Baby Massage

Baby massage is becoming increasingly popular and there are now a large number of massage courses available across the UK. The following article will provide information about the benefits of baby massage and provide details about where you can go to learn more about massage.

What is baby massage?

Baby massage is a gentle form of massage, which has a range of benefits for both babies and mothers. Baby massage has been adapted for babies and uses exercises and techniques which are designed to relax your baby and make them feel at ease.

You can massage your baby at home but make sure the room is nice and warm; you can use baby oil on your baby’s skin but avoid using nut-based oils or aromatherapy oils as these may irritate the baby’s delicate skin.

You can make the environment more relaxing by putting some soothing music on and dimming the lights slightly.

What are the benefits for the baby?

Baby massage has a range of benefits for your baby; these include:

  • Improved circulation
  • Relaxation
  • Helps to build a strong relationship with mums and dads
  • Encourages positive sleeping habits
  • Boosts the immune system, which helps to make babies more resistant to illnesses and infections
  • Helps relieve colic
  • Calms babies
  • Makes babies feel loved and makes them feel safe and secure
  • Helps with digestion
  • Helps to relax muscles and ease any tension

One of the most important benefits of baby massage is bonding; bonding is important during the early stages and it will make you and your baby feel happy, confident and positive about the future. Your baby will enjoy the skin to skin contact and this will make them feel close to you; it will also make them feel loved and safe.

What are the benefits for mums and dads?

The most important benefit for parents is bonding; baby massage gives you the opportunity to spend quality quiet time with your baby and you will both benefit from the closeness and skin to skin contact.

Baby massage has been proven to reduce stress and ease relaxation; it is an opportunity to have some down time and for you to relax, as well as your baby.

Baby massage has also been proved to ease the symptoms associated with postnatal depression; massage helps to improve bonding and interaction between mothers and babies and mums can benefit from the stress-relieving properties of massage.

The benefits of massage for the baby can also make life a little easier for parents; for example, baby massage has been proven to aid digestion and help with establishing good sleep patterns.

Where can I learn about baby massage?

There is now a huge range of classes available and you should be able to find a class in your local area; baby massage has become incredibly popular in the last few years and new classes are popping up all over the country. You can search online for local classes, ask your GP or health visitor or talk to friends and relatives who already attend classes; you can also consult the International Association for Infant Massage’s webpage for details of local classes.

Baby massage at home

If you don’t want to go to a class, you can learn some simple massage techniques to try at home. Make sure the room you choose is warm, lay your baby down on a mat or their changing mat and take off their clothes. Talk to them and smile at them and then start to massage your baby; make sure you take off your jewellery and rub the oil in your hands to make sure it’s warm. Start by rubbing your baby’s shoulders gently and move down their body right down to their feet, gently rub and massage then using circular motions; go by your baby’s reaction- if they seem to be enjoying it and are relaxed and happy, continue but if they don’t like it and seem to be uncomfortable then stop. Sessions should only last for around ten minutes.

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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