Infant/Baby Massage
Infant and Baby Massage has become more and more popular during the last few decades. It has a much longer history in Eastern cultures than in the United States. Recently, however, baby massage has become much more widespread—especially since several studies have shown that it can improve circulation and help babies sleep better at night. It may also help with colic, gas, fussiness, bonding, and communication.
Preparing for the massage takes a little thought. You want to do the massage at a time and place when you can work it into a regular routine—perhaps just after a bath or right before bed. Make the room temperature warm (perhaps as much as 75 degrees) because the baby will not have any clothes on. If you choose to do the massage without a diaper on your baby, you will want to prepare a pile of towels or a plastic-lined chuck to go under your baby. You will need a lubricant of some kind: your choices are oils or lotions. Most babies seem to prefer oils. Do not use regular “baby oil” because these are usually mineral-based—plant-based oils (like almond oil, grape-seed oil, or olive-oil) are best for their skin and safer if your baby happens to lick some of it! Try adding a little lavender essential oil to whatever oil you choose to help your baby relax.
Once you are ready, lay your baby on the “table” you’ve prepared—most likely a bed with towels/chucks. Before you massage any body part, pour some oil (or lotion) into your hands and rub it to heat it up. Gently massage major muscles in soft circular motions. You can also rub arms, legs, fingers, and toes between your two hands. Some babies also like a brief facial! As you massage smile, talk, and sing to your baby.
It may take a few sessions for your baby to get excited about the massage. If you want more details, the International Association of Infant Massage provides classes and instruction for parents.
Technorati Tags: grape seed oil, lavender essential oil, baby massage, eastern cultures, almond oil, baby oil, room temperature, babies
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