The soothing benefits of infant massage techniques can be useful in promoting a bond between caregiver and child. Reasons to incorporate frequent infant massage into your baby's life include reduction in colic, promotion of calming touch and increased positive stimulation. Be aware that infants do not have mature thermo-regulation ability and need to be protected from chill and excessive heat, according to "The Baby Book" by William Sears.
Soothing Massage Techniques
For babies who struggle with wakefulness, soothing techniques for relaxation-focused massage can help. Start with a lavender-based massage oil for ultimate relaxation. Lavender essential oil is noted for its gentle skin-soothing properties as well as its calming aroma-therapeutic abilities, according to the book "Organic Body Care Recipes." Of all the essential oils, lavender is considered the most suitable for infant use. Like any essential oil, be sure to use a carrier oil to dilute it, and keep it out of reach of pets and children to avoid toxic overdose.
Warm a small amount of oil in your hands before applying it to your baby's skin. Use the pads of your fingers and a confident touch to massage gently. Begin with the limbs and work inward, always moving toward the heart. Relaxation techniques insist upon slow, confident movements to induce muscle relaxation, while the lavender essential oil promotes restfulness. Be sure to keep the room temperature comfortable enough for bare skin exposure. Speak with your baby's pediatrician before using any essential oils to ensure their safety.
Sour Tummy Infant Massage Technique
Colic and sour tummy are common occurrences in infancy. Some infant massage techniques can reduce discomfort while helping to expel painful gas. Warm a small amount of baby massage oil in your hands. Place your infant over your knees, gently supporting his abdomen on your legs. Use one hand to hold him securely, and use the other to stroke his back in a downward motion on either side of his spine for two to three minutes. Place your infant on a blanketed area on his back and gently massage his abdomen with the thumbs in a correlated clockwise fashion to follow the intestinal track route.
After each cycle, embrace the baby's thighs and carefully bend them into a fetal position to aid in gas expulsion. Never force any position with a baby, says the book "Your Baby and Child-From Birth to Age 5." Be sure to have a cloth diaper under the baby to collect feces should it expel along with gas. Continue sour tummy techniques in a soothing fashion using long, confident strokes for up to 10 minutes or for as long as your baby is enjoying himself. Adding chamomile essential oil to your massage oil may help to soothe infant colic or fussiness. Speak with your baby's pediatrician before using any essential oils to ensure their safety.
Invigorating Infant Massage Technique
Invigorating infant massage techniques can be used when you want to add stimulation to your baby's environment. Use playful hand and foot massage, more vigorous strokes and gentle pressure to awaken the circulatory system. Use an expressive voice while wiggling your baby's toes and fingers. For invigorating facial massage, use the pads of your fingers along with a small amount of suitable oil or baby lotion.
Be sure to avoid the fontanel, or "soft spot," and eye area as you gently tap in a "raindrop" fashion on your baby's forehead, cheeks and chin. These techniques are adequate for doctor's office visits or circumstances in which you wish you extend your baby's wakeful times to help balance sleeping cycles. Always be sure to provide infant massage in an appropriate environment and have all of your supplies nearby to avoid leaving your infant without supervision.
References
- "Your Baby and Child-From Birth to Age 5"; Penelope Leach; 1997
- "The Baby Book"; William Sears; 1993
- "Organic Body Care Recipes"; Stephanie Tourles; 2007
