Massage for your baby is a gentle way to love and spend time with him or her. Learn about the benefits of infant massage as well as how to get started.
What are the advantages of massaging an infant
Infant massage has been shown to have a number of health benefits in research. Massage for infants, for example, could:
Encourage your baby to communicate with you.
Assist your baby in unwinding and sleeping.
Influence stress hormones in infants in a positive way
Cut down on tears.
While more research is needed, some studies indicate that infant massage with moderate pressure may help premature babies develop faster.
When can I give my baby a massage
If you massage your baby too soon after a feeding, he or she will vomit. Wait at least 45 minutes after a feeding before doing so. Pay attention to your baby’s mood as well. If your baby has a relaxed and happy expression, he or she might enjoy a massage. It may not be the best time for a massage if your baby turns his or her head away from you or becomes stiff in your arms.
It is entirely up to you when and how much you massage your baby. You could massage your newborn on a regular basis. As a relaxing part of his or her bedtime routine, your toddler could enjoy a massage.
What is the best way to massage my baby
Infant massage necessitates some simple training and techniques. To get started, follow these steps:
Build a comfortable climate. If at all necessary, perform the massage in a dark, quiet environment, either indoors or outdoors. Take off your baubles. Place your baby on a blanket or towel in front of you as you sit comfortably on the floor or in bed, or stand in front of the changing table. Maintain eye contact with your baby by putting him or her on his or her back. Tell your baby its massage time when you undress him or her.
Maintain power over your touch. Using a gentle touch when massaging your baby at first. Tickling your infant, on the other hand, can irritate him or her. Use a firmer touch as your child grows.
Slowly massage and knead your baby’s body parts. Start by putting your baby on his or her stomach and rubbing various parts of his or her body for one minute each, such as his or her head, neck, shoulders, upper back, waist, legs, feet, and hands. Place your baby on his or her back and spend one minute extending and flexing each of his or her arms and legs, and then both legs at once. Finally, repeat the rubbing movements for another five minutes with your baby on his or her back or stomach.
Maintain a relaxed attitude. During the massage, talk to your kid. You may perform a song or say a storey. As you assist your baby in releasing stress, repeat his or her name and the word “relax.”
Keep an eye on how your child reacts. If your baby jiggles his arms and smiles, he or she is probably loving the massage, and you can proceed. Stop massaging your baby if he or she turns away from you or becomes agitated or unhappy, and try again later.
Is it necessary to use oil
It’s all up to you. Some parents tend to use oil to avoid rubbing between their hands and the baby’s skin during infant massage, while others find it too messy. If you’re going to use oil, make sure it’s odourless and edible, just in case your child swallows any. If your baby has sensitive skin or allergies, test the oil on a small patch of skin and wait for a reaction.
Is baby massage safe for babies with medical problems
Before you try infant massage, consult your baby’s doctor if he or she has any underlying health problems. The doctor will advise you on whether massage is suitable for you. You may also ask your baby’s doctor for a referral to an infant massage specialist or another trained professional who can show you how to treat your baby’s unique needs.
Infant massage can take a few tries before you and your baby get the hang of it. Patience is needed. Infant massage, with a little practise, can be a good way for you and your baby to relax and bond.
The gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby’s body with your hands is known as baby massage. You can also massage your baby’s knees, wrists, and fingers gently. It’s important to understand the strategies and the proper amount of pressure to use. A perfect way to get started is to take an infant massage class with a Registered Massage Therapist. This way, you will learn how to give your child a healthy and efficient massage.
Make touch. Touch is one of the five essential senses, and it is considered to be one of the first to evolve in humans. Touch is not only a sensation that helps us to communicate with the world; it is also essential to our wellbeing.
A bedtime routine for small children is suggested by the mama coach. Routines are useful at every age because their continuity helps our children to understand and predict what is to come, which is sleep!! Massage is an outstanding addition to every bedtime routine! So, after your baby’s bath, you could massage him or her before moving on to pyjamas and the rest of the routine. Infant massage has been shown to enhance sleep quality by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing melatonin levels in our infants (the sleep hormone).
