Baby Massage can Improve Baby's Health
Relieve Colic, Constipation and Other Baby Ailments Through Massage
© Andrea Seren Charrington-Greene
Sep 30, 2009
Massage is good for baby's physically, mentally and emotionally. Studies have shown that massage can encourage a baby to be more alert and responsive, reduce anxiety and help them to absorb food more effectively. In October 2006, a review of 26 studies into the effects of massage was published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The study entitled, Massage intervention for promoting mental and physical health in infants aged under six months offers an interesting insight into the possible benefits of infant massage.
Above all baby massage is a wonderful way of communicating touch with a baby of any age. It is possible to reap the benefits of baby massage without knowing anything about massage or having any experience. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the massage experience. The most important and beneficial element is the time spent focusing on a baby.
Massage Guidelines
The only important guidelines to follow when massaging a baby are:
- Be firm but gentle
- Always massage towards the heart (following the direction of the circulation)
- Don’t massage your baby’s hands as this could lead to oil being transferred to his/her mouth
- Never massage directly on the spine. Keep your fingers on either side of the spinal column
- Ensure that you check the safety of any essential oils before applying them to your baby (some guidelines are provided in this article). If you cannot verify the safety of any oil do not use it.
- Do not massage an immunisation site for forty-eight hours after the baby has had the injection.
- Remember to relax and enjoy the experience, this will help you to create a relaxing rhythm
Preparing for the Massage
It is essential to assemble everything needed before beginning to massage. It is important to have everything close to hand to ensure fluidity and comfort during massage.
- Clean towel
- Massage oil
- Clean nappy
- Clean baby clothes
Mixing Massage Oil for a Baby
Not all essential oils are suitable for baby's. Ideally use grapeseed oil as this is perfectly safe or a blend of four parts sweet almond oil and one part jojoba oil. Adding essential oils to a massage carrier oil is a nice and beneficial option, but only ever add essential oils in very small quantities. It is important never to use more than two drops of essential oil to every 125-ml of carrier oil. As long as used in the small quantities outlined the following oils are safe to use:
- Roman chamomile
- Rose
- Neroli
- Lavender
Getting Started
It is important to be properly prepared for performing a baby massage in order to maintain safety and massage fluidity. Firstly, decide where to perform the massage. Some people prefer to stand up and massage their baby on a changing mat at table height, whilst others find it more comfortable to sit on the floor or bed. Once a massage location has been chosen, lay out the towel on the chosen massage site. Next lay baby down flat, on his/her back on the towel. His/her feet should be facing towards the masseur.
How to Perform a Front Massage on a Baby
Place both hands on the baby's feet, supporting the top of the feet and the ankles with the fingers so that the thumbs are in contact with the soles. Massaging with thumbs in circles,in a clockwise direction four times. Repeat this movement in an anti-clockwise direction four times.Then run one hand right up the baby’s leg to her tummy, and massage this in a clockwise, circular motion (this movement is highly beneficial if the baby suffers from colic or constipation).
The next movements concentrate on the arms and shoulders. Move both hands up to the shoulders and then slide them gently down the arms to the wrists. Massage the baby’s arms from the wrists to the shoulders, (this is the same movement used for massaging the legs).Hold the baby’s wrists and bring her arms together across her chest, then lay them back at her sides again. Repeat this movement four times. This completes the baby's front massage.
Remember to apply only a small amount of oil to begin with as a little goes a long way and avoid getting oil on the baby's hands, as this oil could be transferred to her mouth.
Baby massage is a truly magical way of bonding parent and child and carries many potential health benefits for a baby. It could offer an alternative way of dealing with a baby's constipation or colic that is natural and non-invasive. The use of a well chosen aromatherapy oil can further aid the digestive functions of an infant and as long as the appropriate guidelines are followed it is safe to use.
Then there are the benefits that massage can offer in terms of parent and child bonding. The time spent focusing and touching upon the baby are highly beneficial in terms of the bonding process. It is also believed that massage can help in reducing infant anxiety as well as promoting their attention span and response mechanisms.
In short if massage is only introduced to increase the feeling of wellbeing for parent and child then it would be worthwhile, but it seems that there are many emotional and physical benefits to be gained from this natural therapy.
Disclaimer: this article is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult a physician or suitably qualified practitioner before starting a massage program.
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