Baby Massage Guide

Baby massage is the ultimate skin-to-skin contact. It offers wonderful benefits for both baby and parent.

Benefits of Baby Massage

For Baby

• Emotional stability: Releases oxytocin
• Better sleep: Deeper and longer sleep
• Improved digestion: Relieves colic and constipation
• Muscle development: Releases tension, improves flexibility
• Immune boost: Promotes blood circulation
• Weight gain: Especially effective for preemies

For Parents

• Bonding: Strengthens emotional connection
• Increased confidence: Become more comfortable with baby care
• Stress relief: Healing time for parents too
• Understanding baby's cues: Get to know your baby better

When to Start

• Can start from newborn stage
• 2-4 weeks after umbilical stump falls off is recommended
• Start gently and briefly
• Gradually increase time if baby enjoys it

Preparation

Environment

• Warm room: 77-79°F (25-26°C)
• Quiet space: Turn off TV
• Soft surface: On a mat or blanket
• Dim lighting: Not too bright

Timing

• After bath: Best time
• 30 min to 1 hour after feeding: Not right after eating
• When baby is in a good mood
• When not sleepy (not right before bed)

What You Need

• Massage oil (optional)
• Towel: To lay underneath
• Diaper: Ready for changing
• Comfortable clothes (for parent)

Massage Oils

Recommended Oils

• Coconut oil: Most popular, absorbs quickly
• Sunflower oil: Light, protects skin
• Grapeseed oil: Unscented, gentle
• Olive oil: Great moisture (use extra virgin)

Oils to Avoid

• Mineral oil: Can clog pores
• Fragranced oils: Allergy risk
• Too thick oils
• Always patch test new oils on inner arm

Massage by Body Part

Legs & Feet

• Wrap leg in C-shape and stroke downward
• Circle thumbs on soles of feet
• Gently massage each toe
• "Milking" motion: Squeeze and stroke down

Tummy

• Clockwise circles around belly button
• "I Love U" massage: Great for constipation
• Bend and extend legs toward tummy
• Helps relieve colic

Chest

• Stroke from center outward
• "Open book" motion
• Continue to shoulders
• Soft and light pressure

Arms & Hands

• Same method as legs
• Circle thumbs on palms
• Massage fingers one by one
• Gently rotate wrists

Back

• Baby on tummy
• Stroke from neck to bottom
• Small circles along spine
• Gently knead shoulders

Face

• Forehead: Center outward
• Eyebrows: Inside to outside
• Cheeks: Nose to ears
• Chin: Center to ears

Massage Tips

• Eye contact: Look into baby's eyes
• Talk: "Does that feel good?" Chat with baby
• Sing: Soft lullabies
• Pressure: Not too light (ticklish), moderate pressure
• Rhythm: Keep a steady pace
• 5-15 minutes: Adjust based on baby's response

When to Stop

• If baby cries or fusses
• If baby turns away: Signal they don't like that area
• When hungry
• When baby has a fever
• On vaccination day
• If there are cuts or rashes on skin

Colic Massage

Especially effective for babies crying from colic:

• "I Love U" Massage
  • I: Left side, top to bottom
  • L (reversed): Right top to left top to left bottom
  • U: Right bottom, up to right top, across to left top, down to left bottom
• Bicycle legs: Alternate bending and extending legs
• Knees to chest: Helps release gas

Final Thoughts

Baby massage doesn't require special skills. Just touch your baby gently with a loving heart.

Even just 5 minutes daily can help you feel a deep connection with your baby.