Begin by gently massaging your baby’s head. Stroke symmetrically while simultaneously talking to, singing or humming for him as part of an interactive experience that helps him relax.
Choose a comfortable location and wait until they’re relaxed and alert, such as before bedtime or post-feed. Massage them while they are still warm to ensure optimal results.
1. Start with the head
As with most things related to newborn care, newborn massage requires using gentle strokes in order to avoid overwhelming their delicate nervous systems. Use of relaxing massage oils may help your little one relax; tickling should be avoided as this could be uncomfortable for him/her. Be sure that when massaging a newborn it takes place in a quiet space where eye contact with them remains continuous – this is particularly helpful in those early weeks when nursing/bottle feeding might become necessary).
Your newborn massage sessions don’t need to be complicated! Simply ensure the surface you choose is warm. Some mothers like adding soothing music, scents or visuals into their newborn massage sessions; but this decision is ultimately up to you.
Start with your baby lying on their back, and slowly rub each body part, beginning with their head, front of neck, shoulders, chest, arms, back, stomach area butt hips and legs. Based on how your child reacts, repeat as necessary.
Massage your baby’s muscles away from their heart if you want them to relax, and toward it if they need extra energy or need to wake up. This also improves their blood flow and digestion.
Infants often enjoy having their feet massaged. With clean hands, carefully hold their foot between your fingers and massage in a circular motion from toes to heel – you may also choose to do both feet simultaneously! Be aware of their reaction in case they become distressed during this process.
2. Massage the tummy
Baby massage can be an excellent way to stimulate infant development and reduce their stress levels, as well as keeping them calm and relaxed during this early period of development. As newborn skin and bones are delicate, only apply gentle pressure during massage; also avoid massaging sensitive areas like the genitals or around the groin area such as this may lead to infection. Talking, singing or humming during massage sessions may create an atmosphere of comforting security for your infant.
Start giving your newborn a full body massage by sitting them comfortably on a towel or blanket in an inviting and warm room, with dimmed lighting. Make sure there is not too close of an approach when massaging their body from head to feet; gently rub each part from head down. If they become cranky or fussy during massage time, simply switch parts or even stop altogether!
Your fingertips or palm of your hand are great tools to use when massaging a baby, though be careful not to apply too much pressure as their skull is fragile. Instead, gently stroke their scalp with circular motions. After finishing massaging their face and head, switch them over and start massaging their back massage.
Start by placing your hands gently on their shoulders and gently massaging down their chest and abdomen, taking special care not to massage their navel (belly button). Young babies may find this painful or sensitive.
3. The arms
Baby massage is an effective way to strengthen bonds between you and your infant. It involves gently massaging each part of their body with soothing strokes in a soothing rhythm; making this part of their regular schedule will ensure they know what to expect.
Parents often find formal classes too stimulating in the first weeks after giving birth and may instead opt for baby massage at home as an ideal way of providing optimal stimulation. Babies are unpredictable creatures who respond in unexpected ways; thus it makes more sense for massage to be administered at home than anywhere else.
Before commencing massaging, it is essential to check in with your baby and ensure they are open to touch. If they stiffen up or cry out when touched, it is best to wait a day until their mood has improved and then try massaging again later in the day or wait until after their meal if this could lead to further issues with spitting up food.
Start by holding your baby in both arms, gently stroking their arms down towards their elbows, across their shoulders, back down to their hands and massaging each finger individually. Next move on to their legs and feet being careful not to be too aggressive as this could cause them to spit-up; it is recommended waiting 45 minutes after feeding before massaging so as to reduce spit-up incidents.
Gently run your fingertips down each leg, including their feet and ankles. Hold their knees up, push towards their tummies gently until the muscles relax completely before repeating this exercise – this may help if trapped gas or constipation has set in.
4. The legs
Befor babies can communicate and form attachments through language, they communicate and bond with their parents through touch. Cuddles, skin-to-skin contact and gentle stroking are natural ways for new mothers and fathers to reassure their newborns and promote their health and wellness.
Babies respond well to infant massage, a gentle rhythmic stroking of their bodies with diluted baby oil or lotion. It’s essential that only mild oils (no more than one drop at any one time) be used so as not to overwhelm delicate baby skin, and massage should take place in a quiet space where your child feels secure and calm – this could include bath time or bedtime routines; just be consistent so your child starts associating this activity as a relaxing part of their day.
Commence by placing your baby on their back in an ergonomic position that suits both of you. Make sure the room temperature is just right (not too hot nor cold) and that there is a towel or blanket nearby in case any spills happen. Music may help relax them too!
Begin by gently massaging the legs and feet of your baby. Starting from the thigh down, rub down from thigh to ankle with one hand while using the other to stroke feet gently using one stroke each hand. Be careful not to press too hard when massaging around genital area/groin area as if your baby flinches, stop massaging immediately and move onto another area of the body.
5. The face
Newborns can be extremely fragile, so it is crucial that massage sessions with light pressure use oil to make sure that hands glide easily across skin without creating friction that could irritate. This also prevents any red marks on newborn’s skin.
As long as they have received medical clearance to be handled, massaging your baby as early as possible should become part of their routine. Massaging early helps your infant become familiar with touch faster, supporting early bonding between mother and infant while improving postpartum depression or anxiety symptoms. Many parents also find baby massage an invaluable way to enhance awareness of infant needs while supporting early bonding relationships between parent and infant.
Certain situations provide opportunities for bonding, such as cuddling while breastfeeding or bottle feeding, skin-to-skin contact when changing diapers, and sleeping close by – it’s wise to try incorporating these interactions into your everyday routine whenever possible. Newborn massage can also be an excellent way to foster this interaction and should only be performed at times when your baby is calm and content so as to not overstimulate him/her.
Babies who receive regular massages tend to sleep better, find it easier to calm down more quickly, and appear to develop faster than babies who don’t receive as much touch on a regular basis. Studies in hospitals have proven this point further by showing how premature babies who were massaged spent less time in intensive care units while scoring slightly higher on developmental tests. If you would like to learn newborn baby massage and gain insights into techniques which might benefit your baby then why not attend one of our courses in York? We offer courses suitable for Mums/Dads/Partners/Parti partners as well as Grandparents!