Baby Massage – Tips and Techniques For Fit and Healthy Baby
Massaging your baby is one of the most nourishing things you can do for him/her. This specialized form of touch is effective not only in the critical weight-gain of premature infants, but also in creating a strong bond between parent and infant.
The How-to of Baby Massage
Massage can soothe a baby who is exhausted from crying numerous times throughout the day (we all know how emotionally and physically exhausting crying can be). It will also relieve colic, circulatory problems or digestive ailments.
You can start infant massage at one month of age for 10 – 15 minutes only. Begin with the legs and feet using slow, gentle strokes. Babies are delicate, but too light a touch can be ticklish and aggravating. If your baby splays her
finger or toes, or avoids your gaze and looks away, she’s telling you that she’s stressed or that you are using too much pressure. If she clenches her fists in front of her chest, she is not ready to be touched there - some infants are very sensitive and can’t deal with a lot of touching at first. Maintain eye contact to learn your baby’s
body language.
Although massage can be given at any time of the day, it is best to do it during the ‘quiet, alert’ state which is when your baby is relaxed with her eyes open and making lots of eye contact. Do not massage soon after a feed, because it will only make her uncomfortable. A gentle massage after bath time eases baby to sleep. But do make sure you pick a time when you are feeling relaxed. Remember that your baby relies on non-verbal communication and will pick up on your mood if you are tense. Set aside around half-an-hour time for a baby massage.
5 More Massage Tips
1. Set a calming environment by playing some soft meditative music in the background. Studies show that babies respond positively to music.
2. The same goes for smell. Babies love a good but mild fragrance.
3. The room must be warm enough for the baby.
4. Make sure your hands and nails are clean before you massage baby.
5. Have diaper powder and a clean diaper handy for post massage.
Baby Massaging Techniques Video
A perfect video showing simple techniques, a newbie can also do.
admin @ July 14, 2009