Baby massage

Baby massage is the gentle stroking of your baby's body using your hands.

It's a good way to bond with your baby. You can start massaging your baby as soon as they are born or you may want to start when they're a bit older.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to baby massage. It's best if you can take your time and enjoy the process as much as your baby does.

Some benefits of massaging your baby during their first year of life may be to:

• improve your baby's sleep
• help with social development and bonding
• lessen their fussing and crying

Baby massage can also:

• help you connect with your baby and recognise their needs
• give an opportunity for your partner and other family members to spend time with your baby
• help your baby relax

Research has shown that baby massage may:

• relieve pain
• improve jaundice
• increase weight gain

It's best to massage your baby when they are alert and content. This may be after a nap and a feed.

After 5 months of age, you may want to massage your baby after their bath as part of their bedtime routine. This is often a special time of the day, which is enjoyable and fun.

Before 5 months of age, having both a bath and a massage may be too stimulating for your baby.

You should also feel calm, relaxed and have time to spend connecting with your baby. Babies are sensitive to their environment and respond positively when you're not feeling stressed.

Baby massage does not need to take up a lot of time. You may find it suits you better to have a couple of short massage sessions each day. Don't worry if you don't have a chance to massage your baby every day.

Do not use oils to massage your baby before their bath. They will be slippery due to the massage oil. This may increase their chance of slipping from your hands into the water.

Set up the room and area where you'll be massaging your baby:

• Plan for what you'll need and have everything close at hand.
• Make sure the room temperature is right for you and your baby.
• You may want to dim the lights.
• Considering playing some calm music.
• Remove any jewellery and wash your hands before starting.

You can massage your baby on a towel on the:

• floor
• sofa
• bed

It's also fine to massage your baby on a change table or another table that is at a comfortable height for you.

Never leave your baby unattended on their change table. Even before they learn to roll, your baby will start to become more active.

Choose an edible oil which is safe for your baby's skin such as:

• olive oil
• coconut oil
• sunflower oil

These glide easily across the skin and reduce friction from your hands as you stroke your baby's skin. These products are easily absorbed by the skin.

Babies have very sensitive skin and may react to products that contain fragrances.

When using oil on your baby's skin:

• Apply a small amount of the oil on your baby's skin to test for reactions before using it.
• Only use nut-based oils if you know your baby is not allergic to nuts.
• Avoid using mustard oil as it can create a burning sensation.
• Avoid putting oil on your baby's hands or near their mouth or eyes.

Undress your baby. It's up to you whether you keep their nappy on.

Before you start massaging your baby, ask their permission if it's OK. Although your baby won't understand the words, this is a valuable way of acknowledging their body as their own.

During the massage keep talking to your baby and tell them what you're doing. Try to always keep one hand on your baby while massaging them.

Here are some things to try. You don't need to do a full massage every time.

Feet and legs

When massaging your baby's feet and legs:

• Start at their feet.
• Use long, gentle strokes from their heel to their toes.
• Continue to massage from their ankle to their thigh.
• Once you've done one leg, massage the other.
• Gently bend your baby's legs into their tummy. This may help them expel wind.

Hands and arms

When massaging your baby's hands and arms:

• Stroke from their shoulder to their wrists.
• Try not to get oil on your baby's hands.

Chest and tummy

When massaging your baby's chest and tummy:

• Stroke from their shoulders down to their chest.
• Massage your baby's tummy in a clockwise direction, if their tummy feels soft.
• Don't massage near their tummy button if their cord hasn't yet healed.

Face

When massaging your baby's face:

• Gently stroke your baby's face, from the middle of their forehead down the sides of the face.

Back

When massaging your baby's back:

• Turn your baby onto their tummy and massage from head to toe.

If your baby is enjoying the massage they will seem relaxed.

Your baby is an individual and their tolerance for massage is unique. Your baby might not enjoy a massage right away. Try building up time as your baby gets used to it. Stop massaging if your baby is:

• fussing
• moving around
• falling asleep

You may find your baby prefers a couple of minutes of stroking their arms or legs to a full massage.

Speak with your doctor or child health nurse if you have any questions or concerns about massaging your baby.

Visit Tresillian for more information about massaging your baby.