How to Massage Newborn Baby: The Ultimate Guide for Parents

For centuries, grannies and doctors have recommended mothers to massage their newborn baby. Massaging a newborn is great for their physical and emotional health and also fosters a bond between the mother and her baby. In this comprehensive guide, we will understand how to massage newborn baby, the benefits of massaging a newborn and how to give a newborn baby massage Indian style.

What are the Benefits of Newborn Baby Massage?

Regular massage can have numerous benefits not just for the baby but for parents as well, such as:

1. Promotes parent-child bonding

Massaging your baby regularly helps to promote interaction between the parents and the baby. This early contact helps to encourage feelings of attachment, love and trust in babies. Daily interaction with parents during massage can also help in the emotional and social development of babies.

2. Stimulates baby’s body systems

Massage helps to stimulate all the body systems of your baby- digestive, hormonal, immune and circulatory. A daily massage can also improve the strength and function of your baby’s muscles and joints. As a result, babies develop better body awareness, balance and coordination.

3. Provides relief to the baby

Just as massages help adults to relax and relieve their pain, massage also provides babies relief from gastrointestinal issues like colic, constipation, gas, teething discomfort and growing pains.

4. Improves sleep quality

Massaging your baby can help relax them and improve their sleep patterns. Certain studies have shown massage can reduce stress hormones and increase feel-good hormones in babies.

General Tips Before Starting Massage

Here are some tips you should follow before you start massaging your baby:

• Your first priority should be to find the best place for massaging your baby. Find a place that’s comfortable, cozy and warm for the baby (neither too hot nor cold).

• Carefully place your baby on a towel or blanket and make sure they’re in a good mood.

• Try to keep any distractions like mobile phones or pets at bay. You can choose to sing to your baby or put on some relaxing music.

• Pick a good baby oil or lotion for the massage. There are certain oils and lotions - such as, mustard oil, aqueous cream, unrefined peanut oil, and others, which should not be used for baby massage, these oils may harm the soft and delicate skin of your baby.

• If your little one is suffering from skin condition like eczema, you should consult your doctor before massaging them.

How to Massage Newborn Baby?

Once you and your baby are prepared for the massage, you can follow these newborn baby massage techniques for the head, face, back, chest, tummy, legs, and feet of your baby:

How To Massage Baby's Tummy?

Take some oil in your palms and start at the base of your baby’s ribs. Then, gently use your fingers to massage the tummy in circular motions. Massage around your baby’s navel in clockwise directions. Additionally, you can place your hands horizontally and move them side to side on baby’s tummy. In case, the umbilical cord hasn’t completely dried and healed yet, avoid massaging your baby’s tummy.

How To Massage Baby's Head and Face?

Lather your palms with massage oil and apply it over your baby’s head in gentle, circular strokes. Make sure not to apply any pressure to the fontanel (soft spot on your baby’s head). Then, move on to your baby’s face and start tapping your fingers gently. Work from the forehead towards the chin and apply gentle strokes on the baby’s cheeks, chin and nose.

How To Massage Baby's Chest?

Start with some oil in your palms and begin from the middle of your baby’s chest. Make gentle outward strokes towards the baby’s shoulders and repeat the motion for a few times. You can also place your hands horizontally and move them downwards.

How To Massage Baby's Arms?

Start at your baby’s upper arms and gently stroke from the shoulder to the wrists. Once you’re done with each arm, massage the baby’s wrists using your fingers. You can also pull and squeeze each finger gently and make circles in the palm of their hands.

How To Massage Baby's Back?

Place your baby on their tummy and take some oil in your palms. Start massaging with both your hands from the base of baby’s neck to their buttocks in back-and-forth motions. Make sure to apply gentle pressure using your fingers in circular motions on the spine.

How To Massage Baby's Legs?

Apply a downward stroke from the thighs to the ankle on your baby’s legs. Hold your baby’s thigh and massage with both your hands by rotating in opposite directions (the way you wring the clothes after washing). Then move to the feet and apply gentle pressure using your thumb from heel to toe. You can also use your hand to stroke the sole of your baby’s feet and gently pull their toes.

Once you’ve massaged your baby, wipe off your baby’s palm and fingers nicely, as babies usually put their fingers inside their mouths. If you have concerns or queries regarding massage, it is advised to talk to your doctor.

How to Massage a Newborn Baby Indian Style?

For giving a newborn baby massage Indian style, you can follow the below tips:

• Undress your baby and make sure they are comfortable and not too hot or too cold.
• Rub your hands together to warm them up. This helps the baby feel comfortable with your touch.
• Pour a small amount of baby-safe oil into your palms and rub them together to warm the oil. Ensure the oil is warm but not hot.
• Start massaging the baby's legs first. Gently stroke from the thighs down to the feet using long, smooth motions.
• Move on to the baby's arms, again using gentle strokes from the shoulders down to the fingertips.
• Massage the chest in a circular motion, moving outward from the center. For the tummy, use clockwise, circular motions, which can help with digestion.
• Carefully turn your baby over and massage their back. Use long, gentle strokes from the shoulders down to the buttocks.
• Use your fingertips to gently stroke the baby's forehead, cheeks, and chin. You can also gently massage the baby's scalp in a circular motion using your fingertips.
• Finish with another gentle massage of the baby's feet. After the massage, use a soft cloth to wipe off any excess oil. Then, dress your baby warmly.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, mastering how to massage newborn baby is not just about the physical techniques—it's about building a deeper connection with your little one, fostering their well-being, and creating cherished moments of bonding. As parents, your intuition and responsiveness to your baby's cues will play a pivotal role in making each massage session a positive experience.

References

1. Mrljak R, Arnsteg Danielsson A, Hedov G, Garmy P. (2022). Effects of Infant Massage: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health.

2. Chaturvedi S, Randive B, Pathak A, Agarkhedkar S, Tillu G, Darmstadt GL, Patwardhan B. (2020). Prevalence and perceptions of infant massage in India: study from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh states. BMC Pediatr.