Infant Massage Techniques

by Arthur Bakeright

Massage can greatly benefit individuals of all age groups including infants, so learning some basic infant massage techniques is a vital skill for the wellbeing of your child. The power of touch is as important to infants and children as eating and sleeping. Massaging involves gentle, loving stroking or kneading by a parent or caregiver on various parts of a child's body like the head, face, back, shoulders, neck, arms, hands, legs and feet.

Practicing and applying infant massage techniques in the early years of life enhances the healthy development of the nervous system as well as stimulating all other systems of the child’s body. It improves circulation and respiration, aids digestion and eases elimination of wastes from the body. It also assists in reducing your infants tendency to be prone to gas and colic ailments. Massaging your baby during the growing years helps to prepare the body for sitting, standing and walking later.

Infant massage is also a wonderful stress buster for children who are prone to all kinds of stress. For example starting school in a new area, health challenges, fights amongst parents in the home, exams, peer pressure, etc can cause emotional, physical and mental stress. Utilising infant massage techniques will reduce stress hormones and assist the healing processes of the body.

Children’s massage can elicit a different response from different children. Some may cry or squirm while others might appear calm and relaxed and even fall asleep.

There is no ‘best’ time to give a massage to your child. Find a time that suits both you and your baby. Some will prefer the morning after their feed, and some will prefer the afternoon before or after their naps. Giving a baby massage before bedtime can put a cranky baby to sleep peacefully. Many will like to follow the massage with a warm bath.

Now for some basic infant massage techniques and tips. While giving a baby massage, sit straight on the floor or on the bed or stand in front of the baby massage table. Remember that the givers posture is very important. Giving children’s massage should be a regular practice so remember to also practice good posture always, for the sake of the health and back care of the giver.

The room should be warm enough so your little one doesn’t shiver when undressed. The room where you apply the infant massage should be quiet and away from any distractions.

Lay your child on a soft surface so it can’t be hurt while wriggling or squirming. A thick set of towels does a good job. Keep a side towel, wash cloths, clean diaper and baby clothes ready for use after the baby massage.

Use of massage oils on the body of your precious little one soothes and relaxes and promotes healing. Just as importantly, it also affirms a close, strong bond and conveys a comforting sense of security and trust.

Oils are great for lubrication, helping your hands to glide smoothly over your baby's soft delicate skin. Small babies have a habit of putting their hand or fingers in their mouth often, so you should use oil that is of good quality. Ideally use cold pressed (oils extracted by means of pressure and not heat) and unscented oils. Alternatively you can use baby oils which are produced by many companies specializing in baby products. Grape seed oil has a nice texture, almond and apricot oils are smooth, light and easily absorbable into the baby’s skin. Another popular choice is coconut oil in the summer and mustard oil in winter.

As long as you use common sense and provide a safe environment for the massage, apply appropriate pressure, and use a suitable oil of high quality, it’s hard to go wrong giving a baby massage. It’s a wonderful, therapeutic, and bonding experience that should be enjoyed by all parents and children.

I hope these infant massage techniques and tips have been beneficial to you and inspire you to take action and express your love and caring soon by giving a joyful infant massage to your little loved one.