Baby massage is a gentle , rhythmic stroking of your baby’s body with your hands. It is  a good way of expressing your love and care for your baby. You can massage your baby using oil  or moisturizer . This will help your hand glide smoothly over the baby’s body. You can also sing, talk softly or hum while massaging your baby to make it more reassuring.

What are the benefits of baby massage

There are a lots of benefits of baby massage . They include :

• promotes better sleep
• makes baby feel loved
• increases circulation
• a great way to bond with your baby
• helps baby stay relaxed
• helps with waste removal
• helps with digestion
• helps parent feel more empowered

For premature babies, massages are known to

• improve weight gain
• stabilize heart rate
• boost brain activity
• keeps baby calm during stress and pain

When is the best time to massage my baby ?

It is best to massage baby in-between meals when she is not too hungry or too full. It is also good  to massage her when she is awake and steady.  Do not massage the baby right before nap time.

If your baby is eating and sleeping often, you can make massage  part of her bedtime routine (after bath and before bedtime feeding).

A massage before bedtime will help the baby wind down and get ready for bed.

Tips to help you prepare  for baby massage ?

Tips to help you massage your baby at home include the following :

• choose a time when baby is content (not too hungry or tired)
• try to sit on the floor, sofa or bed with your child safely on a towel in front of you
• find a comfortable  position  for both you and the baby
• your child may end up with some oil in her mouth so  you have to make sure it is safe. You can use baby moisturizer or baby oil. It all depends in you

How should i massage my baby ?

Before you massage your baby, make sure you have all the things you need at hand. In the beginning, you may just want to massage the baby’s legs until she gets use to it. This can be done during diaper  change.

As time goes on , you can include her arms, hands and body. It is important to follow a routine so that your  baby knows what to expect.

These tips can help your during a baby massage

• warm a little oil or cream by rubbing it between your palms
• gently rub it into the baby’s skin starting from the legs
• work your way up her legs, to her calves and then thighs
• to massage the chest and belly, you should  place both hands flat against the centre of her body. Spread your hands to the sides
• then use your finger nails to stroke out in circles while your hand is still flat
• you can keep massaging for as long as the baby is enjoying it

NOTE

• avoid using oils that are scented, petroleum-based or containing nuts
• when massaging your baby’s   arms or legs, always support the ankle or wrist with one hand
• go clockwise rather than anti-clockwise when massaging your baby’s tummy in  circular motions