Benefits Of Baby Massage For Newborns - A Guide On How To Safely Massage Your Newborn

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyful yet overwhelming experience. In between the sleepless nights and diaper changes, creating a bond with your baby is crucial. One beautiful way to foster this connection is through baby massage. 

This ancient practice, embraced by cultures worldwide, offers a multitude of benefits for both the baby and the parent.

In this blog, you will learn about the following:

1. Benefits of massage for babies

2. When should you start massaging your newborn?

3. Step-by-step instructions so you can learn baby massage techniques

Read on to learn about the benefits of massage for babies and how to properly perform this comforting technique on your newborn.

The Benefits of Massage for a Baby

Massaging your baby is more than simply a relaxing experience; it is a whole method that promotes your newborn's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Here are several important benefits:

1. Improves circulation 

Gentle strokes increase blood flow, promoting the development of your baby's circulatory system and guaranteeing enough oxygen is delivered to their growing organs and tissues.

2. Promotes better sleep 

Regular massage helps your baby relax, which can lead to longer and deeper sleep patterns.

3. Promotes better sleep 

Regular massage helps your baby relax, which can lead to longer and deeper sleep patterns.

4. Enhances bonding 

The intimate, skin-to-skin contact during massage strengthens the emotional bond between you and your baby. This bonding time also promotes the release of oxytocin, the love hormone, in both the parent and child.

5. Boosts immunity 

Regular massage has been shown to enhance the immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system, which helps the body fight off infections.

6. Reduces stress hormones 

Massage can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in parents, leading to a calmer and more relaxed environment.

When to Start Massaging Your Newborn

The ideal time to start massaging your newborn is after the first few weeks of birth, once they have settled into their new environment. However, it’s essential to observe your baby’s signals and ensure they are ready for massage. Signs that your baby is ready for a massage include:

• They are calm and alert.
• They are not hungry or too full.
• They have had some sleep and are not overly tired.

It’s best to avoid massaging your baby right after feeding or when they are irritable and fussy. Mid-morning or after a warm bath are usually good times to introduce a massage routine.

How to Do a Baby Massage: A Step-by-Step Guide

To begin, ensure you have all the necessary items: a comfortable, warm space, a soft towel or blanket, and baby massage oil. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

• Choose a quiet space: Select a quiet, warm, and comfortable room to avoid distractions.
• Warm your hands: Rub your hands together to warm them up. Cold hands can startle the baby.
• Use baby massage oil: Apply a few drops of baby massage oil to your hands. Mother Sparsh has an ideal baby oil made from 18 essential oils and herbs, which is a great option for massaging your baby.

Step 2: Start with the Legs

• Gently rub the oil: Begin by gently rubbing the oil between your palms and then onto your baby’s legs
• Strokes: Use gentle strokes from the thighs down to the feet. Repeat several times.

• Foot massage: Gently press and release each toe, then massage the soles of their feet using your thumbs.

Step 3: Move to the Arms

• Apply oil: Rub oil onto your baby’s arms.
• Strokes: Use similar long strokes from the shoulders down to the hands.
• Hand massage: Gently massage each finger and the palm of the hand.

Step 4: Massage the Chest and Tummy

• Circular motions: Using both hands, make gentle circular motions on your baby’s chest.

• Tummy massage: With your fingers, make clockwise circles on your baby’s tummy to help digestion. Make sure you are gentle around the belly button area.

Step 5: Back Massage

• Turn your baby: Carefully turn your baby onto their tummy.

• Long strokes: Gently stroke from the neck down to the hip. Avoid pressing on the spine.

Step 6: Facial Massage

• Using your fingertips, gently massage your baby’s forehead, cheeks, and around the mouth. Be very gentle and avoid the eyes.

Conclusion

Incorporating baby massage into your daily routine can have great benefits for both you and your newborn. It’s a simple yet powerful way to nurture your baby’s physical health and emotional well-being while strengthening your bond. Remember, the key to a successful baby massage is to be gentle, attentive, and responsive to your baby’s cues.

At Laadlee, we offer a variety of baby products, including massage oils, to create a loving and soothing experience. So, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy this special time with your newborn.