Are you searching for solutions to relax and connect with your baby?
Baby massage is a technique to softly nurture and spend more time with your baby. Here is information about advantages of infant massage as well as when and how to give a baby massage.
When can I massage my baby?
Massaging your baby too soon following a meal may cause your baby to throw up. Therefore wait around at least 1 hour after feeding. In addition pay close attention to your baby’s state of mind. If your baby has a continuous curious look and seems peaceful, she or he may possibly enjoy a rub down. If your baby turns his / her head away from you or gets rigid within your arms, it may not be a good time for a massage.
It is up to you what time of the day you do massages and how frequently you massage your baby. You may provide a newborn baby an everyday rub down. Your baby may enjoy a massage in the evening as a comforting part of his / her night time regimen.
Benefits of infant massage
Studies show that infant massage may have various health advantages. For instance, infant massage may possibly:
- Calm and relax your baby to sleep
- Decrease crying and moping
- Motivate interactions between you and your baby
- Favorably impact infant hormones that control stress
Even though more studies are necessary, some researchers claim that infant massage involved with moderate pressure may encourage growth for premature infants.
Is infant massage alright for babies who have health problems?
If your baby has any kind of actual medical conditions, speak to your infant’s physician prior to trying infant massage. The doctor will let you know if massage is suitable. You could also inquire with your baby’s doctor if he or she can suggest an infant massage expert or some other competent massage specialist who can show you techniques to address your infant’s particular requirements.
Do I need to utilize oil?
It is actually up to you. Some parents choose to use massage oil during infant massage in order to avoid friction between their hands and the infant’s skin, while others realize it is too messy. If you opt to use massage oil, choose one that’s unfragrant and non-toxic, just in case your baby gets some in his or her mouth. If your baby has sensitive skin or allergy, test the oil first by applying a bit to a spot of your baby’s skin and observing for any reaction.
Infant massage procedures:
Begin by setting up a quiet environment. If at all possible, do the massage in a warm, tranquil area, inside or outside. Get rid of any rings, watch, and other jewelleries, if you’re wearing. Take a seat comfortably on the floor or a bed or even stand in front of the changing table and place your baby on a blanket or soft towel in front of you. Place your baby on his or her back so that you can sustain eye contact and bring your baby’s body close to you. While you undress your baby, let him know or her it’s massage time.
Although particular methods vary, infant massage generally consists of gradually stroking or kneading each part of your baby’s body. When you initially start rubbing your baby, use a delicate and gentle contact. Avoid tickling your baby, however, which might irritate her or him. As your baby grows up, utilize a more firm touch.
You may begin by putting your baby on his or her tummy softly massaging different regions, including your baby’s head, neck, shoulders, upper back, mid back, low back, legs, feet and hands. Next, place your baby on his or her back, extending and flexing each of your baby’s legs and arms, and then both legs simultaneously. You can spend about a minute or so to massage each region. Lastly, with your baby either on his or her back or stomach, repeat the massaging routines for another 5 minutes.
While you massage your baby, remain calm. Speak to your baby through the entire massage. You may sing or tell a story. Try repeating your baby’s name and the word “relax” while you support her or him relieve tension.
Observe how your baby reacts to the massage. If your baby jiggles his / her arms and seems joyful, she or he is probably enjoying the massage and you can proceed. If your baby turns his / her head away from you or seems disturbed or frustrated, quit the massage and attempt again later on.
It could take a couple of attempts before you and your baby get used to baby massage. Be patient. With a bit of exercise, infant massage could be a fantastic opportunity for you and your baby to relax and bond.
Characteristics of Infant Massage
Relaxation ***
Therapeutic ***
Intensity: Minimum
Lubrication: Yes/No
Undressing: Yes
Tip: This therapy is typically performed by parents