Little possibilities – Practicing Baby Massage at Home.

Creating the right atmosphere for Baby Massage at home.

Getting Ready:

Ensure your room is warm and draft-free with ample room to sit/kneel comfortably with your baby in front of you.

You will need a mat, blanket and, towel, and have your chosen massage oil within reach and any baby changing equipment for a quick and easy nappy change if needed.

I usually have a couple of distraction toys i.e. a rattle, teething ring, scarf to hand.

Put some light soothing background music on if you wish, it doesn’t matter what the music is, as long as you and your baby find it relaxing.

After practicing a few times with the same music, your baby will learn to associate the music with massage time.

Before you start:

Make sure your hands are clean and warm, remove any jewelry which may get in the way or catch.

Remember when massaging your baby rub in a way that your nails wont scratch baby’s delicate skin.

Take a few deep breaths to relax before you begin. Stretch and shake the tension out of your body.

Get comfortable on the floor with your baby lied in front of you and use a pillow if it helps, take care of your posture so as not to damage your back.

Begin your baby massage:

Start with ‘resting hands’ and ‘full frontal stretch’ using gentle strokes, babies are delicate but too light a touch can be ticklish and aggravating.

Follow your baby’s cues, they might look away and splay their fingers and toes if you are using too much pressure.

If your baby clenches their fists in front of their chests this is a sign they are not ready to be touched there, don’t try and pull their arms apart, try massaging around or go back to what they were enjoying.

Some babies take more time than others to get accustomed to the massage strokes, take your time and go at a pace that suits you both.

Only do the massage strokes you have learned in class.

Go slowly at the beginning so your baby can get used to the different massage strokes and new sensations gradually.

Start with a 15-20 minutes, stroking both sides of your baby’s body symmetrically.

Maintain eye contact and observe your baby’s body language. Allow the massage to be baby led and think of the massage as a gentle, warm communication between you and your baby.

Remember baby massage time is a lovely bonding experience for you and your baby, do what feels right for you both, don’t force anything, and stop whenever necessary.