How to massage your infant
Not a commonly practiced form of massage in clinics or spas, infant massage I believe is one of the most important and intimate times you can share with your child.
TO BEGIN: My first action to prepare for an infant massage is clearing all distractions so the baby knows you are there for her. I would then proceed to make the baby aware of my intentions because after all no one likes to be blind sided without having some sort of control. It is my belief that children understand far more than that we give them credit for. And after all they too being human beings, by nature are looking for some sort of security and safety, so allowing them the ability to understand and control to the best of their ability one should so politely OFFER an infant the massage. My favorite time to massage my children is right after bath time. They then are calm and semi distraction free.
BELLY: I take a small amount of gentle lotion and rub it in my hands and say to the baby…”I’m going to rub your belly” of course in a voice that would sound very cheerful and loving. I would LIGHTLY rub the babies belly in a CLOCKWISE motion in slow circles always going towards my pinky finger if I were using my right hand. Being careful NEVER to massage on any bone or even the belly button. You will be massaging the baby’s intestines and therefore will break up some spots of gas, so don’t be surprised if during or even shortly after your massage your baby lets out a few toots. Do this for as long as your wish never putting too much pressure on baby’s belly. Because after all they are sensitive and cannot withstand the same amount of pressure we adults can. I have found in my years of practicing that people often massage in areas and in depths that they feel is comfortable to have done on their body…please do not do this to your child. They have not had the same amount of wear and tear on their body, therefore it does not have need for the same in-depth massage.
LEGS: Moving on…I would add more lotion to my hands make sure it is well rubbed together to avoid putting any cold lotion on your child. I would work on the legs one at a time doing superficial squeezing and circular motions with my thumbs. Making my way down to the feet. I would only use my hands as my massaging tools…I would never take any massage tools or fore arms or elbows etc. to my child. Repeat on the other leg.
ARMS: Adding more lotion to your hands moving up to the arms not massaging in the armpits or wrists repeating the same squeezing and circular thumb movements up and down the arms. After you have finished with the front you can then turn your baby over, if at this point you still have a willing participant. It is very important that you never massage your baby if she is declining your effort, as heart felt as they may be, it may cause more harm than good.
BACK: On baby’s back I would use the palm of my hands or finger tips to rub in a circular motion. With many of my palm strokes being directed up towards the baby’s head. If you like you can massage baby’s bottom with light pressure as well.
Infant massage is really what feels comfortable for the baby. If she likes it then continue, always bearing in mind that
her health is the main reason we are massaging. If at any point there are cries of discomfort, impatience or frustration from baby (or you 
) you should discontinue the massage and try again another day or perhaps at a better time of day for your little one. Now like I said at the beginning I always let baby know where I am going to touch them next, it is a courtesy extended for the baby’s peace of mind. Please be aware that if your baby has any health related issues and you worry about the effect it will have on them please consult their doctor before attempting a massage. Please also be aware your child does not always have to be undressed to receive a massage and you don’t always have to use lotion. Please keep in mind that if you choose to not use lotion there is a chance that you can pull the skin causing an uncomfortable feeling, so please mind your pressure and never drag your fingers across the skin while pressing in. And one final word and perhaps one of the most important…to those of you parents out there blessed with little boys, if you choose to massage your little guy while he is unclothed please be aware that there is a good chance that you might get sprayed…so please take the appropriate steps to prevent this if you have a little one that fires at his own will!
Benefits of infant massage:
-aids in relieving colic
-helps your baby love you more and feel safe and secure
-teaches your baby good touch (because after all there is enough bad touch in the world, your baby deserves to know the good side of it)
-helps healthy digestions to occur
-helps baby relax before bedtime
- relaxing routine to share with baby to help teach them bedtime
-promotes self confidence
Good luck and enjoy, and drop a comment below if you have any questions or even any topics you would like to learn more about.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Hey, great tips Sam. I always thought there had to be a “real” way to massage babies but I had no clue how to really do it. Thanks for showing me there’s an actual way to put ‘em to sleep and help ‘em calm down!
February 5th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Rob- glad to help! Hope your little ones enjoy, I know mine do, they are old enough now to start asking for it so beware!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I have a REALLY colicky baby. Are there any special infant massage techniques I can use on him to help calm him down?
February 7th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
great question Harry…you know first and foremost I would obviously watch what I feed my little one, or what mama is eating if that be the case (i.e. chocolate, caffeine, starchy foods, beans like chili, and dairy etc.) If you still have a colicky babe then I would rub his belly with light to medium pressure, clockwise and again never on bones or the button. Pay close attention listening for bubbles or spots in the intestinal track where you are rubbing for bumps or fullness (that’s their yucky-doo or gas). Work through slowly down and just on the inside of the abdomen just to the inside of the left hip. I would also consider “pumping” the legs if you will. Have the baby lay flat on his back and bring both legs to his chest, he will probably grunt and slightly push against you, this is normal, however, if your baby cries out in PAIN stop. It is not likely that he will ,but do this slowly as to not cause any unneeded extra pain. While pumping you can also rotate the hips/legs while bringing to babies chest. Hope this helps, good luck!