Among its many benefits, baby massage bonds your baby, you and your partner by keeping them in a calm environment. Many mothers and fathers have made this technique part of their sleeping habits, as it calms and relaxes the baby, making it easier to fall asleep. Baby massage also provides the following benefits;
Baby massage contributes to the mental, physical and social development of the baby:
- It makes the baby more comfortable,
- Reduces crying and moodiness,
- It strengthens the bond between you and the baby,
- Relieves the symptoms of gas pains and constipation,
- It can help premature babies gain weight,
- It facilitates the healing of jaundice.
In addition to the various benefits it provides to the baby, baby massage also stands out with some of the benefits it provides to the mother:
- The hormone oxytocin released during massage alleviates the effects of postpartum depression,
- It strengthens both your and your partner’s bond with the baby,
- The release of the hormone oxytocin will help you relax, which may make it easier for you to breastfeed your baby.
How should baby massage be done?
1. Determining the right time
You should make sure that your baby is full so that his or her attention is not distracted by external stimuli during the session. After the evening bath, your baby is relaxed and ready for sleep, so this can be the perfect time for a baby massage.
2. Preparation of a relaxing environment
You should make sure that the environment you choose for baby massage is comfortable and relaxing. So make sure there is no bright light shining in either of your eyes and sit facing each other on a bed or on a towel on the floor. This will give you plenty of eye contact with your baby. Make sure the room is warm enough for him/her before taking off his/her clothes. The diaper can stay on your baby if you wish, but loosen it a little while you massage the tummy.
3. Choosing massage oil for baby massage
Choose a delicate massage oil for your little baby’s skin. Babies’ skin is much more sensitive than that of adults. So use products specially made for babies.
4. Beginning for baby massage
Warm the massage oil a little by rubbing your palms together, then start rubbing your baby’s skin very gently with your hands, starting at the feet. Squeezing the skin very lightly, gradually move your hands over the skin, moving from the feet to the top of the buttocks.
Carefully hold one of your baby’s feet and rub the sole of the foot with your fingers. Then, while holding the foot with one hand, support the calf with the other hand and gently stretch the foot towards the chest. Repeat this movement 2 or 3 times. You can also stretch both feet at the same time.
Babies have fewer colic pains when they are breastfed. However, if your baby has abdominal pain, constipation or gas, gently massaging the tummy can help solve these problems. When giving a baby massage, place your hand in the center of your little baby’s tummy and massage clockwise, following your baby’s intestines, this will help your baby to pass gas.
If you wish, you can get professional help and attend baby massage classes given by experts.
Note: Baby massage should not be applied to babies younger than 6 weeks.