Baby Massage
It may sound a bit funny at first, but the art of baby massage is no joke. It can bring stress relief to both you and baby. Some of the benefits include:
- Reduces stress
- Facilitates the parent-infant bonding process in the development of warm, positive relationships
- Reduces pain associated with teething and constipation
- Reduces colic
- Helps induce sleep
Reduces stress
We all get stressed. So why wouldn’t baby get stressed too? Baby has stress for all sorts of reasons including birth trauma and an inability to communicate with you very well. It is highly recommend to take part in baby massage, as you will not only relax you’re baby, you’ll also bring yourself a bit of relaxation after a hard day at the office. Facilitates the parent-infant bonding process in the development of warm, positive relationships
Engaging in baby massage also allows you the opportunity to bond with baby. You can look lovingly into his eyes, talk to him and connect in ways that are difficult when caught up in the hustle and bustle of life.Reduces pain associated with teething and constipation
Baby massage has actually been shown to reduce pain and discomfort in babies. Just like when grown ups experience high stress or levels of discomfort and seek physical therapists and masseurs, babies react in much the same way to attentive and therapeutic massage.
Reduces colic
Infant massage can work wonders on a baby with colic. Rather than trying to massage during a crying spell, try performing it at a diaper change. This should encourage the movement of gas and make baby feel generally better (and allow you to get some sleep).
Helps induce sleep
This one is just common sense. After all, massages are relaxing and relieve stress. Relaxation can make you sleepy. Baby might just succumb to the urge to sleep when you massage her.
How to Massage
The great thing about it is you don't need a professional technique. Baby massage is actually very easy. The key to remember here is love, not license. If you warm up your hands, rub some oil into your palms and throw in a dash of love, you’ll be all set.
Many parents are concerned they will hurt their babies by massaging them, yet there is a very easy way to realize and maintain an appropriate pressure. Simply close your eyes, and using your fingertips, press the eyelids. You should not feel uncomfortable. This is the level of pressure you should use when massaging baby.
Place your baby on a soft blanket. If she seems too fussy, try a massage another time. You don’t have to rush. This is a special bonding moment between you and baby. Don’t worry if it doesn’t go as planned right away. When baby is comfortable, she will sit still for the massage.
Using your fingertips, gently touch baby’s face. Move slowly and work from the head to the toes. For small areas use your fingertips and for larger areas like the arms and legs, use the whole hand.
Look at your baby’s face while massaging. This creates a deeper bond between parent and child.
For more information on how to perform baby massage, visit: Johnson & Johnson
