How Should You Massage The Baby

A group of pregnant and new mothers were in at a neonatal class where the doctor was giving them tips on how to massage newborns; it was advisable to massage babies unto the age of 3 years. The doctor started to tell the young mothers that massaging on a regular basis helped build strong, healthy, active and alert babies.   

Massaging the baby with good quality oil like vegetable oil, almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil on a regular basis helped to build a strong bond between the baby and the parent. It made the baby feel loved and secure and also helped the parents to be familiar with the baby’s visual signs and actions. In addition it helped to improve the digestive system, induce good and sound sleep, made the body flexible, improved blood circulation and build strong bones.

Tips to massage the baby as suggested by the doctor: 

You need to be very cautious and remove accessories like bracelets and finger rings and cut your nails if they are long before starting to massage as they could hurt the delicate and soft skin of the baby.

Next keep the necessary things like baby massage oil, tissues, towel, diapers and fresh clothes ready before massaging. Spread out a carpet and spread a soft and furry towel on it to ensure the baby is comfortable. Remove the clothes of the baby and put him/her face-up on the towel.

Warm the baby massage oil and start the massage by applying the oil on the baby’s body; ensure the oil is not too warm. Take little oil at a time and start working on the baby’s body one part at a time. Once you are done with one part move on to the next body part.

Never wake a baby for massaging; also do not feed the baby immediately before or after massaging or when he/she is unwell. Also ensure to not massage areas of the body where he/she has had an injection or vaccine as it would hurt.   

Ensure you use smooth, firm and gentle strokes preferably with your palm and fingers or the thumb; the movements on the chest and stomach should be soft, light and circular. Great care should be taken to not apply too much of pressure on the spine and neck area as these areas are delicate and could be easily hurt.  

Keep him/her engaged and make massaging enjoyable by maintaining eye contact and singing songs and lullaby. Do not be upset if he/she initially cries, as they will soon start enjoying the massage. Ensure you slowly and steadily stop the massage; sudden movements would scare the baby and he/she may cry.

Next you could give your baby a bath preferably with warm water or a sponge bath with a towel sipped in warm water. Ensure the water is not too hot as it could hurt the baby’s delicate and soft skin.

Lastly wipe the baby with a dry towel after bath, put baby powder, diaper and his/her clothes and then put your bundle of joy to sleep by cuddling him/her for some time.