WHEN SHOULD I MASSAGE MY BABY?
Baby Massage
Finding the right time to give your baby a massage is just as important, maybe
photo by Sarah Ketelaars
even more so, than the actual strokes you perform.
New born infants have 6 behavioural states:
1. Quiet sleep
Eyes are closed and there is little or no movement. Respiration is dominantly abdominal
2. Active sleep.
Eyes are closed but there may be some REM and body activity, from writhing to stretching, frowning to smiling
3. Drowsy
Eyes may be open or partially closed
4. Quiet alert
Body fairly still, face relaxed, eyes open and bright, observant
5. Active alert
Lots of activity, vocal noises, some crying and possibly fussing
6. Crying
Babies limit reached, much activity and sustained crying
Of the above quiet alert will be the optimum time for you to carry out a massage. You also need to feel relaxed so take some deep breaths and try to make sure you won’t be disturbed. If you want to use massage as part of your baby’s bed time routine then bring bath time forward so that your baby is not too tired or hungry to enjoy the massage. However you don’t have to perform the massage at bed time. Half ten in the morning may be the best time for you and your baby. You will know what time is best. You should not massage your baby if they have a temperature or are unwell.
Make sure you have everything to hand and that the room is warm. Little bodies cool down quickly and with oil on their skin they will cool down even quicker. You should always try to do the massage on the floor then you are safe if your baby does its first roll. Lay your baby on a towel on top of their changing mat and have spare towels to hand. It’s best to do the massage without a nappy so it’s a good idea to have tissues and wet wipes at the ready too.
You should always try to use a cold pressed vegetable oil to do your massage. Mineral oils act as a barrier on their skin and do not come from a sustainable source. Any cold pressed vegetable oil will do, however to avoid any worries of nut allergies, sunflower oil is considered a safe oil to use for a babies sensitive skin. There are many baby massage oils on the market, if in doubt of the contents or ingredients choose a simple cold pressed vegetable oil without anything added or taken away. Most health food shops will stock this.
Dim the lights and remove watches or chunky rings. Warming your hands up is also important. Once you are ready to start take a little amount of oil into your hands and warm it up between your palms. Pay special attention to your finger tips as they tend to be the coldest part of your hands. Your hands should glide over the skin and not drag. If you feel your hands dragging apply more oil. It’s easier to apply more oil than to take it off.
You could use music but a baby will love to hear its mother or carer sing, quite often they will lie still and look you right in the face if you sing whilst performing the massage. It’s also fine to talk to your baby throughout and tell them what you are doing.
Stroke your baby in anyway that feels good to you. Keep it flowing and rhythmical. At first they may only lie still for a few minutes but you can, with practice, give your baby a full body massage in approx 15 min.
The most important thing is that you enjoy it. Your baby will come to anticipate the massage if you approach it the same way every time. It’s a wonderful thing to do and will enhance the bond between you. Once you have finished your routine wrap your baby in the towel and give them a cuddle before getting them dressed.