Baby Massage

Baby massage is becoming more popular throughout the country with some midwives and health visitors taking extra training to deliver group sessions or offer one-to-one visits. There are some specific massage techniques but basically it’s about your baby getting used to ‘positive touch’.

Apart from helping the parent and baby bonding process, baby massage can benefit both you and your baby in several ways. It is also something that Dad can do to help him feel involved.

Benefits to baby
Stroking and gently rubbing your baby’s skin makes your baby feel secure and relaxed, helping to form healthy sleeping patterns. It can be used to reduce pain such as colicky tummy ache by helping his body’s systems to work as they should.

Because of closeness during massage your baby can copy your facial expressions – one of the earliest ways that a baby learns to communicate other than crying.

Benefits to parents
Massaging your baby is a great way of spending quality time with him and can be relaxing for you too. The close contact helps you to read your baby’s signs, which then increases your confidence in understanding your baby’s needs.

Using Oils
Oil is used to reduce friction and a tiny amount of something natural such as sunflower oil or grape seed oil will do the job nicely. There is no need to spend lots of money on massage oils; in fact these may irritate your baby’s skin – even baby products. Some of these are also perfumed, which may irritate your baby. Imagine how you would feel if you were massaged with a perfume that you didn’t like!

Many classes don’t start until your baby is about 3 months old but if colic is a problem with your newborn there are some earlier techniques that may help. If you’re interested in baby massage ask your midwife if she knows of any local classes or contact your local SureStart.