The first few weeks of bringing your little bundle of joy home can be overwhelming. You might not even get to brush your own hair in those first few weeks of settling into your new life, let alone think of doing a baby massage on your new-born.
Rest assured you are not alone. Most new mothers feel overwhelmed in the first few weeks. But as soon as you and baby have settled in, a baby massage is one of the first things you should start doing with your little one.
A post-bath massage can soothe your baby and help him or her to sleep. In fact, studies have shown that massaging an infant can reduce crying and fussiness and ease common concerns like constipation and colic. It has even been said that a baby massage can boost a baby’s ability to fight off germs!
Here’s a list of the benefits of a baby massage:
- Improving weight gain
- Aiding digestion
- Improving circulation
- Easing teething pain
- Helps baby to relax
- Mental, social and physical development
- Better sleep
Here’s how to do a baby massage:
- Warm a tiny bit of oil or emollient cream in your hands by rubbing it between your palms
- Start by gently rubbing it into your baby’s skin. Begin with the legs first
- Work your way up your baby’s legs by lightly squeezing the calves and thighs
- Now move on to your baby’s chest and tummy. Gently place both your hands flat against the centre of baby’s body.Spread your hands to the sides, almost in a butterfly motion
- Keep your hands flat against your baby’s chest and use your fingertips to stroke outward in tiny circles
- Keep this motion going for as long as your baby is happy.
