Baby Massage Therapy

Baby massage can be beneficial both for babies and for their parents. Baby massage is simple to do. Be careful to massage gently as babies have delicate skin.

Benefits

• Baby massage can help to create a stronger bond between parent and baby. Massage strengthens the baby's immume system, stimulating blood circulation and helping to remove waste products. It can be comforting when a baby is upset and can reduce colic symptoms.

Supplies

• The parent may want to use baby lotion or baby oil while giving the baby a massage.

Timing

• According to Baby Center, it is best to avoid attempting a baby massage when the baby is ready for a nap, hungry or when the baby has just finished eating.

Lower Body Technique

• Begin with the legs, working from the the thighs down. Massage the legs as if you are "milking" them. Afterwards, massage the feet using circular motions. Don't forget to massage the toes.

Upper Body Technique

• Start at the shoulders and massage the arms using the "milking" technique. Then, massage the hands gently using circular motions. Massage several times by putting your hands in prayer position over the baby's chest and then stroking the hands outward across the chest. Massage the stomach in a wide clockwise circular motion. Next, place the baby on his/her tummy and massage the back using circular motions with your fingertips. Finish up with long strokes all the way from the baby's shoulders down to the feet.