Touch is critical to the
growth and development of infants. What better way to get comfortable providing
touch to your baby than through massage? You can use massage to bond with your
baby, help with gas or constipation discomforts, and increasing sleep quality.
Massage can be just as relaxing for you as it can be for your baby!
Try to choose a time when you
and your baby are most calm. You will need a large soft surface to do the
massage on. For mobile babies, this may need to be the floor! If they are no
surfaces like this in your house, try placing a few blankets on the floor to
soften it up. Make sure the room is a warm temperature so the baby does not get
cold, and you may consider keeping toys nearby if necessary to keep your baby
entertained. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your baby to spend
some skin-on-skin time bonding through touch.
Next, choose an all-natural
oil, we like The Honest Company’s organic body oil, but simple coconut oil works if you’re on
a budget. Be careful not to use too much, especially if they’re mobile. You may
have a very slippery infant on your hands, as well as oil stains around the
house!
It’s good to make the
same motion every time you begin massage with your baby, like rubbing your
hands together or wiggling your fingers, so that they can learn that their
massage time is about to begin.
You can use slow,
rhythmic strokes on their back, or over their shoulders and then down to their
feet. The slower your motions, the more calming of an effect you will have. If
you are looking to calm your baby before a nap, this type of stroke may be
ideal. Oppositely, faster motions will have a stimulating effect. You can
gently use your thumbs to knead into the palms of their hands or the soles of
their feet. You can massage their bellies in a clockwise direction (if you are
facing them) to decrease constipation or gas pains. This works by massaging the
large intestine, an upside-down ‘U’ shaped organ in the belly, which stimulates
it to, ahem, ‘move things along’. Consider this technique toward the end of
your massage sessions, so you can get a diaper on them before things ‘move
along’ all over you!
Pay attention to your
baby’s body language and the noises they make during your massage. Rigid,
unsynchronized limb movements or grunting may mean the baby needs a break, is
uncomfortable with the massage technique being used, or is over stimulated.
Cooing sounds and direct eye contact mean your baby loves the massage!
Remember, massage
should be fun and relaxing for both you and your baby. If you are not in the
mood, your baby will sense that, and it may be best to wait until another time.
This is a great opportunity to provide your baby with skin-on-skin contact that
is essential for their growth and development, as well as for you two to bond
together.
If you have any
questions or are unsure of your techniques, we would love for you to book a
massage at the clinic and bring your baby with you! We can spend your
appointment time practicing infant massage and demonstrating techniques until
you feel more comfortable practicing massage on your baby.
Written by Kelly Swift, RMT
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