Ahhhh! Massages! They truly are the best! There are many benefits when it comes to getting a massage, giving our sweet little babies massages benefits them just as much. Here are some Do’s, Don’ts and How’s on providing your baby their very own massage.
Do’s
- Set a calming mood for them. You can do this by dimming the lights, turning on some calm music, and setting the temperature just right.
- Do it on a flat surface. Rather that is on a changing table or on bed, make sure they will be comfortable.
- Undress your infant. You can have an open diaper or a towel underneath them to prevent any spills or accidents.
- Massage your baby with a healthy and safe option. Safe options include coconut oil, whipped shea butter with coconut oil, or YL seedlings.
- Find the best time to massage
- 45 minutes after a feeding
- Right before bed
- After a diaper change
- When your baby is calm, awake, and alert.
- Bond with baby. This is a great opportunity to sing a lullaby, calm with a shhhhh, and create eye contact connection.
Don’ts
- Don’t use essential oil without diluting it. Essentials oils alone are too strong for their sensitive skins. Always have a diluting oil like coconut oil with the essential oil.
- Don’t massage their head or neck. Especially when they are younger, their heads are still developing and are very soft.
- Don’t use sunflower or mineral oils with their sensitive skin. These oils can break down the baby’s skin barrier which can cause conditions such as baby eczema
- Don’t massage right after a feeding. It will cause a spit up.
- Don’t push the massage if they begin to fuss. If your baby shows signs that they are all done, respect that and finish the massage.
- Avoid “deep” massages. Please be gentle with your baby! Their still very delicate.
How’s
- Massage the feet with gentle and soft strokes
- Massage their legs, shins, and thighs
- Massage their arms and hands
- When massaging baby’s stomach, massage clockwise. This can help with their digestion.
- Massage their chest, again avoid head and neck
- Flip your baby over and massage their back.
Benefits
- It can help them with stress and decrease their anxiety
- It can help with digesting, relieving gas, and moving their poop, especially if they are constipated.
- It can help with weight gain
- It can lower the chances of jaundice
- It can reduce colic
- It can promote better sleep
- It can strengthen bonds between baby and parents.
Looking for a midwife in Utah County who will give you and your baby the best care, reach out to us. As The Utah Birth Place, we are here to help you in all areas of your motherhood journey! Need a massage yourself mama, book an appointment today with Maternal Massage today!
