Baby Massage
Massage enhances the love and intimate communication between parent and baby. It soothes and strengthens the baby’s body and helps to relieve problems such as colic and restlessness. It promotes relaxation, emotional nourishment and special time for you both.
Baby Massage is just light, gentle stroking done in a rhythmical way. We do this almost instinctively to any small creature, particularly when it is restless, uncomfortable or frightened.
Babies are touched a lot just in the normal course of being cared for - every day when they are picked up, have their nappy changed or are rocked to sleep. Massage is part of this – it adds a little bit of extra stroking which brings pleasure and relaxation to you both.
All babies benefit from massage but some need it more than others.
Tense or irritable babies who cry a lot and may suffer from colic can be encouraged to relax with warm, gentle stroking. Babies born prematurely or with a disability, or who have been ill, also learn that massage is a warm, pleasurable exchange between themselves and their parents.
Massage can also help a baby become aware of its own body. He or she will often gaze fixedly at an arm or leg while it is being massaged. Stroking a part that has been sore or painful, perhaps after surgery, can help a baby forget the painful procedure and teach them after all, touch is pleasurable.
Baby massage can begin as early as you wish. When your baby is very new, use soft gentle strokes. As he or she grows stronger, so can your touch.
Do not be afraid to stroke firmly. You will find the baby enjoys being handled and massaged in such a way that communicates both your love and your confidence.
A tiny baby may only tolerate five to ten minutes of massage, while an older one may enjoy twenty to thirty minutes.