Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

Young children need massage in order to develop a healthy body and mind. Massage for young children will help strengthen the immune system, develop muscle and reduce stress. It is also a great way to increase affection and create a relaxing space for parents and children. Knowing how as well as choosing the right time will help massage the child effectively.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Choosing the right massage timing

1. 

   Massage before bed. Massage is a way to relax your baby and make it easier for your baby to fall asleep. Performing massage regularly at a certain time will create good habits before bedtime. Make massage a part of your evening activities after bathing your baby and doing other household chores. Begin massaging about half an hour before bedtime.

2. 

   
   
   Massage when the child is irritable. At any time of the day, massage can be a great way to connect with your child and help her feel less agitated. Babies often cry when they want attention, and a massage will make them feel your presence. Massage has a deep calming effect, so many parents consider it an effective tool to keep a child quiet while irritated.
   • Make sure to meet all the needs of the child before massaging so that the child feels completely comfortable during the massage. Your baby may cry because of hunger, fatigue or some other reason. If they are hungry, they won't like massages very much.
   • Wait 45 minutes after a meal. Massage immediately after meals can cause stomach pain. Children are prone to reflux, so any massage can affect the last meal. Therefore, make sure your baby has enough time to digest the food before you do the massage.

3. 

   
   
   Massage when your baby is comfortable. There will be times when children do not like to massage, it is important to know how to stop when children show signs of discomfort. If your baby cries and curls up, stop and massage at another time, when he feels ready.
   • If the child shows pain during the massage, pay attention to doing the moderately gentle movements. If the movements of the massage aren't a problem, you might want to take your child to see a doctor to find out why.
   • If your child likes to massage, he or she will relax and accept the touch.

4. 

   
   
   Massage for up to half an hour. In the beginning, do the massaging for only 5 minutes. This will help your child get used to the feeling of being massaged and gradually enjoy the feeling of enjoyment. You can extend the time of the next massage a little longer until it is half an hour. This is the best time to spend a day massaging your baby.
   • Massage has a multitude of benefits. Massage helps to stimulate growth, strengthen the immune system and help the child's digestive system stay healthy. Massage also reduces stress and helps emotional development in children.
   • In addition, massage also helps to strengthen bonding. This is a great way to have a parenting relationship.
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Part 2 of 3: Conducting an Effective Massage

1. 

   Helps children to be comfortable. Do the massage in a warm room with soothing light. It is important to make sure the room temperature is not too cold as the child will not wear clothes during the massage. Spread a large towel or soft blanket on the floor or a safe surface and place the child on his or her back on top. You can also play some soft music if you want.
   • You can take off all your child's clothes or wear a diaper to prevent the baby from blushing and then massage. It is up to you to choose which way makes your child feel most comfortable.
   • If you want to massage your baby to relax before going to bed, you should massage in the bedroom. This way you can easily put your baby in the crib if he sleeps during the massage.

2. 

   Use an edible massage oil. If you want to use a massage oil, choose olive oil, avocado oil, or some other cooking oil as your child can put their hands in their mouths. Don't use mineral oil or other inedible oils as these oils are indigestible and can damage a child's stomach.
   • Do not use peanut oil, almond oil, or oils produced from foods that cause allergies.
   • If the oil is cold, pour a little into the palm of your hand and rub it well to warm the oil before applying it to a young person.

3. 

   Gently massage. Do not use strong force, such as an adult massage, to massage your baby.Use your fingers to gently massage the child's skin, do not press or massage too hard. The massage goal is not to release cramping spots or deep massage as with adults; Instead, you should massage gently in a circular pattern to stimulate the baby's skin.
   • You need to massage the baby's back, abdomen, arms, legs, head and neck. Massage all parts of the baby's body gently and carefully.
   • For older children, you can do a slightly stronger massage. Babies over one year of age can withstand a stronger massage force than babies.

4. 

   Massage in a certain direction. Usually, you should massage in the direction from the heart. This will help relax the body and make it easier for the baby to fall asleep. You can also massage in the opposite direction, i.e. from the outside into the heart, but keep in mind that this massage has a stimulating effect. Massage from the outside into the heart will make the baby become more alert.
   • Choose an afternoon massage depending on when you will massage your baby. If it's play time, a stimulating massage can make your child feel happier. On the contrary, massaging this way right before bedtime probably won't work as well as you would like.
   • Massaging from the heart is an effective way to help the cranky child become calmer.

5. 

   Try a "milking" massage. This is an effective massage technique for the child's arms and legs. Use your index finger and thumb to gently hold your child's arm or leg in a circle or C shape, then pull gently toward his or her hands, feet or hands as if you were milking a cow. Do this a few times.
   • Do not hold too tightly and be careful not to twist the child's arms and legs.
   • Continue until you have massaged all of your baby's joints.

6. 

   Try a "rolling" massage technique. Children may enjoy the feeling of their hands and feet being "rolled". Repeatedly roll your hand over your child's arm or leg gently as if you were kneading the dough. Turn arms / legs around on the soft towel or blanket the child is lying on. Repeat with the other arm and leg.

7. 

   Do not tickle the child during the massage. Massage is synonymous with relaxation, while tickling can be uncomfortable for children. Help your child feel that massage time is a time of relaxation and relaxation. Children need to know what the massage will be like, while tickling can be shocking or overly stimulating. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Focus on Certain Parts of the Body

1. 

   Massage legs and feet. Place your thumb and index finger over your child's thigh, then gently slide down the side of the foot and rub your foot with your thumb. Fold and release each toe. Repeat with the other leg, then at the same time bend and stretch the child's knee.
   • You can start with any part of your child's body. Many people like to start with the lower legs and feet to make it easier for children to transition from play to rest. Children can kick, twist and play when you massage their legs and feet.
   • Remember to be gentle; Do not pull your legs or use excessive force when you bend the child's knee. Do not try to bend the child's legs if you see them stretch their legs straight to protest.

2. 

   Massage your chest and stomach. This massage will help your child relax the most. Start by massaging the breasts, massaging out from the heart, gently rubbing the child's skin with your hands as if you were opening a page. Then massage the baby's abdomen clockwise, down the gastrointestinal tract. Continue doing this until your baby feels relaxed.
   • Note that if you are massaging your baby during playtime, you can stimulate the baby by massaging it from the chest to the heart instead of the heart going out.
   • Do not tickle the baby's belly when you massage.

3. 

   Massage the head and face. Use your fingers to rub the child's head in a circle. Gently slide your fingers over the child's forehead and cheeks and draw a smile on the child's lips. Avoid the eye and nose areas as massaging too close to these locations can make your child uncomfortable.

4. 

   Back massage. Gently turn the baby on his stomach. Massage the child's back by gently rubbing it from the center of the back out. Do not massage the shoulder or massage like an adult, but only gently massage the shoulder and back of the child. advertisement

Advice

• Be sure to talk gently with your child during the massage. Let them know what you are doing or simply tell them about your day.
• Keep a diaper nearby in case your baby blows up.
• Note that the movements must be gentle but definitive. The movements that are too light can make the child tick, and if too strong, the child will be hurt or uncomfortable.
• Babies will prefer to be held during the massage. Your baby can lie on your knees or on your feet in a sitting position with your legs folded against your abdomen. You can either sit cross-legged or sit cross-legged.

Warning

• If the child dislikes the massage, such as crying or rolling away from you, stop the massage and try again another day.

What you need

• Warm towels or blankets
• Edible type of massage oil