Baby Massage

Your baby will benefit from receiving your gentle touch and will communicate a strong message of love. Studies show that touch and massage can improve all aspects of your baby’s development. Infant massage can also promote bonding, help parents relax, help baby sleep better, and relieve symptoms of gas. Massage can reduce crying, boost the immune system, enhance body awareness, relieve nasal congestion and teething discomfort. Best to begin after baby is 4 weeks old.

Massage Tips:

• Choose a time when your baby is awake and not hungry.
• Have all of your supplies ready – oil, towel, diaper clothes
• Provide a safe, warm environment for the massage.
• Wash your hands and remove jewelry.
• Play soft music in background.
• Always ask permission to begin the massage.

Massage Techniques: go online to find video demonstrations

• Head & Face - Giggle & Grin, Smoothing, Peek-a-Boo, Thumbs Up, Gentle Circles, Sweetheart Stroke.
• Arms & Hands – Indian Milking, Squeeze and Twist, Finger & hand Massage, Rolling.
• Chest - Valentine, Open Book, Butterfly
• Stomach – Water Wheel, Navel Stroke, Finger Walking, Sun Moon,  I Love You
• Arms: Milking – move your hands in opposite directions from wrist up to shoulders
• Legs: Leg Roll, Swedish Milking, Indian Milking, Squeeze and Twist, Foot Massage
• Back -  Back & Forth, Swooping Strokes, Back Massage, Combing,
• Exercises – Arm Cross, Wrist & Ankle Cross, Leg Cross, Leg Stretch,

Click on these links for resources about the importance of Bonding and Baby Massage:

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Newborn Care

• Visiting and going out - Keep baby inside and away from strangers for the first 2- 3 weeks. Your baby’s immune system can’t fight germs yet.
• Everyone wash hands before handling your baby. Especially before and after changing diaper.
• Hold your baby often- don’t worry about spoiling your newborn.
• Nails – Do this while your baby is sleeping or when someone else can help hold the baby. Use special scissors and emery boards for babies.
• Bowel movements- the first BMs are called “meconium” which are thick and greenish. Breastfed babies have a yellowish color and formula fed babies have a tan BM. Color will change as diet changes.
• Temperature could mean your baby is fighting and infection. Check with your doctor about their “fever policy”.
• Care for umbilical cord until it falls off. Using a cotton swab with warm water and soap, wipe around the sides and the skin around the stump. Gently pat dry.

Here are some excellent resources about Newborn care.

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