deeper and for longer periods of time - which can translate
into you being able to sleep longer as well. Sometimes all
night!
Not only does massage help your baby to release stress
which builds daily from new experiences, it allows your
baby to relax.
Here are some tips so you can start using infant massage
right now:
• Keep baby warm and cover areas you will not be massaging.
You can massage over clothing (without oil).
• Before you begin, talk in a calm voice and smile at her.
This will help stimulate her senses and make her feel more
comfortable. Relax and take your time.
• Always ask out loud "Would you like your bedtime massage
now?" Wait for baby's answer and respond appropriately.
• Warm your hands by rubbing them together. This will help
her to recognize this cue as "massage time".
• Allow baby to move to different positions if she chooses
to.
• Continue massage only as long as you and baby are
enjoying it
At bedtime, you want to focus on using relaxing strokes.
Relaxing strokes are those which move away from the heart.
Being careful not to over stimulate at bedtime is best, so
using only a few strokes can work wonders.
Start by placing your warmed hands gently around the top of
baby's leg at the hip, cupping her leg, gently stroke
downward towards her foot. Do not put any pressure on
baby's knee or ankle. Then stroke the bottom of her foot
and gently hug each little toe. Next kiss her feet, babies
love this! Repeat on the opposite leg.
Go ahead and move on to her arms. Repeat the same soothing
strokes. While doing massage, continue to make eye contact
and check in with her. If you like singing or telling
stories, go for it. Whatever makes you both feel relaxed
is great!
If she is still enjoying her massage, continue. If not,
feel free to let her be the boss. Babies are really good
at letting us know when they've had enough.
Now, move on to her back. Stroke her back, starting at the
shoulders, over bum and down the legs, showing extra care
not to put any pressure on her spine. Continue stroking
her back a few times.
Now, give her a hug and kiss goodnight.
The first time you give your baby a massage, she may only
like to have a few minutes. This is perfectly normal.
Make sure you check in with the boss, your baby, and soon
you will be experiencing more restful nights!
About the Author:
Looking for expert advice, tips and tools to help improve
your child's health? Find answers to all your questions
about infant massage instruction training, massage for
children and pediatric massage therapy at
http://www.liddleki
Trainer, Tina Allen, founder of leading children's health
and nurturing touch organization Liddle Kidz™, shares over
ten years of expertise working with children and families.
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