Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 8: Study Physiology
• Method 2 of 8: Start as early as possible
• Method 3 of 8: Use different massage movements
• Method 4 of 8: Use oils
• Method 5 of 8: Massage from top to bottom
• Method 6 of 8: Stick to a Schedule
• Method 7 of 8: Prepare
• Method 8 of 8: Take a Break
• Warnings

Baby massage is gaining more and more popularity as its benefits become more evident. Parents massage their newborns to help them sleep better, improve motor skills and relieve colic. It can even help strengthen a child's immune system. This is a great way for both baby and parent to deepen their affection, and is easy to incorporate into your daily childcare schedule.

Steps

Method 1 of 8: Study Physiology

1. 1 Start by examining the newborn's normal reflexes. Babies are born with reflexes by which they respond to some touch. By understanding these reflexes, you can safely incorporate them into your massage routine.
2. 2 Check how your child reacts to different touches. When you touch the cheek, the baby will turn his head towards the touch.If you press down on the sole of the foot, the child will wrap the toes in the direction of pressing (plantar flexion). The same goes for the palm (grasping reflex). Turn your baby's head to the side and he will bend into an arc. These are the common responses that most newborns show to touch.

Method 2 of 8: Start as early as possible

1. 1 Start massaging your baby as early as possible after birth, if there are no complications and there is no need for special medical equipment and assistance. The sooner you start, the more natural the experience will be for your little one.
2. 2 Remember not to use upward movements for babies under 6 weeks of age to avoid excessive irritation.

Method 3 of 8: Use different massage movements

1. 1 Experiment with different ways of stroking your baby. All stroking should be done with slow, light pressure movements.
2. 2 Start with light strokes and then gradually increase the pressure over time. The strokes should be firm enough to prevent tickling.
3. 3 Lightly stretch your shoulders, but only if the child allows it. If the baby is uncomfortable, stop it.
4. 4 Remember that general strokes and upward strokes stimulate the nervous system, while downward strokes are calming.

Method 4 of 8: Use oils

1. 1 Ask a professional which oil is best to use for massage. Some oils are suitable for massage with adults. Some are worth avoiding. You should use unflavored hypoallergenic oil for at least 3 months of age.
2. 2 Find the right massage oil for your little one. Natural oils, such as almond, work well and leave a pleasant aroma. Aromatic oils such as lavender or vanilla can be added to fresh olive or vegetable oil.
3. 3 Try all new oils on a small area of ​​the baby's skin the day before using them for massage purposes. If your toddler has any allergic reaction to the new oil, it is best not to use it.
4. 4 Do not apply oil to your baby's face and head during massage.

Method 5 of 8: Massage from top to bottom

1. 1 Start at the head. Place the thumbs of both hands in the center of the baby's forehead and apply gentle pressure from the inside out. Continue kneading other parts of the face as well. Use your thumbs to make small circular motions on your cheeks, cheekbones, and mouth.
2. 2 Move on to the upper limbs. Massage each hand gently in your hands. Also, open your fists with your hands and massage each finger.
3. 3 Then move to your tummy and stroke it in a clockwise circular motion.
4. 4 Next, go down to the legs and roll each leg between your palms with light movements. Don't forget your feet and toes.
5. 5 Move to the back, massage it with light movements from top to bottom.

Method 6 of 8: Stick to a Schedule

1. 1 Choose a time of day when you can devote yourself to massage and no one will bother you. You need to relax and enjoy this time with your child.
2. 2 Do not massage your child after eating. Your baby is not going to benefit much from massage if done before or immediately after breastfeeding. This is best done between feedings.

Method 7 of 8: Prepare

1. 1 Make sure the room temperature is normal to keep your baby warm. The child will not enjoy the massage if the room is cold.
2. 2 Strip your baby down to the diaper so you can massage all parts of the body. Touching bare skin is preferable, it is more comfortable and provides a deeper relationship between parent and child. Place a warm blanket nearby to cover your baby if he or she reacts negatively to undressing. You can cover your baby with a blanket and expose only those parts of the body that you are currently massaging.
3. 3 Prioritize the comfort for the baby and for yourself during the procedure. Sit where you and your baby are most comfortable. You can sit on the bed and place your baby between your legs. If you are massage on the floor, use a thick blanket. You can also place the baby on your lap rather than between your legs if both of you feel comfortable in this position.
4. 4 Warm up the massage oil by rubbing it in your palms before applying it to your baby's skin. Nothing finishes a massage as quickly as cold oil on your baby's chest. If you plan on doing an oil massage, use a towel to avoid smearing the blanket or bedding.
5. 5 Play some light music or hum along to your baby while you massage. Not only will this relax the child, but the sound of your voice will strengthen your bond with him.

Method 8 of 8: Take a Break

1. 1 Observe the signals your child is sending you. If he arches his back in an arc, then he is overexcited. If your child seems anxious or uncomfortable, it is best to stop the massage and try again later.
2. 2 Remember that babies respond well to the regimen and the child may become more receptive to massage if you give it around the same time every day. The best time for your baby may be in the evening after the last feed before bed. The massage stimulates digestion and soothes, which helps to improve the baby's sleep.

Warnings

• Watch for visible signs of anxiety, such as skin discoloration, restlessness, tension, crying, or lethargy. If the child shows such signs of discomfort, stop the massage.