Baby massage: A step by step guide
No one can resist the deliciously soft skin of a baby. The studies suggest that a regular and proper massage is always beneficial for a baby. These benefits include weight gain and strengthening of the immune system. In fact, it's an activity that gives fun to the parents and their baby. Read on to know about the each minute step and learn to give the best massage to your baby.
Getting started
Babies are very delicate and susceptible to germs and bacteria, so always take off the rings that you are wearing and wash your hands properly. Trim your nails or otherwise use the balls of your fingers to massage the baby to avoid the scratches that the baby might get during the massage.
- If required, heat up the room a little as this will warm up your baby and her surroundings too.
- Experts advise to give a complete body-massage to the baby, either starting from the head or toe, as per your comfort. So, it's upto you if you want to start from the head or the toe.
- It’s not really important to use baby oil only (although it helps in smoother motions). But never use it for massaging the face. This is a common mistake that every mother does. So, avoid using baby oil on the face.
- A 10 minute long massage is enough for the babies under 4 months of age. Later, as the infant grows, increase the duration to 20 minutes. This should happen gradually.
- Keep the strokes light but maintain a fair pressure so that the baby isn’t tickled. Afterall, your main aim is to massage your baby in the best possible way.
Use your finger tips and make small circles at the center of the baby’s forehead. The strokes should move in outward direction. Then, gently move on to the nose, jaws, and cheeks. Massage the ears by rubbing the top of the lobe to the bottom of the ear with your thumb and fingers.
Taking it from the top
If your baby is below 4 months hold her head with one hand and massage gently the back and scalp of the head with the middle and index fingers of the other hand. The motion should be circular. After 4 months, the baby is strong enough to support her head; you may use both the hands.
Back basics
Here comes the toughest part of the massage. Gently, put your baby on her belly and check if she can breathe properly. Starting from the shoulders, move down and then, massage the length of her back with your fingertips just as you would massage an adult. But, remember that you should't touch the spine.
Hand and foot
Hold your baby’s ankle and rub the soles of her feet with your thumbs, making X’s. Massage her hands from the palm. The motion should be circular, just like in case of head. Press her tiny fingers between your thumb and forefinger.
An arm and a leg
Very gently, massage your baby’s arms and legs by squeezing the muscle. Be cautious while massaging on the knee and elbow joints because the bones of the baby are extra soft. You need to see that the baby doesn't suffer from any pain.
Rub-A-Tum-Tum
Now, just as the paddling motion, roll your one hand over the other on the belly button of your baby. This will definitely improve her digestion and relieve her from the gas. The best way is to wait for about an hour or more after the baby has taken her meals.
