BABY MASSAGE
It is an age-old practice that helps promote a healthy bond between parent and child. It also helps soothe and relax babies. To ensure a successful massage, it is important to start using light pressure, give gentle strokes and allow your baby to adjust to the sensation. Always use oil or lotion to prevent friction and keep your baby’s skin hydrated. Keep the movements slow and steady, alternating between long strokes and gentle circular motions. Make sure to check with your doctor before starting massage therapy for your baby, as some conditions may require special attention or precautions. Remember to always be patient and be sure to remain conscious of your baby’s reactions throughout, adjusting the intensity and pressure as needed.
Sharing here, 12 very important Tips to understand the whole process of baby massage before starting directly-
12 Tips and Guide for a Newborn Baby Massage | Build a Cordial Bond with your baby
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Use Til oil for the newborn baby massage
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Do an Oil Patch Test
Always do the patch test before applying it all over the baby. Apply in a small area and observe, if no rashes/allergies then use it the all over body.
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Don’t heat the Oil on the Gas/Oven
Whatever oil you are going to use, make sure you don’t directly warm/heat the oil for the baby massage.
4. You can use put the oil vati/oil bowl immersed in hot water in case you want to give the warm massage.
5. Duration/frequency of applying the Oil
This is the most asked question that how many times and up to what duration should I apply oil on the baby? For the first year, you must massage the baby twice daily from birth in the daytime and use a moisturizer/baby lotion in the evening for the baby massage.
TWICE A DAY MASSAGE- MORNING MASSAGE + BATH
EVENING- MASSAGE WITH LITTLE BABY LOTION + IF REQUIRED, THEN GIVE A SPONGE BATH ONLY
Do you know the first 40 days are also very crucial for a new mother… you can also check out our write up on the postnatal care for a new mother
6. Total Massage time for the newborn?
The ideal time for the baby massage and bath for the newborn is ten minutes. Don’t leave the baby in oil for a longer duration.
7. When to avoid the baby massage-
Remember you shouldn’t massage the baby if in case the baby has taken any vaccination, is vomiting, or in case the baby has a fever.
8. NO OIL IN EARS NOSE, STOOL
Please Do not put oil in the ear, nose, and stool areas of the baby.
9. DO NOT PRESS/SQUEEZE OUT THE MILK FROM THE NIPPLE
In most cases, the newborn baby’s nipple is swollen/enlarged. It is recommended not to press or try to squeeze the nipple. Some massage wali/ nannies do this activity but you have to tell them not to press the nipple of the newborn baby, or else it may lead to ABSES/ infection.
10. DO NOT FEED THE BABY 10 MINUTES BEFORE AND AFTER THE MASSAGE
please ensure that you have given a massage to the baby then please wait for a minimum of 10 minutes to feed the baby
11. For better results, use Mantra Music/ Relaxation music while massaging or bathing the baby. It is also observed to play a piece of music that you have heard during the pregnancy/Garbh Sanskar.
Doing this reminds the baby of the same memories and feelings that he had felt in the womb.
12. Father should massage babies, especially at night. It gives a warm and happy feeling to the baby.
The scientific reason is the mother gets stressed and tired during the day and hence when the father gives a massage it’s more of transferring happy and relaxed feelings to the baby and at the same time develops a bond between the father and the baby.