Giving your baby a massage can be a lovely way of bonding with your little one. You can foster a deeper connection with them through touch, and many babies find the experience calming. It can also help provide relief from certain health issues.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a baby massage is, and the benefits it offers. We’ll also guide you through how to do a baby massage that can soothe your baby, and provide relief from conditions such as constipation and gas.
What is a baby massage?
A baby massage involves the gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby's body with your hands. You can use a natural oil or moisturiser to help with this process, so your hands smoothly glide over your baby's skin.
During a massage, you can gently move and stretch your baby's ankles, wrists, and fingers to support healthy joint movement. Engage with your little one by talking to them softly, humming or singing while you massage – this can reassure them and help keep them occupied.
What are the benefits of baby massage?
It has been suggested that massaging a baby can increase a parent’s awareness of their baby’s needs, and strengthen the early bond between parent and child.
Additional benefits may include:
Feeling more confident in handling your baby.
Recognising their needs more easily.
Positive interaction with your child.
A great way for partners, family members and carers to bond with the baby.
Improved sleep for the baby.
How to do baby massage
If you’re wanting some tips on how to do baby massage, the following step-by-step suggestions should help:
1. Find the right place
Choosing the right environment can help ensure that you and your baby are completely comfortable. We recommend selecting somewhere warm and quiet that allows you to be the most attentive to your little one’s needs. Then, lay your child on a towel on their back so eye contact can be maintained – this can be on their changing mat or on a bed if you like.
2. Test then use a suitable oil
Some parents prefer using oil to help reduce skin friction during a massage. If you decide to use oil, buy one that’s odourless and edible, as your baby may get it in their mouth.
Be sure to do a ‘patch test’ before applying the oil to your child’s full body. Put a small amount on a patch of your baby’s skin first, and check for any reaction. This step is crucial for babies with sensitive skin or allergies.
Products such as AVEENO®- Baby Calming Comfort Bedtime Lotion are ideal for baby massage. Formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal, this soothing lotion is delicate on your baby’s skin and can keep it soft and moisturised for 24 hours.
3. Start slow
Start by gently rubbing each body part. Ensure your touch is gentle. Begin with their head and work your way down to their feet. There’s no specific amount of time you need to massage for; just continue for as long as you’re both enjoying it. You may also want to try some “tummy time” while massaging for a short while if your baby is comfortable with it.
4. Talk to your little one
Be sure to regularly communicate with your baby throughout the massage. This is a great way to keep them engaged. You can try saying their name or using positive, encouraging statements to help them keep calm. You can even tell a story or sing them a song.
5. Finish the massage
Some massages can last a few minutes. Others half an hour. But the important thing is knowing when your baby is no longer engaged and enjoying themselves. Use your best judgement regarding mood and their reactions. You can look to your little one for cues that it’s time to stop, such as them breaking eye contact and stiffening up. Once they lose interest, it’s OK to bring things to a stop with some final, gentle strokes and positive words.
Baby massage for constipation and wind
Baby massage may help to stimulate your little one’s circulatory and digestive system. This can help your baby if they experience mild conditions such as:
Gas
Constipation
Cramps
Colic
If your baby is suffering from pronounced discomfort due to these conditions, however, it’s best to seek medical advice immediately.
Massage may also help to relieve growing pains and teething discomfort. It can also assist in stimulating growth in premature babies.
Baby Massage FAQs
You can start doing baby massage whenever you want to. What matters is that your baby enjoys it. If your little one seems to find structured massage too stimulating in the early days, you can begin with gentle, nurturing touches until they’re ready. It’s also recommended that you always allow a minimum of 45 minutes after feeding before starting, as performing a baby massage too soon after your child eats can cause vomiting.
How frequently you perform baby massage depends on what works best for you and your baby. Some parents massage their babies daily, while others do it routinely. Massaging your baby during the morning can help to start the day off right, while bedtime massages can help soothe your little one to sleep. We recommend paying attention to your child’s cues to help you decide the best baby massage routine.
There’s no set time to stop doing a baby massage. You can continue with it as long as your baby still enjoys it. Just look out for cues from your child. For example, it may not be the best time to perform a massage if your baby turns their head away from you, or stiffens their arms.