Do you have a cranky baby? Does your baby have digestive problems or bowel problems? You may be amazed at how beneficial a baby massage can be. You may be surprised to find out that this isn’t some new wave alternative healing method. Instead, baby massages have been practiced all over the world since ancient times. Here are tips to baby massages that you need for your baby.
How Babies Benefit from Massages
Babies that are massaged regularly tend to grow faster than those who are not. They also gain weight faster, which is why massages are ideal for premature babies or babies that have a low birth weight. Massages will also serve to calm the baby, helping him or her to sleep better because he or she is more relaxed.
Babies who are regularly massaged are also more alert during their waking hours and they learn motor skills faster than other babies as well. Psychologists believe that regular massages also contribute to the overall emotional health of the child.
How to Give Your Baby a Massage
For the massage, use baby oil or vegetable oil. Remove all bracelets, rings, and watches from your hands and wrists. You may also consider cutting your fingernails first. Undress the baby and lay him or her on a soft towel, on a flat surface. Lay the baby on his or her back. It does not take much oil for a baby massage, so only put about a half a teaspoon in your hand to begin with, and rub it in your hands to warm it a bit before touching the baby.
Using soft, gentle strokes, massage the baby’s tummy and chest. Go across the shoulders, and down the arms, and then down the legs. Turn the baby over, and starting at the shoulders, massage the baby down his or her back, and down the back of the legs.
What to Avoid When Massaging Your Baby
Obviously, this is not the same as an adult massage. You do not need to apply a lot of pressure, as you do not want to hurt the baby. When using oil, you need to avoid the baby’s hands, as these get put into the mouth. If your baby puts his or her arm in the mouth, avoid applying any oils to this area as well.
Do not massage your baby’s spine, as this can cause damage. Also avoid massaging areas where rashes or wounds appear, or where the baby has had any recent injections. Do not use essential oils that you would normally use for adult massages or aromatherapy on a baby.
Related Posts
When you are pregnant or nursing, everything that you do, or do not do, has a profound affect on your baby. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, your baby is affected. If you...
If you are expecting your first baby, you have to make an important decision that could essentially affect your child’s life in the present and the future. You have to decide...
All babies are sweet and precious, but baby girls are especially precious, and they grow to be precious little girls. If you have decided that the time to have a baby is right,...
Baby formula is in the news quite a bit these days. Most of the ingredients used in these formulas are not natural, and even if some of the ingredients are natural, the combination...
No sound could be more disturbing to a parent than a crying baby. This is your baby’s way of communicating with you. He or she is telling you that all is not right in his or...
Leave a Reply
January 22nd, 2011 at 1:51 am
Hi i am devendra.How are you?I am studing in eight std.I am always watching man Vs wild.I like your presents of mind.can you frind me.I am wating your answer.OK,BYE.