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Baby Massage
Tips and Ideas for Massaging Your Baby at Home
By Denise Wesson
The benefits of infant massage have been enjoyed in other cultures for centuries as early as the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911). Its roots can actually be found in Ayurvedic medicine in India back in 1800BC. Research has shown there are tangible benefits for both baby and parent. These include improving sleep as it soothes the nervous system, easing colic, constipation or wind and reducing muscle tension. Relaxation for baby can improve the immune system and develop body-mind awareness, co-ordination and flexibility. Between parent and child, massage enhances communication, security and stability and helps develop mutual trust and respect enhancing baby’s feeling of being loved, respected and secure.
Massage develops baby’s first language of touch and allows you to enjoy time relaxing and bonding with your baby thus increasing your understanding and confidence with them.
Ultimately touch is one of the most important and dominant ways in which we all learn as it involves our skin. Positive touch says so much without actually speaking and is a lovely experience to share with your baby.
General Tips: Which Oil Should I Use?
USE
Vegetable oils are generally recognised as the most suitable oils for baby massage because they are natural and allow the skin to breathe as well as moisturising it. Organic cold pressed sunflower oil is a good oil to use because it contains vitamins A, D and E, and the majority of babies will not have a reaction to sunflower oil. If a baby is sensitive to sunflower oil use fractionated coconut oil which is also a good oil to use with premature or sensitive babies because the process of fractionation removes many of the properties associated with causing allergies.
AVOID
Mineral oils (which are found in many household soaps and lotions) because they can block the pores of the skin, preventing moisture entering or leaving the body which stops the skin carrying out its natural functions. New research also recommends not using essential oils on children under the age of 12 as some essential oils have affected the way in which some hormones may work in the body. Go to a qualified aromatherapist for advice and guidance on their use.
Massage Techniques to Try at Home
1. Tender Tummy
This massage aids in the relief of wind, colic and constipation.
Use a flat hand, placed on baby’s tummy.
Gently move your hand in a circular, clockwise direction (this is very important as this is the natural direction in which the gut works).
Stop, rest, and go again. Gently and calmly.
2. Sole Soother
This is a wonderful foot massage for babies that increases circulation to their feet.Use alternating thumbs and rub the sole of baby’s foot in a semi-circular action.
Then firmly stroke from heel to toe with your thumb.
Repeat 2 to 3 times on each foot.
Denise Wesson runs, and teaches for, Active Baby Company which specialises in baby massage and baby swimming. To find out more about their classes, you can contact Denise on 01604 826066 or denise@activebabycompany.co.uk.
Topic: Your Comments on Baby Massage
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