How to Massage a Baby: Step By Step Guide [Explained]

What is baby massage and why is it important?

Massage is a great method to show your baby how much you love and care for them. It can calm your baby and assist them in sleeping. Massage provides numerous additional benefits for your infant, including weight increase, digestion aid, improved circulation, and relief from teething pain. Massage is a wonderful method for you and your partner to bond with your newborn while also being soothing. But most parents don’t know where to begin. Don’t worry, we’ve curated a perfect guide for you to learn how to massage a baby, why newborn baby massage is important and much more.

Baby massage or baby malish is rubbing your baby's body with your hands in a gentle, rhythmic motion. To assist your hands slide smoothly over your baby's skin, you can use oils or a moisturiser. You can massage your baby's ankles, wrists, and fingers as part of your regular massage routine. While rubbing your infant, you can talk quietly, hum, or sing to them, which may reassure them. The soothing strokes of your hands encourage the release of the feel-good hormone oxytocin in you and your baby.  When you hold your baby close or breastfeed them, the hormone oxytocin is released, giving you a warm, loving feeling. That’s why baby massage is important for the mother and her baby. WIth time you’ll easily learn how to massage a baby and soothe him effortlessly.

What are the advantages of massaging your baby?

Massage is an excellent approach to improve your relationship with your child. Many academics and doctors believe that a healthy maternal-child attachment helps to create the foundation for future relationships, hence knowing how to massage a baby well is critical to a child's development. The following are additional advantages of massaging your baby:

1. Soothes and calms your baby.
2. Helps with digestion and relieves colic, gas, and constipation.
3. Maintains required weight for every day.
4. Improve your baby's evening sleep adjustment and help him sleep longer.
5. Nasal congestion and teething pain might be relieved with gentle massages.
6. Assists in the development of muscle coordination, and flexibility.
7. Strengthens the immune system of the baby
8. Enhance the appearance of the baby’s skin
9. Boosts your self-assurance when it comes to caring for your child

Not only does an infant massage help your baby, but it can also help you and your partner. Massage can help your baby develop mentally, socially, and physically. Once you know the art of how to massage a baby, it may help you feel more empowered as a parent while also improving your mood. You may make massage time a special moment for you and your partner. It's natural to converse with your kid and maintain constant eye contact with them as you massage.  Dads who know how to massage a baby can benefit from baby massage as well. Some fathers, especially if they work and their infant is breastfed, may miss out on a lot of the hands-on care of their children. A frequent baby massage for sleep, perhaps before night, might establish a pattern that helps your infant and spouse become closer. If your spouse is stressed, it can also be beneficial.

When is the best time to give my infant a massage?

Choose a time when your baby will be between feeds as he or she won't be overly hungry or full then. When your baby is awake yet calm, it's an excellent moment to massage them. Your baby will be ready to interact with you if he or she is quietly aware and interested in their surroundings. If your baby sleeps and feeds frequently, you may be wondering when the ideal time for massage will arrive. You'll learn when your infant is most relaxed and enjoys a massage. You could want to incorporate it into your baby's nighttime routine, possibly after a bath and before a night feed. A massage before bedtime will assist your baby in winding down from the day's stimulus and becoming calm and ready for sleep.

What is the best way to massage my child?

While still learning how to massage a baby, you may only want to massage your baby's legs for the first few times until he or she becomes accustomed to the touch. Your baby is used to having their legs touched during nappy changes, so this is an excellent place to start. Then attempt to stick to a regimen, massaging your baby's legs first, followed by the arms, hands, and body. 

Learn how to massage a baby by following these baby massage steps:

1. Rub a small amount of baby oil for newborn or baby lotion between your palms to warm it up.
   
   
2. Starting with the baby’s legs, softly rub it into their skin.
   
   
3. Squeeze the calves and thighs gently as you progress up their legs.
   
   
4. Place both hands flat at the centre of your baby's body for the chest and stomach. As if flattening the pages of a book, spread your hands to the sides.
   
   
5. Stroke outward in little circles with your fingertips while keeping your hands flat.
   
   
6. Continue as long as your baby appears to be having fun.

A baby head massage is another great way of relaxing your baby’s head and improving the strength of his head. Similarly, a baby feet massage should be given alternatively so that the overall growth of your baby gets promoted. You can even try a baby massage for colic treatment as it can be quite beneficial. 

FAQs related to How to Massage your Baby 

Q.1 Which oil is good for baby massage?

Ans. You can use a variety of oils to massage your baby. Coconut oil for baby massage is commonly used, but a baby body massage oil, almond oil or shea butter can be opted too. An all natural baby body massage oil would be considered as the best oil for newborn baby massage.

Q.2 Should I give my baby massage before or after bath?

Ans. Ideally it is good to give a massage after your baby’s bath. As the body is already moist, it is perfect to apply an oil or moisturizer at this time. It also makes the massage more enjoyable and relaxing for your baby.  

Q.3 When to start oil massage for newborn baby?

Ans. You can begin massaging your newborn baby  after the first few weeks have passed. Keep an eye on your child's mood, though. When it's time for you to massage your infant, they should be calm and awake. A new born baby massage oil would be ideal for your little one’s delicate skin.

Q.4 How many times baby massage in a day should be given?

Ans. This totally depends on the baby and their parents as the best time for oil massage for baby is different for every parent. Some parents prefer to massage their newborns every day, while others do so every other day. You can massage your infant in the morning to get the day started or before bedtime to assist your baby go asleep.

Now that you know everything about how to massage a baby, we believe you and your baby are all set to enjoy and bond over a joyful child massage time. Happy Parenting!!