You’re not the only one who sometimes desires a relaxing body massage. A gentle laying on hands is also highly calming — and even therapeutic — for babies. Because touch is one of the five most developed senses at birth, baby massage has been shown to have significant advantages in helping newborns grow and flourish.
So, before Googling baby items online shopping to buy a massager, first know everything related to this home therapy!
What Are the Advantages of Massaging an Infant?
What are the advantages of massage for your child? It may aid your baby with digestive difficulties and teething pains, as well as enhance his muscular growth, quiet him when he’s irritable, and put him to sleep.
But the benefits don’t end there: All your caressing and touching will help you connect with your infant. Furthermore, massaging your kid may assist you in finding your own inner Zen (and who can disagree with that?).
These gentle massages may begin the day you bring your newborn home. It is also a great way to connect with your baby!
How To Massage Your Baby?
#1. Feet & Legs
Hold your baby’s heel in one hand and, as if you were milking a cow, begin at the top of the thigh and slowly stroke all the way down to the ankle, softly squeezing the leg as you go. Reverse the action and work your way up from the ankle to the thigh. Then use your thumbs to massage the feet, gently uncurling and rubbing the toes. Change your legs. The same strokes may be used on the arms and hands.
#2. Head
Begin by placing your hands on both sides of your baby’s head, then along both sides of his body, from head to toes. Next, use your fingers to make little circles on your baby’s head.
#3. Face
Fold your hands on your baby’s forehead (as if praying), then softly press outward from the center. Next, create a grin on your baby’s face with your thumb by stroking from one cheek to the other. Rep on the bottom lip.
#4. Chest
Fold your hands on your baby’s chest and push them out to the sides as if smoothing the pages of an open book.
#5. Tummy
Draw an ellipse underneath your baby’s belly button with your fingers. (Move clockwise to follow the digestive system’s natural course.) Then, on the diagonal, “walk” your fingers from one side of your baby’s abdomen to the other, as if creating an “X.”
#6. Back
Stroke his backside to side, then up and down.
Massage Techniques for Infants
Before you (or your spouse) give your baby a massage with a massager from baby items online shopping, keep the following in mind:
- Make baby massage a routine. Consider massaging your kid at the same time each day so that he becomes used to it and enjoys it.
- If you’re going to use massage oil, be sure it’s edible, odorless, and cold-pressed fruit or vegetable oil. Coconut oil is a superb choice since it absorbs quickly into a baby’s skin and is readily digested when he suckles on his hands or fingers.
- Choose an area that is convenient for both of you. The environment should be warm — at least 75 degrees F. You may massage your baby on the changing table, your bed (use a towel beneath to prevent oil stains on your bedspread), or even the rug (use a towel there too).
- Pay attention to your baby’s signals. Save the session for later if he looks away, frowns, or screams when you put your hands on him.
- Be careful, and don’t put too much pressure on them. Otherwise, it may become overwhelming.