Massaging Your Baby

As babies, humans are very responsive to their senses as they become adjusted to the world and learn how to live in it. Since they don’t rationalize like we do, the best way to express to them your love is by tenderly stimulating their senses, especially touch. This type of physical affection creates a special bond with your baby.

 One of the best ways you can do this is by giving your baby a massage. You can appeal to their touch and even their hearing, smell and sight.  You can stimulate their hearing by gently speaking to them or playing relaxing music. To stimulate their smell, you can get natural and organic lotions with mild scents or natural aroma therapy. You also want to have eye contact with your baby as much as possible. By using these gentle forms of stimulation, you will form a bond with your baby by expressing your love.

            It is important to know how to give your baby a massage. A baby is much more sensitive than you are as a parent. You still want to apply some pressure, but not very much. A good way to gauge the proper amount of pressure is by pressing on your closed eyelids so that you can feel it on your eyes without any sort of discomfort.

            Make sure to keep your baby warm and comfortable since they will be naked while you give the massage. To ensure that your baby stays warm, you may choose to keep the baby covered in the areas you aren’t massaging them. You and your baby should also be relaxed. If your baby is upset, the massage will not be very effective. Also it will be harder to express your love when you are stressed. To make sure your hands are warm and soft, you should apply lotion to your hands and rub them together until your hands feel warm. The massage will not work positively if your hands are too cold or rough.

            You want to massage your baby starting at their head and working your way towards their feet and then turning them over to do the opposite side. Use your fingertips very gently in the small areas and use your hands wrapped gently around their limbs to stretch the muscles. Remember to keep your movements slow and gentle so as not to harm your child. Avoid the genital region as well. If your baby wants to roll or move, allow them to do so. You can always go back to the other areas later. If you would have to force your baby to finish the massage then it is best to just wait until your baby is ready for the massage.