Massaging a baby can be really beneficial for the newborns. It accelerates the growth of the baby. It is always good to massage a baby before bathing as it improves the health and offers multiple benefits that make the baby strong, develop the bones and muscles, help in getting a sound sleep that relaxes the baby, improves the digestion and the skin texture.
Baby massage creates a strong bond between the mother and the baby and brings the baby closer to the mother. It is a way of developing interaction with the baby and develops trust in him. Your touch makes the whole experience blissful for the baby and he feels loved and cared for.
There are many massage oils available in the market but the best is to go for Ayurvedic products that are safe and gentle on the baby’s skin.
The health benefits of baby massage
There are many health benefits for the baby massage that are mentioned below:
• The massage of the baby enhances the circulatory and digestive systems
• Aids the central nervous system of the baby
• Makes the bones strong
• Relieves the baby from gas, cramps, colic, and constipation.
• Massages help in relaxing the muscles
• Relieve the pain in the muscles
• Relieves teething discomfort
• Stimulate growth in infants.
When to start baby massage?
There are studies that say that parents should hold their baby right after their birth as the touch of a mother is really essential. Many moms and dads love to do so by placing Bringing the baby close to the chest, bare skin and gradually stroking their legs and back strengthen the bond between the baby and the mother. This is known as kangaroo care.
After the first few weeks of birth and consultation with the doctor, you can start your baby massage. However, there are certain things you need to take care before starting with the massage
• If you find the baby irritated or cranky then avoid the massage and start only when he is calm, alert, and content.
• Never make your baby uncomfortable with hard strokes or techniques that can spoil his mood.
• Avoid the massage if your baby’s had taken his feed or eaten something; as it can make him vomit.
• If the baby stiffens his body then avoids doing the massage.
How often to perform baby massage?
Massaging your baby totally depends on your baby’s comfort level. Some babies love being massaged and some don’t. This determines the time when you should massage your little one. Some mother does it daily, while some skip a day in between.
The best time of the day is the morning time to massage the baby and you can also repeat the process at night before he sleeps. Rest it your baby who can help you the best in this regard with his cues.
Techniques to massage your baby
Testing the oil:-
Before starting the massage it is important to test the baby massage oil on a small patch of his skin to avoid any kind of irritation or allergy. Also, make sure that the oil you are using is edible as the baby can put its fingers in his mouth or the oil may get into his mouth by mistake. This is why sweet almond oil or olive oil is recommended for the newborns.
A calm and cosy atmosphere is needed:-
It is best to choose a cosy and quiet place where your baby feels warm and comfortable. Undress the little one and make them lie on their back on the bed or on your legs to maintain eye contact. You can use a cotton cloth or a towel to make the little one lie down comfortably and then you can start with the procedure. Avoid massaging the baby in a room where the fan is moving on high speed, the AC or cooler is on as the cool air can be harmful to the baby when he is lying bare body.
Start the massage slowly:-
After making your baby lies down on his back start by massaging slowly and steadily with gentle strokes. Massage each part of the body and continue until the baby feels happy about it as there are no set rules for it. Putting your baby on their stomach to massage their back can also be done until he is comfortable.
Repeat the procedure:-
Repeat the procedure by gently massaging the baby from head to toe as long as the baby enjoys it. It is the best way to make your baby feel relaxed as the baby keeps on moving his legs and hands even when he is lying on the bed. So if you repeat the procedure for a longer time it will be more beneficial for the baby’s health and comfort.
Keep talking:-
Massaging the baby is also the time when you can establish communication with your baby. You can make the baby feel good by talking to him, singing a rhyme or just by narrating a small story. Communication is the best way to make your bond strong with your little one while you are massaging the little champ.