Infant massage should take place either prior to bath time or bedtime, and it is best done when both you and your baby are relaxed. Be sure to communicate and stay calm during this session – any time your infant stiffens his body, turns away or cries it’s an indicator they are uncomfortable and should stop immediately.
Start by gently massaging your baby’s feet using slow and gentle strokes.
1. The Cloak Stroke
Massage can be one of the earliest stimuli provided to a newborn by parents. Massage helps foster physical growth by increasing oxygen and nutrient flow to cells while improving breathing patterns, as well as supporting psychological development and fostering parental-child bonding.
The Cloak Stroke involves gently rubbing together thumb and index finger on a baby’s skin in a circular motion before gently massaging with fingertips on face, arms, legs, chest etc. in order to relax and calm them. This technique helps relax and comfort them.
Massaging a baby’s head can also aid them in sleeping more soundly. A gentle stroke over their scalp helps induce sleep for many babies and develops parents’ handling skills while creating an emotional bond between baby and parent. Massage may even reduce colic or intestinal difficulties in infants.
2. The Circle Stroke
Massage not only strengthens baby’s muscles for crawling, rolling and walking but can also strengthen communication between mom and baby. Eye contact practices become easy thanks to massage sessions with mom. Babies respond positively by speaking out or smiling more readily during these positive interactions!
Infant massage has many health benefits for parents as well, such as relieving colic, gas, constipation and improving physical development and brain growth. Furthermore, bonding through massage increases bonding with their child as they sleep sounder at night. Massage also can lower risk for postnatal depression while increasing confidence levels among new mothers.
When giving your baby a massage, the ideal time should be during their quiet alert period – generally before and after eating – but be sure to choose a time that works best for both of you – it should also never continue if their reaction to massaging (such as arching their back) indicates they don’t like it (such as arching back). Start massaging neck, shoulders, legs then arms feet then finally the tummy for as long as your child enjoys.
3. The Leg and Foot Stroke
As part of this massage stroke, one hand should hold your baby while gently rubbing up and down their legs with one stroke while using your other hand to hold their feet, gently stroking or squeezing each foot symmetrically so you’re touching each leg equal amounts.
Always listen to and follow your baby’s cues when giving massages – if they arch their back or become restless it might not be their time for full-body massage, so feel free to stop for now and come back later if necessary.
Make this part of their bedtime routine to help them relax before sleep – they will love it, while you will benefit from bonding time too! When ready to begin, speak softly while massaging their back or arm so they remain relaxed throughout. Use a towel as protection from oil stains! When starting up this massage session, talk with them throughout so they know what they can expect; try talking while doing this and making this part of their bedtime ritual for optimal results – both children and parents will appreciate this activity!
4. The Head Stroke
Baby massage can be most beneficial when performed in a warm, comfortable room with low lighting to preserve eye contact and promote calm. The ideal time and place for this activity are either before your baby becomes overtired, after feedings such as at bedtime, or both.
Start each session off right by “asking permission”, by rubbing oil between your hands and asking, “Can I give you a massage?” Doing this early on helps babies understand body boundaries while also teaching them to respond appropriately to verbal and nonverbal cues which is particularly essential when working with infants who cannot speak.
Establish a routine that helps build your baby’s tolerance of touch and establish their bodywork rhythm, with relaxing strokes designed to calm and relax their bodies before sleep time. Studies suggest this relaxation could improve quality of sleep for your child – however further investigation is required into this area.https://www.youtube.com/embed/an42r8O_XwE