Infant massage fosters an important bond between parent and child. From calm or restful states of being, to awakened alertness or even sleeping through, massage provides both soothing relief and strength-building benefits for their development.
As soon as your massage time starts, begin by gently stroking their arms and hands to warm up their skin and let your baby know what’s about to happen. This gesture should serve as a signal that massage time has arrived!
Gently roll one limb between your fingers like you were rolling dough – this technique may aid with digestion while simultaneously soothing baby.
Bonding and Relaxation Techniques
Baby massage can be an incredible way to build relationships with your newborn or infant, providing numerous health and emotional benefits – from helping reduce colic symptoms and soothe infants, aid brain development and boost physical growth, to strengthening emotional bonds between parent and child. Furthermore, massage has also proven helpful in managing Post Natal Depression by strengthening confidence levels among new mothers.
Babies are extremely sensitive, picking up on our stress and emotions quickly. Therefore, both mom and dad must remain relaxed when massaging their babies.
Massages can help relax babies after bathtime and build positive interactions between parent(s). Plus, research shows it can increase immunity during an outbreak like pandemics!
Preparation
Adults typically pay top dollar for professional massage therapy sessions and its beneficial effects have long been documented. That same calming experience can be enjoyed by infants and parents who learn baby massage techniques.
Newborn babies require nurture from birth and can benefit from infant massage for its relaxing and therapeutic qualities. Infant massage shouldn’t just be reserved for sick or premature babies – it can also foster bonding between parent and child and support healthy relationships between parent and offspring.
Before beginning, ensure your hands are clean and that all necessary supplies (oil/lotion and towel) are available for the massage. Talk softly and make eye contact during the session to build trust between yourself and the child – this helps establish partnerships! If they show any sign of discomfort during a session, stop immediately and try later when they may be more amenable to having another go at it!
Massage Techniques
As new parents, most would agree that keeping their baby healthy and happy should be of paramount importance. Massage is an easy, natural and noninvasive way to make sure that your little one feels secure, loved and cared for.
Comparative to adult massage, infant massage strokes tend to be very light. When giving an infant massage session, be mindful not to tickle your little one! Always apply firm yet gentle pressure while being sure to ask for feedback (either via hand cradling the head or tummy) on whether your touch feels safe for him/her.
Before beginning, be sure to ‘ask permission’ by placing both hands near their ears and saying ‘Can I give you a massage now?’ This gives your baby the sense that a massage is coming and shows them you are serious about giving one. If the massage seems uncomfortable for any reason, discontinue and try again later.
Using Oil
Baby oil can keep your hands soft and supple for easier massage, protecting them from irritation in case they accidentally touch sensitive areas like eyes, nose or mouth.
Massage should take place when your baby is alert but relaxed, such as immediately following bathtime or bedtime. Nappy-free newborns may benefit from massage while warm blankets cover them to protect from colds or chills.
At first, ask permission before massaging your child by applying some oil to your hands and gently touching their ears with them. This will help them understand what’s happening and signal it as massage time! Studies have revealed that infant massage reduces stress while simultaneously increasing heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of nervous system function. Infant massage may especially benefit preemies who lack sensory stimulation.https://www.youtube.com/embed/3LU2-YNvRGg