About this topic
Massaging your baby may help with digestion, increase alertness, and ease discomfort. ‚
Steps to give an infant massage: ‚
Pick a good time and place for the massage. ‚
- Choose a time when both you and your baby are relaxed and will not be interrupted. Do not massage right after your baby eats.
- Massage your baby in a warm room.
- Find a position that is comfortable for you and your baby. Start with your baby on your lap or lay your baby on their back. You may want to take off your babys diaper.
- Talk or sing to your baby. You can also play some soothing music.
- Use natural oils or vegetable oils to massage your baby. Do not put oil on the head or face.
- After the massage, put on a diaper and cuddle or breastfeed your baby.
- Be sensitive to your baby's reaction while you are doing the massage.
Massage your baby. ‚
- Start by gently massaging your baby's legs using a little oil. Gently stroke the thigh. Massage all the way down to the legs.
- Gently rotate your baby's feet a few times in each direction. Stroke the top of the foot from the ankle down to the toes.
- Use your thumbs to trace circles over the bottom of each foot.
- Gently pull each of your baby's toes using your thumb and finger.
- Gently stroke your baby's arms from the armpit all the way to the wrist. Gently rotate the wrists a few times in each direction.
- Use your thumbs to trace circles over the palm of each hand.
- Gently pull each of you baby's fingers using your thumb and finger.
- Gently stroke your baby's chest in an outward direction. Repeat a few times.
- Gently stroke your baby's chest down to the thighs with one hand. Repeat the motion by alternating your hands, a few times.
- Put your baby on the tummy. Use your fingertips to trace circles on one side of the spine from the neck all the way to the buttocks. Repeat on the other side of your baby's spine.
- Give your baby a long, firm stroke from the shoulders down to the feet.
General
Massaging your baby: ‚
- Improves blood flow
- Boosts immune system
- Enhances nerve development
- Helps with digestion
- Gives relief of gas and colic
- Improves sleep
- Relieves pain
- Improves weight gain
- Gives a calming effect
Infant massage is one way to talk to your baby. This gentle massage may help you bond with your baby. ‚
What will the results be?
A happy, relaxed baby and parent. For moms, it encourages mothers milks. It also helps decrease low mood after having a baby. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
Your baby continues to cry even after the massage and other soothing activities. ‚
Where can I learn more?
A Foundation for Healthy Family Living ‚
http://www.healthyfamily.org/cs/user/print/article/2 ‚
Infant Massage USA ‚
http://www.infantmassageusa.org/learn-to-massage-your-baby/benefits-of-infant-massage/ ‚
International Association of Infant Massage ‚
http://www.iaim.net/benefits/ ‚
World Institute of Nursing Communication ‚
http://www.iaim.ws/Benefits.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚