How To Calm Your Baby With Easy To Follow Infant Massage Instructions
Soothe Your Baby Within Minutes! For Restless, Colicky, Tired, Teething Infants
Infant massage is second only to breastfeeding as the most fulfilling form of nurturing a baby can receive, improves baby sleep patterns and digestion.
Baby massage improves the function the heart, liver and brain by stimulating the flow of blood to these vital organs. Furthermore, it strengthens the function of the gastrointestinal and respiratory system.
Massaging your baby enhances the emotional bond between you and your child.
Infant massage is a nurturing, joyful way to bond with your baby while improving your newborn's responsiveness and overall health.
Baby massage therapy offers the right type of stimulation to promote optimal health and development in your baby.
The ancient art of massaging your newborn baby has been practiced for centuries and by all cultures around the world. In homeopathic text books, many homeopathic physicians describe how rubbing a premature baby with extra virgin oil of olive would help the child grow strong and gain weight faster. All these findings have been proven to be true by modern medicine.
Benefits of Infant Massage:
For Baby
A premature infant will be more alert, active and responsive.
An irritable baby will be able to calm himself and sleep more deeply.
A growing child will have a greater sense of security, cry less and be happier.
An infant will develop a non verbal communication with the parents.
An ill child will have fewer episodes of apnea (breathing stops briefly).
A premature baby will gain weight faster and leave the hospital sooner.
A colicky child will experience fewer episodes.
For Parents
You will feel more relaxed because when you massage your baby, will enjoy interacting and caring for him.
You will learn how to understand your baby's needs better, which improves your parenting skills.
You will become more confident in your parenting role, especially if this is your first baby.
You will learn how to interact with your baby on a non-verbal basis and build a great relationship with your baby that will continue into the future.
Infant Massage Tips
Infant massage is simple to learn and to do. Put your baby on his or her back facing up on your lap or on a blanket. Start the massage on the baby's face and head. It is best not to use any oil when massaging your baby's face and head to prevent getting into the baby's eyes. Always touch your baby very gently and softly with little or no pressure.
Do not massage a sick or feverish child.
Preparation
You Will Need
Baby oil.
A soft mat.
2 towels.
Setting Up
Timing:
Massage your baby when you are relaxed and will not be interrupted. Make sure your baby is happy, calm and does not have a full stomach (wait half an hour after eating before massaging). A good time is right after the bath since the baby is already undressed and the room is warm.
It is best to set up everything ahead of time. This will give you the opportunity to exclusively concentrate on massaging your baby. Never leave your baby unattended.
Put a soft towel over a changing mat or thick baby blanket. Make sure to keep the oil or cream within easy reach. You should also feeling comfortable. Sit on the floor or on the bed, or by put your baby on your lap. Talk to your baby or better sing to him. A soft soothing music may help you and the baby feel more relaxed.
Positioning:
Make sure you have a pillow to sit on so that your back id straight. Prepare yourself by taking a few relaxing breathes. Babies absorb the tension that is present in their surroundings including the anxiety of parents and caregivers. Through physical contact, they need to feel and receive a soothing sense of wellness. Gently close your eyes and clear your mind of household chores or other matters and allow yourself to give full attention baby's massage.
Massage Oils:
Natural oils are the best. I like oil of olive because it has great healing properties, almond oil is also great. Avoid fragrances as you do not know if your baby can react to them. Warm a few drops oil in your hands. Do not use massage oil on the head or face.
It you choose to use a baby oil, I recommend infant massage angel baby oil. Do a patch test! If this is the first time you are massaging your baby, a patch test allows you to make sure your baby is not allergic to the oil you choose.
1. Place a little oil on the inside of your baby' wrist or ankle.
2. Leave for 30 minutes up to 24 hours.
Ask for Permission:
Even if your baby cannot give you a verbal consent, ask for permission and the baby will let you know if this is a good time or not. A newborn may enjoy only two to five minutes of massage, while a child over two months of age might love a more elaborate one.
You Are Now Ready
If you are interested in learning more about infant massage, you can take a baby massage training class. The following video is a wonderful visual tool to help you learn how to easily give your baby a infant massage.
"Infat massage is a wonderful thing to do. It is simple to do, yet so powerful in what you give to your baby: your love, your understanding, and your attention!"
"Before you were conceived I wanted you
Before you were born I loved you
Before you were here an hour I would die for you
This is the miracle of Mother's Love."
-- Maureen Hawkins
The information on this Web Site is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is designed for educational purpose only.
Please always consult with a qualified health care professional.
