Birth of a newborn is an exciting scenario for parents! After the birth, baby massage becomes a priority. Baby massage is a childcare practice, which has been started by our ancestors. Massaging the baby regularly makes the bones stronger. Research shows that baby massage is extremely important for each and every child; as also helps the child to grow and become healthy. Baby massage is a practice followed by us since ages. Massage is an integral part in the life of newborn babies. One can start massaging the baby only after they are capable of handling them. In the initial stage one should start with small sessions and later when the baby gets use to it they can increase the time of these body massage sessions. Baby massage is useful for the overall development of premature babies. Baby massage is of great help; it indeed makes the baby very active, alert and healthy. Baby massage has its own set of advantages. It builds a stronger bond between parent and child. Baby massage not only gives the baby love and security; but it also helps the parent to be familiar with baby's visual signs and actions. Baby massage relaxes the baby and helps them to get a good, sound sleep. Massaging the baby improves the digestive system and helps them to pass gas. A good oil massage helps them to be more flexible and even increases the blood circulation.
How to Massage Your Baby
Baby massage has its own benefits and is very easy to perform. One may experience the baby gaining weight, becoming healthy and increased growth because of massage. Here are a few tips to give a good massage to your baby.
Remove the accessories, before you start massaging the baby. Baby skin is very soft and delicate; hence the bracelets and finger rings might hurt the child. Also cut your nails as long nails may be harmful for the baby.
Well one should start the massage by rubbing the oil on the baby's body. But before doing that one should keep all the necessary things ready like baby massage oil, tissues, towel, diapers and fresh clothes. One can use vegetable oil, almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil or any other good baby oil available in market for massaging the baby. You should consult your doctor to find which oil will suit the needs of your little wonder.
Place a carpet on the surface where you will be massaging the baby. On the carpet spread a towel which is soft and furry, so that the baby feels comfortable. Remove the clothes of baby and put him on the carpet with his face-up.
Now start the massage by applying the baby massage oil. Do not forget to warm this oil, as applying warm oil is of great help in the whole process of massaging. Make sure that the oil is not too warm.
Take little-little oil in hands and apply it on baby's body. Like if you are starting the massage from hands, then apply oil on that hand, then massage that area and then go to the next body part.
Give smooth and gentle strokes. But at the same time, the strokes must be firm and do it with the help of your palm and fingers or may be with your thumb most of the time.
The strokes must be soft and light; especially when the movements are on the chest and the stomach. The movement on the chest and stomach should be circular.
When we are massaging arms and legs, then there should be . While massaging the back and the rest of the baby's body, and then there should be upward movement.
You should always take care and not put much pressure on baby's body; especially the spine area and the neck area. The neck area is very delicate and can easily get hurt.
Maintain eye contact with the baby and sing songs or lullaby for the infant. Basically keep him engaged with you and at the same time make him enjoy the massage. Initially, the baby might cry when you are massaging him, make sure that later he enjoys the massage.
Do not stop the massage suddenly. Slowly and steadily stop the massage. If stopped suddenly then the child might get scared and start crying.
After the massage is done then make him take a bath with warm water. One should take towel, dip it in warm water and then make baby take a sponge bath.
After the bath, one should clean the baby with dry towel and then put powder around his body. After that one should put diaper and then make him wear his clothes. Cuddle him for sometime and let him go to sleep.
Do not wake up the child specially for doing massaging. Do not do baby feeding after or before the massage, or when the baby is not well. Do not massage the baby at the places where they have got injections or vaccines as it might hurt them.
Thus, doing the massage appropriately and with proper steps is extremely important. One should always follow the correct steps while doing baby massage. Baby massage helps to improve the immune system and also helps to improve the skin colour of the baby. Baby massage is extremely important and you can continue it till the time the baby is three to four years old. This is because; there are a lot of benefits of baby massage. Research has proved that baby massage is beneficial when you do it on a regular basis. Hence, baby massage should be a part of daily activity for baby.
Sorry. Due to our site's regulations and policies, your message has not been posted. Our moderating team has been notified about your message. If the message is found to be genuine and still did not get posted, you may not post the message again as it will automatically get posted for you within 24hrs time (excluding weekends).
- The Indiaparenting Team
