massage oil can affect your grip and/or make baby slippery!
   

Baby massages are a wonderful, soothing therapy that calms your baby and promotes bonding time. However, massaging does not come naturally to all parents. Do not be discouraged if massaging your baby does not work out at first.

You and your baby may have to practice a few times before getting the massage right. With each practice, you are developing a deeper, loving bond with your baby. Keep at it, even if you do not get the hang of baby massages at first. Your baby will thank you.