Posted on June 27, 2007 in Baby Shower
Baby massage is an ancient childcare practice that is still practiced all over the world. Recent medical research has proven the benefits of the same. All newborns show healthy growth, more weight gain and thrive better if they are massaged well, regularly.
Advantages of a baby massage:
- A good oil massage can have several advantages. A few of them are
- It soothes and calms a baby
- It helps them to relax and sleep better and makes them more alert during their waking hours
- It is a good exercise and promotes motor activity in a child besides
- It stimulates digestion and helps the baby pass gas
- Massage increases blood circulation in the body. It also helps in parent-child bonding.
Following are some tips on massaging technique for babies:
- Prepare yourself before you start the massage . The articles needed includes the baby massage oil or the vegetable oil, tissues, clean diapers and clothes
- Avoid wearing jewellery such as bracelet etc as they might hurt the tender skin of your baby. Also, keep your fingernails short when you are massaging the baby
- Spread a changing mat or a soft towel on a flat surface and undress the baby. Put the baby down with his or her face up
- Rub only about half-a-teaspoon of oil at a time on your palms so they glide easily on the baby’s body. You may apply more oil later as needed
- Make sure that your palms are warm. Aromatherapy oils for adults may not be suitable for the baby
- Use smooth, gentle but firm strokes with your palm or fingers. Light circular movements on chest and stomach, stroking across the shoulders, downward movement on the arms and legs and upward movements on the back are the best
- Do not put too much pressure on the baby’s fragile body and avoid the spine area.
- Keep the baby engaged while massaging him or her by talking or singing to the infant
- Eye contact with the baby ensures him or her of your undivided attention
- Be gentle while massaging
- Avoid massaging baby’s palms or fingers as these little ones tend to put them in their mouths or eyes often and this may cause them irritation
- Wrap the baby in a clean and warm towel after the massage and cuddle him or her
- Do not massage the baby just before or after feeding, or when the baby is ill
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