Take good care of your baby


Baby massage

Baby massage has been practiced sinceof enjoyment (smiles, coos, relaxed
ancient times. It can be as simple as aposture) or dissatisfaction (turning
gentle rub with lotion after a bath or aaway, fussing, closing arms, crawling
more practiced infant massage. Theaway), and stop if she seems
benefits are many for both baby anduncomfortable or restless. If your baby
parent.is having a colic episode, then attempt
Benefits for your babyto calm him with massage before judging
Helps your baby relaxhis response to the massage. Sometimes
Stimulates circulation, digestion andbabies take a few minutes to adjust, or
neurological developmentthey may like the massage at first but
Promotes more restful sleepthen have had enough and would like to
Improves the efficiency of your baby’sstop. Respect your baby’s signals.
immune systemPut a bit of oil or lotion on your hands
Stimulates your baby’s developingand rub them together. Never pour
nervous systemanything directly onto your baby.
Helps relieve pain of colic, gas,Use warm hands when touching your baby.
illness and teethingUse a gentle touch, but not so light
Promotes healthy weight gainthat it tickles your baby — about the
Enhances sensory awarenesssame pressure you would use on your
Stimulates growth-promoting hormoneseyelids without causing any discomfort.
Provides baby with much-loved touch andOn small areas of your baby’s body,
connectionuse your fingertips; on larger areas
Increases bonding and attachment betweenlike his back, use the palms of your
baby and parenthands.
Provides premature and special needsAs a general rule, strokes should move
babies with immense physiologicalfrom the center of your baby’s body
benefitsoutward; for example, when massaging
Benefits for parentsarms, go from shoulders out to hands.
Builds your confidence in baby handlingKeep your movements balanced; if you
Provides you with an opportunity tomassage the left arm, then also do the
become more competent in reading yourright arm.
baby’s cuesIf your baby is a newborn, don’t
Gives you a special, focused time withmassage near the umbilical cord or the
your babycircumcision site (if your baby has been
Deepens the bond between you and yourcircumcised).
babyDon’t forget to massage those teeny
Provides you with a tool for calming andfeet — a delightful experience for any
settling your babyparent!
Gives parents of premature babies orStart with a short session at first, no
babies with special needs a way to bondmore than about five minutes. Over time,
with and help their babylengthen your massage sessions to 20 or
Provides parents with an effective way30 minutes, basing the length of time on
to settle a fussy or colicky babyyour baby’s signals of enjoyment.
Gives parents a loving way to introduceDon’t massage your baby if she has a
a sibling to a new babyfever, has just had an immunization or
Allows you to enjoy the feel of youris ill.
baby’s miraculous little bodyRead your baby’s signals
It’s massage time!Very young babies or those who are new
You can massage your baby at any timeto massage are often uncertain about it.
and in any place. Most babies love to beVary the pressure and location of your
touched — and most parents love totouch depending on your baby’s
touch their babies — so anytime youreactions. Watch your baby’s face and
feel like rubbing your baby, you should.body language for feedback. This is a
In addition to casual touches, you canlearning experience for both of you
also plan for a more organized massageWhat about siblings?
as well. A massage is a wonderful way toHere’s a wonderful experience for your
end a bathing session, begin or end theolder child and baby alike: Teach big
bedtime ritual or start the day.brother or sister how to massage the
Here are some guidelines to prepare forbaby. This can create a special bond
a peaceful baby massage:between them and can promote soft and
Choose a time when you won’t begentle touches. Massage time for your
interrupted or rushed.baby is often a perfect time to massage
Make sure that your baby isn’t tooyour older child, too. As your baby gets
hungry (or too full).a little older, he’ll probably want
If your baby is colicky, choose the timehis turn at massaging his older sibling.
just before crying usually begins.Few things are more special for a parent
Choose a warm room (at least 75ºF/than watching siblings treat each other
23.9ºC) without any drafts. Dependingwith gentle loving care, and this kind
on how warm the room is, you may want toof ritual is perfect for encouraging
keep your baby covered with a smallsibling attachment.
blanket during the massage, leaving outAt what age should massage begin?
the body parts that you are massaging.You can, and should, massage a child of
Leave your baby in as little clothing asany age from newborn to adulthood.
conditions permit — a diaper orChildren learn much about the power of
nothing at all. (Keep something handy togentle touch. My son David knows how
cover up that diaper area fast, just inwonderful a massage can be, and when he
case!)was eight years old, he gave me a
If you and your baby would enjoy it,nightly back massage throughout my
play some soft music, or use the time topregnancy with his baby brother. (Yes,
talk to and sing to your baby.every night — isn’t that sweet?) All
Lay your baby on a soft towel or blanketof my older children love to be rubbed;
on the floor or on a bed. A small babythere’s something very special about
can lie skin-to-skin on your stomach orspending a little time giving your
across your legs.teenager a backrub or foot massage. It
Have warm baby lotion or oil ready, ifmaintains a beautiful parent-child
you wish to use one of these. Chooseconnection throughout a lifetime.
oils made especially for babies, whenWhat about baby massage classes?
possible. Avoid nut-based oils, likeMany hospitals and private organizations
peanut and almond, to avoid the risk ofoffer baby massage classes. These are
allergic reactions. And avoid havingbeneficial because a certified infant
oils on or next to your baby’s facemassage instructor can show you all the
and hands (since they may likely findhow-to’s, step by step. An instructor
their way to your baby’s mouth).can give you a hands-on demonstration
Here are a few tips on making theand answer your questions to help you
massage a pleasant experience:feel confident in this very gentle and
Tell your baby what you are doing andsoothing art. Remember that massage and
ask for permission: “Would you liketouch is an experience that is exclusive
Mommy to give you a massage?” Thisbetween the parent and baby; the
sends a message right from a young ageinstructor will help you learn how to
that your baby’s body belongs to her.read your baby and how to use the art of
Always watch your little one for signsmassage.



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