Baby Massage Benefits and How To Guide

Massage is one of the most beautiful experiences your baby can enjoy which helps stimulate health, growth and development.

Infant massage has been enjoyed by cultures for 100’s of years. It is a great way to connect with your baby and it’s a relaxing routine for both parent and child.

Caring touch and movement are the most powerful forms of communication between baby and parent. Infant massage is:

• Fun for both parent and child.
• It relaxes and calms your baby, preparing them for sleep.
• It promotes a loving communication.

It’s a great way for parent and child to bond, but did you know infant massage has incredible health benefits too?

Infant Massage benefits can include:

• Helping calm irritable babies
• Can help improve colic and constipation
• Boost serotonin levels in babies

Massage is a strong tool that may help your baby develop mentally, socially and physically. A loving touch can also encourage the much-needed deeper, longer sleep!

As a parent you may also find that giving your baby a massage lifts your mood and helps you feel more empowered. It is a special time together and as you massage you will notice a natural chat form with deep and meaningful eye contact.

Love through touch is a powerful tool so what do you need to start?

• Create a calm environment, dim the lights, lay down a soft blanket or mat
• Have on hand baby massage oil
• Nappy and baby balm
• Clothes to dress your baby afterwards

Once you have your calm space set up how should you massage your baby?

There are different types of infant massage from legs to neck. Here’s how to create beautiful moments with your child. Set aside 10-15 minutes to complete each massage several times before moving on to the next body part.

Leg Massage – Gently but firmly wrap your hands around your baby’s leg and glide your hands down from thigh to ankle. Repeat two to three times, and then switch to the other leg.

Belly Massage – Place your hands at the level of your baby’s navel. In a clockwise motion, rub your fingertips firmly and gently over her tummy in a circular motion.

Arm Massage – Gently roll your baby’s arm between your hands, starting at his shoulder and moving down to his wrist. Repeat two to three times, and then switch to the other arm.

Neck Massage – Support your infant’s head and upper body with one hand. Place the thumb of your other hand on one side of her neck and your first two fingers on the other side. Then use your fingertips to gently rub your baby’s neck in a circular motion. Repeat these circles a few times.

After the massage is a great time to keep the connection with your baby and once they are dressed and warm snuggle up for a cuddle before bed time!

We would love to know your experience with baby massage, share your thoughts in the comments!

If you would like to get started with Baby Massage here is the perfect pack for you