Infant Massage Techniques

As mentioned, baby massage or infant massage is an age-old practice in several cultures. However, there are some people who are aloof of the benefits of this ancient technique in child care. For new mothers, infant massage may seem to be a daunting task. But the fact is, with a bit of knowledge and practice, the job becomes simpler with time and all the more effective for the baby. Below you would get to know about the varied benefits of baby massage, apart from the steps on how to go about it.

How to Give Your Infant A Healthy Massage

You may want to jot down the steps provided below, as you may require it while you are about to give the massage to your baby. Preparation is important, and so the first thing you must never forget before giving the massage, is to remove any kind of jewelry that you may be wearing on your hands. Also, ensure that your hands are clean and not cold. Keep the required things like baby massage oil, towels, etc., in proximity to you.

• To begin with, spread a mat on the floor and undress your baby. Place her on it with her face up.
• Begin with the legs. Wet your hands with a little oil and wrap them around the thighs. Now move your hands down one after the other. Give a gently squeeze occasionally. Repeat the same with the other leg. Remember not to grip the legs too tight.
• Hold a foot and rotate it very gently clockwise and anti-clockwise. To repeat, be very gentle with the massage. Also, perform a stroking motion beginning from the top of the foot down to the ankles.
• Time to work on the bottoms of the foot. Use the pads of your thumbs, make frequent circles on the whole area.
• Now take some oil and hold each toe between your thumb and forefinger. Gently pull the toes and let your fingers slip off the end.
• Now it's time to massage the arms. Remember the squeezing massage you did for the legs, do the same for the hands as well. Once you are done, rotate the fist for a few times.
• Feel the softness of the baby's palm and make circles with gentle force, using your thumbs.
• Again like what you did in the previous massage techniques of pulling the toes, even here you have to do the same. Gently pull the fingers, and the thumbs too.
• Get some oil on your palm and rub it to make it warm. Now place your hands over the baby's chest and flatten the palms.
• Stoke the chest with your palms going outwards. Remember not to give too much pressure.
• Place your palm across the chest and move it gently down to the thighs. It is best if you use your hands alternatively.
• Roll your baby and place her on the tummy. Place all your fingertips on the back and trace little circles.
• Trace these circles on either side of the spine, all the way down to the buttocks. Repeat this back massage on the other side.
• And the final step would be to give some long strokes, beginning from the shoulder to the feet.

And this is how you go about giving your infant a total body massage. Note that you must never give a massage before or right after a meal. Also, it is important to maintain eye contact with your little one. This way you would know if she is starting to feel uncomfortable. And when you are finally done with the massage, dress her and give a good cuddle, or best, breastfeed her.

Benefits of Infant Massage

• It helps in easing the tension in the baby's muscles.
• Massage stimulates the release of hormones known as endorphins (which help in relaxing the body and mind) and decrease cortisol (which increases the stress).
• Using a natural vegetable or fruit based oil to give a stomach massage helps in relieving constipation.
• Massaging on a regular basis is known to help babies who were born prematurely, to gain weight.
• It helps the babies get enough sleep, and be active when they are awake.
• It helps in the overall development of bones and muscles.

One of the greatest advantages of massaging your infant on a regular basis, is that you are helping your baby getting aware of her/his senses of touch. Although the massage techniques may seem to be challenging initially, there is nothing to worry about. Go slow but steady.