Understand the benefits of infant massage

Are you looking for methods to unwind and bond with your child? Know when and how to massage a newborn.

Staff at the Mayo Clinic

Massage for your infant is a gentle approach to nurture 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 provide a variety of health benefits in studies. Massage for infants, for example, could:
Encourage you and your baby to interact.
Assist your infant in unwinding and sleeping
Influence stress hormones in infants in a positive way
Cut down on crying
Although more research is needed, several studies suggest that infant massage with moderate pressure may help premature babies grow faster.

When should I give my infant a massage

If you massage your infant too soon after a meal, he or she may vomit. Wait at least 45 minutes after a feeding before doing so. Pay attention to your baby’s mood as well. If your infant has a calm and content expression, he or she might like a massage. It might not be the greatest moment for a massage if your infant turns his or her head away from you or grows tight in your arms.
It is entirely up to you when and how often you massage your kid. You could massage your newborn on a daily basis. As a relaxing element of his or her sleep routine, your toddler might enjoy a massage.

What is the best way to massage my baby

Infant massage need some basic preparation and methods. To get started, follow these steps:
Create a relaxing environment. If at all feasible, perform the massage in a warm, quiet environment, either indoors or outdoors. Take off your baubles. Maintain eye contact with your kid by placing him or her on his or her back. Tell your baby it’s massage time as you undress him or her.
Maintain control over your touch. Use a mild touch when massaging your infant at first. Tickling your baby, on the other hand, may irritate him or her. Use a firmer touch as your child grows.
Gently massage and massage your baby’s body parts. Start by putting your baby on his or her stomach and stroking different parts of his or her body for one minute each, such as his or her head. Place your baby on his or her back and spend one minute stretching and flexing each of his or her arms and legs, and then both legs at once. Finally, repeat the rubbing strokes for another five minutes with the infant on his or her back or stomach.
Maintain a calm attitude. During the massage, talk to your baby. You may perform a song or narrate a storey. As you assist your baby in releasing stress, repeat his or her name and the word “relax.”
Pay attention to how your child reacts. If your infant jiggles his arms and smiles, he or she is probably enjoying the massage, and you can continue. Stop massaging your infant if he or she turns away from you or appears restless or uncomfortable, and try again later.

Is it necessary to apply oil

It’s entirely up to you. Some parents like to use oil to prevent friction between their hands and the baby’s skin during infant massage, while others find it excessively messy. If you’re going to use oil, make sure it’s odourless and edible, just in case your child swallows it. If your baby has sensitive skin or allergies, test the oil on a small patch of skin and wait for a reaction.

Is infant massage safe for babies with medical problems

Before you try infant massage, see your baby’s doctor if he or she has any underlying health difficulties. The doctor can advise you on whether massage is right for you. You might also ask your baby’s doctor for a referral to an infant massage specialist or another certified professional who can show you how to address your baby’s individual needs.
Infant massage may take a few tries before you and your baby get the hang of it. Patience is required. Infant massage, with a little experience, may be a good method for you and your baby to relax and bond.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, you may have concerns about your child’s health. What vaccinations does your child require? What is the most effective method for taking your child’s temperature? What can you expect from a well-child exam? What are the most recent advancements in the field of newborn and toddler health?
You’ll feel more at ease caring for your child if you know more about infant and toddler health. Start by asking your child’s doctor about your concerns regarding newborn and toddler health. When it comes to your child’s health, remember that nothing is too minor.
Find out how to contact your child’s doctor in between appointments as well. Questions regarding the health of a newborn or toddler can arise at any time, and knowing that support is available can provide invaluable peace of mind.
Your life will be a frenzy of activity after you have a newborn. Baby care may appear to be restricted to round-the-clock feeding, washing, diapering, and comforting at first, but there is more to protecting newborn health than these fundamentals. Other newborn health considerations include caring for your baby’s skin, deciphering his or her screams, and boosting your baby’s development.
Remember that taking care of your newborn also includes taking care of yourself. Get as much sleep as you can, and don’t be embarrassed to ask for assistance if you need it.
Infant care can completely transform your life, and newborn health problems can be daunting at times. Appreciate the joy that your newborn brings to your life — and take each day as it comes.