Studies over the years have shown that little ones benefit greatly from regular human touch. The technique of baby massage is a great way to promote human touch and the various advantages that it offers. From providing extra bonding to improving digestion, there are so many reasons why incorporating baby massage into your little one’s day is a great idea. We are going to cover why this routine is so beneficial, as well as how you can go about working it into your day!
Benefits of Baby Massage
The technique of baby massage offers an array of emotional and physical developmental benefits for your little one. When a parent regularly takes time to provide this connection each day, it opens the door to improved emotional attachment between the baby and parent by providing the opportunity to use eye contact, speak or sing to the baby and overall, it helps them to feel calm and well-adjusted to their environment. Connecting through this way benefits the parents (or caregiver), too! Taking time to be still and present each day helps to calm postpartum angst and exhaustion that can sometimes be experienced when caring for an infant around the clock because it makes room for quiet and stillness, all while promoting healthy connection.
Physically, baby massage aids in improving your little one’s circulation, reduces uncomfortable gas and constipation, helps with colic, promotes better sleep and encourages overall wellness. When a baby feels calm and comfortable, day to day goes much more smoothly for everyone. All of the emotional and physical developmental opportunities along with positive outcomes as a result of baby massage contribute as building blocks to milestones that will come as your baby grows, too! Strong attachment and human interaction now serve as a way to set the stage for future social interactions and emotional regulation as your little one grows up. Physically, when your baby is sleeping well and feeling comfortable, they are able to grow and flourish all while working on milestones that will lead to rolling, crawling, walking and then eventually running in the toddler years!
How To Give a Baby Massage
Now that we know why this is beneficial, let’s chat about how to go about giving your baby a massage. Start by choosing your favorite baby safe moisturizer, or simply reach for all natural, organic coconut oil. You don’t need much! Just enough to soften the palms of your hands. Next, remove baby’s clothing and just leave them in a diaper. Try to give them their massage in a calm place, where the lighting is natural or dim and noises are at a minimum. Place them on a safe surface and gently move from area to area as you work the moisturizer into their little feet, legs, tummy, arms, hands and back. You should however avoid delicate areas such as the soft spot on their head.
If the baby is particularly gassy, you can bicycle their legs in a circular motion to help relieve that tummy pressure or softly massage their belly in a circular motion to promote digestion. Be sure to press lightly as you move from place to place as babies can easily become over stimulated and their skin is so delicate. Keep an eye on how your baby is reacting and follow their lead as well. If at any time they become fussy, start to squirm or otherwise show that they do not like the massage, then stop. You can always try again later. It is helpful to do this during a calming time, such as during a diaper change or just before bed. Aim for about five minutes for each daily massage, but feel free to adjust it as you respond to your baby’s cues. When you are finished, swaddle baby up and enjoy some snuggles in your favorite rocker or chair while soaking in all the calmness!
Interested in more about caring for your little one or creating a calming day to day routine? Checkout these posts below:
Natural Ways to Care For Your Baby’s Skin - Organicbabyfood.shop
Top Tips for a New Mama - Organicbabyfood.shop
Natural Remedies for Cradle Cap | How to Get Rid of Cradle Cap - Organicbabyfood.shop
Have you tried giving your baby a massage or do you have any other ideas for adding room for quiet connection to your daily routine? Let us know your thoughts below!