As new parents navigate life with the newest addition to their family, many seek ways to further nurture and bond with their newborns. One practice that has gained considerable popularity in recent years is newborn massage. A soothing experience, newborn massage has the potential to offer numerous benefits to your little one. Let’s delve into what this practice entails, highlighting its incredible benefits and providing easy-to-follow guidance on how to incorporate this relaxing ritual into your baby’s routine.
What Is a Newborn Massage?
Newborn massage is a gentle practice that uses gentle strokes and rhythmic movements to soothe and strengthen a baby’s body. Rooted in ancient traditions across many cultures, baby massage has been cherished for centuries as a way to promote bonding, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Parents can begin massaging their infants from the first day, following healthcare provider approval. The best time is when the baby is alert and calm but not sleepy, fretful, or recently fed. Optimal times might include after a bath, before bedtime, or during a quiet moment in the afternoon.
The Benefits of Newborn Massage
The benefits of newborn massage are numerous, and in recent decades, scientific research has observed many of these remarkable advantages. Firstly, this massage cultivates a strong emotional bond between parents and babies.
Through loving touch and eye contact, parents and babies connect on a deeper level, strengthening their attachment. This touch also stimulates the release of feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, often known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust and relaxation while supporting healthy brain development in infants.
Gentle massage techniques also help to relax an infant’s muscles and nervous system. Not only does this induce a sense of calm, but it also promotes deeper sleep and improves sleep patterns. For fussy babies who struggle to fall asleep or self-soothe, this type of relaxation can be particularly beneficial.
Additionally, massaging a baby’s midsection can help alleviate common newborn gastrointestinal issues such as gas, constipation, and digestive discomfort. The gentle pressure and movement have been shown to stimulate a baby’s digestive system, promoting bowel movements and pushing out trapped gas.
Moreover, massage can improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage throughout your newborn’s body, which aids in delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells. This enhanced circulation is especially beneficial for newborns with a lower birth weight as it supports healthy growth and development.
Gentle Techniques for a Newborn Massage
Infant massage only takes 12 – 15 minutes, so aim to do it at least once daily. Ensure the room is warm and draught-free. Undress your infant and lay them on a soft towel facing you.
Always use a cold-pressed organic oil such as coconut or a baby massage balm specially formulated for your little one’s delicate skin. Avoid mineral and synthetic oils, as they tend to linger on the skin, making your baby slippery. Also, skip olive oil as it may disrupt your baby’s immature skin barrier.
Apply a small amount of the oil to your hands, warm it between your palms, and then follow the steps below to learn how to massage a baby.
- Step 1: Massage Your Newborn’s Legs and Feet
Begin by gently massaging your baby’s legs and feet, focusing on one at a time. Forming a C-shape with your hands, smoothly stroke your baby’s leg from the thigh to the ankle 3 – 5 times. Delicately roll each toe between your fingers and walk up and down the sole with the soft thumb pads.
- Step 2: Massage Your Newborn’s Tummy
Using the fleshy part of your palms, apply gentle pressure as you stroke downwards, from underneath their ribs down over their tummy, 3 – 5 times. Then, make clockwise circles on the tummy with the heel of your hand 3 – 5 times.
- Step 3: Massage Your Newborn’s Chest
Place your hands side by side on the chest and gently stroke outwards, down to the sides, and back to the starting point, repeating 3 – 5 times. Use less pressure on the return strokes. Then, stroke up to each shoulder in a criss-cross motion, alternating 2 – 4 times.
- Step 4: Massage Your Newborn’s Arms and Hands
Repeat the same strokes used for the legs and feet on the arms, from shoulder to wrist. Roll each finger gently between your own, then press each palm lightly.
- Step 5: Massage Your Newborn’s Face
Place your flattened fingers lightly on the forehead, sweeping across and down the side of the face 3 – 5 times. Gently stroke the eyebrows lightly with the fleshy part of your thumbs and lightly sweep up the side of the nose. Make small circles around the jaw with your fingertips, then sweep over to take your fingers behind the ears and under the chin.
- Step 6: Massage Your Newborn’s Back
Finally, turn your infant over on their tummy, placing them on the towel or over your lap. Starting below the neck, gently stroke up and down the sides of the spine 3 – 5 times. Make small circles with your fingertips, and lightly move down from their shoulders to their lower back. Finish the massage with lighter strokes, signaling to your baby that the massage has ended.
Newborn Massage for a Happy Baby
Newborn massage offers a precious opportunity for parents to connect with their babies in a meaningful and nurturing way. But remember, this practice is a baby-led activity. Always follow your baby’s cues and responses during the massage, adjusting your techniques and timing based on their comfort level and engagement. Try to incorporate a few minutes of massage every day to get your baby used to the practice. Over time, you will develop a rhythm and routine that works best for you and your baby.
For personalized baby massage guidance tailored to your baby’s needs, connect with Rawda Newborn Care & Consultancy today. We support new parents seeking to enrich their newborn’s early days.
Visit our website or call today to discover the power of infant massage.