Baby massages: the complete guide to massaging babies properly.

Studies have proven time and time again that a parent's touch can effectively soothe a baby. Indeed, for a baby, it's more than just contact, because a gentle massage can calm him, promote his development and even help him sleep better. Moreover, the daily baby massage is also a great way to bond with your little one, right from the maternity ward.

Also, note that there is a certain power of touch that babies use to communicate and interact with the world. Maybe that's why they like to snuggle up to a parent when they're upset or when they need to feel safe. You will understand, if there is a way to use touch to soothe, calm and strengthen your baby, it is massage.

If you want to massage your baby, here are the essentials to remember about baby massages.

Baby massage: what is it?

You probably often cuddle your baby, in addition to kissing his soft skin! However, massaging your baby goes deeper than that. In effect, baby massage is the gentle action of a parent stroking their baby's body using a safe and effective massage oil or lotion specially designed for babies.

There are even specific massage techniques that serve specific purposes, such as relaxing your baby, increasing energy and focus, improving digestion, or helping develop motor skills. As you can see, baby massage is a serious business.

Also note that in addition to being able to soothe and help the baby develop, massages allow you to establish a deep bond with him. However, the benefits of baby massages do not stop there and we are determined to tell you more about the usefulness of massages as well as some techniques to apply to do good to your baby through massage.

Baby massage: what are the benefits?

You may have noticed it already, but a crying or irritable baby can be calmed down with a very gentle hug, a pick-up, and light pats on the back. Also, remember that massage is an extension of touch and therefore has many benefits for your baby such as:

Improving the health and well-being of the baby. Massages help to improve blood circulation and gastrointestinal functions. They also have physiological benefits for your baby, including better breathing.

A certain relaxation. By calming the nervous system, massages help your baby overcome colic and sleep problems. Massages also relax the baby's muscles and nourish his skin, allowing him to be well relaxed.

Strengthening the bond with his parents. Massage is one of the most effective ways to bond with your baby because it allows you to spend quality time with him. It also helps you understand your baby's needs and little habits.

Instant relief. Massaging your baby's tummy helps relieve various stomach-related issues, such as gas, constipation, and even colic. Also, if your child often suffers from colic, you can solve his problem with a targeted massage.

Improving parents' confidence in their role. Massage is a great way to get to know your baby, and you also gain the confidence to care for him. Spending time with your baby helps you get clues about their needs and demands.

Thus, baby massages will allow you to gain self-confidence when caring for your baby. Of course, they are beneficial for babies in many ways, but you will have to learn how to do them to better help babies feel good about themselves.

When is the best time to massage your baby?

The best time to massage your baby is when he is not hungry, sleepy, or tired. You can choose any time of the day for the massage, be it morning or evening. Plus, baby massage is an effective way to get your baby used to routine bathing, feeding, and even sleeping.

It is recommended to follow a massage routine by doing things in the same order every day. Indeed, your baby likes predictability, and developing a routine will help her know what's going to happen next. Predictability also gives your baby a sense of security and happiness.

It's also a good idea to massage your baby right before bedtime since massaging before bedtime can help your baby sleep better and longer at night. Although at first, you may find it difficult to establish a pattern or routine for your newborn, as your baby grows you will be able to establish a routine for your baby.

New parents often wonder when to start a massage for a newborn. Also, according to doctors, it is recommended to wait 10 to 14 days before starting an oil or lotion massage for your newborn. However, for premature babies, it is advisable to seek the agreement of the pediatrician before starting any massage.

How to perform a baby massage?

Before you begin, set the scene by taking deep breaths to relax. You can also put some soft music on in the background and make sure the room and your hands are warm and you've removed any sharp or pointed jewelry. Also, wash and warm your hands and check that your baby is ready.

Face and back massage

Use your fingertips to massage your baby's face. Start from the middle of his forehead, work down along the outer part of his face and in towards the cheeks.

Using your fingertips, massage the scalp in small circles, as if you were shampooing her hair, but avoid massaging your baby's fontanel.

If your baby is still relaxed after you finish massaging the front of the body, you can turn him over on his tummy and perform long, gentle strokes from head to toe.

Upper body massage

Begin the upper body massage by placing your hands on your baby's shoulders. Make gentle circular motions towards his chest.

Make smooth, continuous movements with as much of your hand as possible, for example using the palm of your hand or the flats of your fingers.

If you stroke the chest, make diagonal strokes (from the shoulder to the opposite hip) and if you stroke the back, make long strokes along the back and limbs.

Massage your baby's arms from the shoulders to the wrists. Try not to get oil or cream on your baby's hands. If this happens, wipe his fingers dry before he sucks on them.

If your baby's belly is plump, massage it in circular clockwise motions. Babies' bellies are sensitive, so if they get out of whack, move on to the next step.

Avoid massaging the navel area if the cord is not completely healed.

Lower body massage

When you're ready for this part of the baby massage, pour a few drops of oil or a dab of moisturizer into your hands before rubbing them together, then begin massaging the soles of your baby's feet. Use firm, gentle, slow movements from heel to toe and always keep one hand on your baby during the massage.

Continue with long, slow strokes up your baby's legs. Massage from the ankle to the thigh and on the hip. You can try massaging both legs at the same time, or just one at a time. Hold your baby's leg below the knee and gently press it toward the belly to help pass gas; Above all, avoid massaging the genital area.

To massage your baby, sit on a bed or a soft carpet with a towel in front of you. You can also place a towel on a changing table to massage your little one while you're standing. The towel helps absorb excess massage oil that you may be using. Wherever you are, you should always have a hand on your baby.

What product to use to massage baby?

For your baby's massage, you can use pure food oil (like apricot oil or light olive oil), a simple unscented baby moisturizer, or a lotion expressly made for baby massage.

Avoid massage oils or any oils containing nuts if you have allergies until your baby is at least 4 months old. Also, put the oil, lotion, or moisturizer on your hands, not directly on your baby. Finally, before using any massage oil or cream, always check for a reaction on a small area of your baby's skin.

You can give your baby a massage before you leave home if you plan to go out. In this way, he will be more relaxed when he is installed in the baby carrier. Also, note that there are workshops for special massages for babies who need specific care.

The Rich Life