Plenty of research backs up the benefits of massage for a newborn. As soon as the baby hits the 3-month mark, they start getting massages. Massages are a great way to develop a connection both physically and mentally. Touch is the first sense a baby develops, and massaging them helps bond parents with their babies. Massage, for babies, is a form of relaxation and comfort in which you touch the baby’s skin. This includes rubbing oil for newborn skin.
If you are not aware of how to massage a baby, here is a step-by-step procedure that will guide you –
Firstly look for the best time to massage your baby. Get a blanket or a towel and a non-breakable container that contains oil. To find the best massage oil for your baby, you need to test it out on a small patch of their skin. Wait for some time and make sure no irritation appears.
Before starting the massage, see that the baby is not fussy or irritated. If he is not in a good mood, it will become difficult for you to massage him. Do not start immediately after feeding your baby or when you are about to sleep.
You begin massaging your baby’s feet. Take a few drops of oil in your palms and gently rub them on the baby’s sole. Do not put too much pressure. Stroke from heel to toe. Start massaging your thumb and then massage with your palm the whole foot. Gentle and light massages will help in the stimulation of nerve endings.
After the feet, you move on to the legs. Lift the baby’s leg by the ankle and relax it by lightly tapping the upper thigh. Hold one leg with one hand and through the other, make a C-shape thumb down, and stroke your baby with this hand position. Stroke from thigh towards the foot.
Finish the leg massage by stroking down from hip to foot, with both hands gripping the leg at the thigh. After a relaxing foot and leg massage, it is time for a tummy massage. Massage on this part has to be done carefully as it is the most delicate part of the body. The pressure applied has to be light, and the stroke starts from the top of the belly, just below the chest bone.
Avoid massaging the belly button; just move your fingers around the belly button clockwise. Then press the knees gently against the baby’s belly. Next is to massage the arms. Massaging arms can help in improving muscle tone and coordination. Hold the baby’s wrist and relax the upper arm by tapping it lightly with one hand. Hold the baby’s wrist with one hand and make a C-shape with your thumb and start stroking from the shoulder down to the wrist.
Massage the palm, and move thumb over thumb from the heel of the hand to the fingers. Gently squeeze and pull each of the fingers. Lastly, massage your wrist by moving your fingers in small circular motions.
Wrapping Up
Similarly, you massage the baby’s back, face, and chest. Massage helps strengthen the baby’s skin and muscles. Leverage the goodness of natural baby skin care with Little Rituals. With the help of their exclusive range of high-quality products, your little ones can enjoy and get extensive nourishment easily!
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