Massage me! - The benefits of infant massage

Studies have shown that infants benefit from the gentle touch of massage just as much as adults do. Massage is known to alleviate muscle tightness, stiffness, tension and cramping. It is also known to increase flexibility and increase oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body. The power of gentle touch in baby’s first year of life is very important to both child and parent. Share with baby the benefits that result from a gentle relaxing massage.

Colic can be a nightmare and difficult to deal with. There are many massage techniques that can ease the pain and discomfort of spasms or gas. They can help to disperse gas, ease muscle spasms, tone the digestive system and help it to work efficiently. It is not a miracle cure, and can take a few days to ease, but in my experience it can be more effective than a pharmaceutical remedy. Of course there can be other considerations – for example, the mother’s diet can be a factor if baby is breastfed, therefore it is wise to examine the possible causes in addition to giving a regular massage. Besides helping to relieve colic, there are also massage techniques that can help ease teething and emotional stress.

Benefits for infants:

• Stimulates circulation
• Improves muscle tone
• Releases stress
• Improves sleeping patterns
• Stimulates right/left brain development and coordination
• Increases sense of being loved and accepted

Benefits for Parents:

• Provides quality bonding time
• Promotes increased awareness of the baby and their needs

When to massage baby:

• Choose a time that best suits your family
• Try to wait 20 minutes after baby has eaten
• If baby is too upset, it is not a good idea to massage

 

Equipment for baby’s massage

• Massage oil
• A warm room with closed windows
• Soft and quiet music (optional)
• Towels so massage oil does not get on anything
• Warm loving hands, free of jewelry

How to massage baby

• Begin with baby’s feet (massaging the feet is very relaxing)
• Use firm but gentle and slow movements
• Slowly move up the lower leg to the thigh and across the hips

• Next, put both hands on baby’s shoulders and gently stroke from the shoulders towards the middle of the chest
• Another option would be starting at baby’s shoulders and massage down the arms to the fingers.

• Continue with tummy. Tummy strokes should go in circles; clockwise as you look at the baby’s tummy.  (Only massage the tummy if it is soft and baby doesn’t become unsettled or squirmy).
• When massaging the tummy, think of it as a clock and start the massage at 5:00 and gently move clockwise down to 6:00 and then up to 12:00 and back down to 5:00.

• Follow with massaging the face, gently use your index finger tips and use small circular motions across the forehead and lightly on the cheeks. You can also use these movements starting at the nose and moving outwards.

• End the massage by massaging the feet. If baby is really relaxed and loves their pampering, you can turn baby onto their tummy and keep massaging.
• Place baby on tummy. Starting from the head, use gentle strokes moving down the back to the legs and end on the feet.

Note: Baby will be relaxed after their massage, so dress slowly and in a relaxed way to keep the feeling of comfort.

California Baby oils safe for baby’s massage

• Super Sensitive - No fragrance or scent making agents for baby’s extra sensitive skin- the perfect choice for newborn babies. You can also add any of our essential oil blends (30-45 drops) to create your own massage oil blend. Do not exceed 45 drops

• Calming - Calm baby with aromatherapy of French Lavender

• I Love You - Let baby experience how much you love them with the Ylang Ylang and sweet orange blend oil

• Overtired and Cranky – Ease a cranky baby with a blend of essential oils that includes Roman chamomile

• Colds & Flu – Ease the discomfort that a cold brings with Douglas fir and eucalyptus aromatherapy. Use the Heart Massage Technique to loosen congestion in the chest. Gently move hands from center of baby’s chest up towards the neck, then outwards to the sides, bringing them back together in a heart-shaped motion.