Baby's Massaging

How to Massage a Newborn Baby

Massaging baby is very important to for right growth and development of baby. Furthermore, massaging also helps to improve the bonding between the newborn baby and mother. Read on to find some helpful tips on preparing for baby’s massage and massaging your baby the right way.

Massaging a newborn baby is extremely beneficial for the emotional and physical development and also helps in strengthening the inner systems of the baby. It helps strengthen the muscles and bones and at the same time enhances the emotional bonding between the mother and the child. It calms your baby down and helps him relax which makes the baby sleep well.

The babies who are massaged regularly and at least three times daily tend to gain more weight and were found more energetic and alert too. The skin to skin touch of the mother and the baby also soothes the baby and helps get relief from gas or colic problems. There are certain things that you should keep in mind when giving a massage to your baby so that it helps in complete growth and development from inside as well.

Preparing for Baby’s Massage

Here are some things which you need to keep in mind while preparing for baby’s massage.

Oil for Massaging Your Baby

The first thing that you need is massage oil. Make sure the oil is anti allergic and suits your baby’s skin. There are many good and reliable brands of baby products in the market. You can choose one of the best one that fits in your budget also. Do not use this body massage oil on face or head. Be very careful while choosing baby’s massage oil. Choose the oil which is specially prepared for baby’s massage. You can also consult your doctor before buying any massage oil for your baby.

When to Massage Your Baby?

Timing is also very important when you decide to massage your newborn. It should suit you and the baby too. Do not massage when the infant is full or very hungry. Choose a time that is more than 1 1/2 hours after the feeding. Once you give him the massage you can feed the baby. This helps in all round health benefit. The timing should be such that you do not get interrupted by anything.

How to Hold Baby While Massaging?

The best position for massaging your baby is to lay him on your lap while you are sitting on the floor or on the bed. Make yourself comfortable first. You can put a towel or a thick cloth on your lap so that your dress does not get spoiled by the oil. You can sing or talk to your child while giving him the massage strokes for better bonding.

Is Your Baby Comfortable?

Both you and your newborn baby should be comfortable at the time of massage. You will come to know immediately that your baby is not comfortable and so you should stop and check everything before proceeding.

Massaging Your Newborn Baby

The massage strokes that are given to the baby are different from that to adults. You have to be gentle and massage slowly giving light pressure with your palms on the body of the newborn. When you have the infant on your lap you can pit the right pressure and the child will also feel comfortable.

It is good to massage the back side of the baby first and then turn him gently to massage his front side. Good to start with the back and then the legs so that the child feels relaxed and relieved. You can do moderate kneading on the shoulder muscles also.

While massaging start with gentle strokes and then you can increase little by little pressure at regular intervals. Just keep in mind the comfort of your baby so that your purpose is fulfilled properly. Once you start massaging regularly you shall soon find the difference in your child’s health on the whole.