Giving your baby a massage is a great way to bond with her. Besides, studies have shown that massaging a baby can reduce crying and fussiness, help her sleep more peacefully, and alleviate common wail-inducers like constipation and colic.
Baby massage is simple and enjoyable. All you need is 10 to 15 minutes. Pick a time when you’re relaxed and your baby is quiet but alert.
Before you begin, make sure the room is warm and quiet. Take off any jewelry that could get in the way, and grab some baby oil. Use a blanket or towel.
Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet together, forming a diamond shape with your legs. Drape the blanket over your feet and between your knee.
Undress your baby down to her diaper and place her on the blanket, cradling her head on your feet. Start with a gentle “hello” stroke from baby’s head to her toes.
If baby stiffens, cries, or becomes irritable, move to another body part or simply end the massage for the day. If she responds well, start gently massaging her body section by section.
To learn specific massage techniques, you can search videos in specialized web pages or, even better, go to baby massages sessions with another parents and babies. These are very special moments.