Massage is an established technique to improve sleep in newborns, reduce colic, aid digestion and increase the bond between mother and child. Growth hormones that help infants with medical or developmental problems. Learning how to give a baby a massage can bring great benefits not only to the baby but also to those who take it.
Steps
Step 1. Grab a warm towel, massage oil or lotion and a light blanket and take them to a quiet room with soft, warm light
A room that is too bright could over-stimulate the little one. If you like, you can also play background music at low volume.
Step 2. Take the little one into the room and sit next to the things you need
Sit with your back supported and with your legs spread or crossed.
Step 3. Place the warm towel on your legs
Step 4. Place the baby on the towel so it is comfortable
Step 5. Take off your clothes and diaper
Step 6. Rub oil or lotion between your hands to warm it up
Cold, it could startle the little one.
Step 7. Start the massage by talking lovingly to your little one
Look at him and address him in a calm tone.
Step 8. Place your hands on the baby's shoulders and make gentle downward motions to begin the massage
If the little one responds well, move on.
Step 9. Gently pat your stomach
- Use slow, regular movements on your stomach. Place one hand horizontally under the ribcage and massage it downwards. Repeat with the other hand immediately after completing the first pass.
- Massage his tummy with your fingertips and in small, clockwise, circular motions. Gently press the abdomen.
Step 10. Wrap it in the blanket if your baby feels cold
Step 11. Place your hands in the center of the baby's chest
Move them gently outward. Repeat.
Step 12. Move your hands from shoulder to hip across the baby's torso
Repeat with the other side. Cover your torso if your baby shivers or feels cold.
Step 13. Massage your arms and hands
- Hold the baby's hand and wrist in one of yours and make the letter C with the other.
- Gently caress the baby's arm with your hand, from the shoulder to the wrist. Make sure you have enough lotion or oil to avoid pulling on his skin.
- Massage the baby's palm and fingers by pressing the thumb in the center of the palm. Use circular movements and move across the entire surface of the hand.
- Gently squeeze all of his fingers starting from the little finger, pulling lightly. Repeat the arm and hand massage with the other side.
Step 14. Place the baby on his stomach on your lap or between your legs
Step 15. Move your hands back and forth across the baby's back in a zig-zag fashion
The hands should cross with quick movements without actually touching it. Start from the neck and go down.
Step 16. Place your hands on either side of the baby's spine and massage down in circular motions
Step 17. Open your fingers and stroke the back from top to bottom as if imitating a rake
Step 18. Massage the legs using the same movements used for the arms
Step 19. Use alternating movements on the legs
Gently pull each leg and massage your feet.
Step 20. Turn him smoothly so that he comes back face up
Step 21. Put the diaper on and dress him
Advice
- Keep the diaper close in case the baby pees.
- Focus on gentle but firm movements. The massage should not be too light as it may tickle the baby, or too heavy not to make him uncomfortable and painful.
- Babies prefer to be rocked while massaging them. They love to be in the space between their legs or on their feet while sitting with their legs towards the stomach. You can sit cross-legged or create the figure of a diamond.
- Remember to speak softly to the baby during the massage. Tell him what you are doing or just tell him about your day.
