You can massage your baby with everything removed or just a diaper on in case of an accident. Choose the option that will make your baby more comfortable. If you want to massage your baby as a way to calm them down before going down for a nap, you might wish to use the baby’s nursery as the massage room. That way you can easily put them in their crib if they fall asleep during the massage.
You can also use baby oil, if you prefer. [2] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. Don’t use peanut oil, almond oil or other oils produced from foods that are common allergens. Also, avoid using essential oils or other scented oils, as they may be too concentrated or harsh for your baby’s skin. [3] X Expert Source Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPHBoard Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor Expert Interview. 6 May 2020. If the oil is cool, rub it between your hands to warm it up before applying it to your baby’s body.
You’ll want to massage the baby’s back, tummy, arms, legs, head and neck. Handle all parts of your baby’s body with gentle care. As the baby grows, you can apply a little more pressure. A toddler can handle a slightly firmer massage than an infant.
Choose the direction depending on the time of day you massage them. If it’s playtime, a stimulating massage might make them feel like having some fun. But massaging this way right before bedtime probably won’t have the effect you want. Massaging away from the heart is a great way to calm down a baby who’s feeling fussy.
Never grip too tightly, and take care not to wrench their limbs. Continue until you’ve massaged all their limbs.
Be sure their other needs are met first, so they’re comfortable during the massage. Your baby might be crying because they’re hungry, tired, or for another reason. They won’t enjoy the massage as much if they haven’t yet had dinner. Wait 45 minutes after meals. Massaging a baby right after they eat can cause them to get an upset stomach. Babies spit up quite easily, and any sort of massaging motion has the potential to make them lose their last meal. Make sure they have plenty of time to digest their food before you give them a massage.
If they seem as though they’re in pain when you massage them, make sure your technique is gentle enough. If your technique doesn’t seem to be the problem, you might want to take them in to see the pediatrician to see why they seem to feel pain during massage. If they’re enjoying the massage, they’ll seem relaxed and receptive to your touch.
Massage benefits are myriad. Massage helps to stimulate your baby’s growth, boost the immune system, and help their digestive system stay healthy. It also reduces stress and aids in emotional development. As well, massaging your baby helps the two of you bond. It’s a great way for fathers to bond with their babies.
You can start with any part of the baby’s body. Many like to start with the legs and feet in order to help the baby transition from play time to calm time more easily. The baby may kick and squirm, having fun as you massage their legs and feet. Remember to be very gentle; don’t pull on their legs or exert too much pressure as you bend their knees. If they straighten their legs in protest, don’t force them to bend them.
Remember that if you’re massaging as part of playtime, you can make your baby feel stimulated by massaging your baby’s chest toward the heart, rather than away from it. Be careful not to tickle your baby’s belly as you massage it.
