Baby massage can provide many benefits, and one of them is to help the baby fall asleep. However, before you start massaging your little one, there are a few things that you must pay attention to so that the massage you do doesn't hurt her tiny body.
Baby massage can be done by moving your hands gently and slowly on the baby's body. To make the massage process easier, you can use oil or moisturizer when massaging your little one.
Baby Massage Benefits
Baby massage is one way to bring you closer to your little one. Your gentle touch can soothe and make your baby feel loved.
In addition to forming communication and baby's trust in their parents, there are several other benefits of baby massage, namely:
- Help baby fall asleep
- Gives a relaxing effect, both for baby and mother
- Reduce the frequency of baby crying
- Reduces toothache when baby's teeth grow
- Improve blood circulation
- Increase baby weight
- Improves baby's digestion
- Relieves baby's tense muscles
- Supports the baby's mental, physical and social development in the future
Studies also show that baby massage can speed up the recovery of babies born with jaundice.
How to do the right baby massage
Before doing a baby massage, look for a warm room (around 24o Celsius), with a calm and comfortable atmosphere. Also make sure you have all the tools you need, such as towels or baby mats, clean clothes, diapers, and massage oils such as olive oil.
Don't forget to wash your hands before doing baby massage.
After all the equipment is ready and the baby's condition allows for a massage, you can try doing baby massage in the following ways:
1. Feet
Start giving a massage from the legs, namely the groin to the bottom. This area is considered less sensitive so it is good to start a massage. Pour a little oil into the palm of the hand, then rub in the hands until warm. After that, massage gently from the thigh to the baby's calf area.
After that, massage the back of the baby's foot in a circular motion. You can give a little stroke while massaging the ankle to the toes. After that, move on to the soles of the feet. Use your thumbs and make circular motions to massage.
Finally, you can massage his fingers. Grab each finger using your thumb and forefinger, then pull gently. Do it all over the finger.
2. Arm
After massaging the legs, move on to the arms. Start massage from the upper arm to the wrist. Arriving at the wrist, gently twist this section a few times.
Next, massage his palms using your thumbs. End this session by gently massaging his fingers.
3. Chest
Place both of your hands on your little one's chest, then massage gently outwards by gently pressing his chest with your palms. Repeat this movement several times.
To end the massage in this section, place one hand on the top of his chest, then massage gently towards the thigh.
4. Back
Position your little one on his stomach, then massage the spinal area from the neck to the buttocks using your fingertips. Finish this baby massage with a long shoulder to toe massage.
When finished, you can put diapers and clothes on your little one, and hug him. You can also continue to feed him.
Things to note When Doing Baby Massage
The best time to massage your baby is when he is awake and calm. Make sure the baby is not too hungry or full when you give him a massage and avoid massaging your little one when he is going to sleep during the day.
You are advised to massage the baby and make it a routine before bedtime at night because it can make him sleep more soundly. In addition, you can also try to massage the baby after bathing.
During the massage process, pay attention to how your baby responds to your massage. If your little one wiggles his arms and looks happy, he probably likes your massage. However, if the baby seems restless or even crying, stop the massage immediately.
If your little one has health problems, first consult a doctor before giving him a baby massage. Later, the doctor will help you determine the right baby massage movements according to your little one's condition or recommend a baby massage specialist to treat your baby specifically.