The Ultimate Guide to Baby Massage

8 Dec

Baby Massage Strokes

I’m well aware that I’m going against the trend with this one!! Many baby massages teach you complicated strokes and pressure points for colic and wind, and that is great :)

But I feel the main benefit of baby massage is connecting with your baby. Whilst a class is a great way to expand on your skills, increase your confidence and meet some other mums, it shouldn’t become a barrier to your touching your baby. The last thing I want you to feel is like you need to get it right. The only right is what’s right for you and your baby.

To be totally honest with you, it's really not that hard to learn how to give your baby massage. You shouldn’t feel like you need permission or lessons on touching your baby. You should be empowered to tune into your baby and touch them and hold them and massage them in whatever way works for the two of you.

The most important thing is staying is touch with your baby emotionally, your baby will tell you exactly what they like and what they don't. You should both really enjoy baby massage. If you aren't enjoying it you and your baby just won't get the benefits either!

Don't feel obligated or pressured to massage your baby, or do it just because the clock says 6pm and it's part of the prescribed bed time routine.

Many babies don't like massage at first. Maybe it is too stimulating or they don't like being undressed or unswaddled. If your baby just isn't into it leave it and try again tomorrow. In my experience most babies grow to love massage if you persevere, but don't force it. My middle son, now six years old still doesn’t like being massaged!

Strokes

Always use long strokes, open palms, clockwise circles. Avoid pinching poking or any deep tissue work unless you are a qualified massage therapist. This is especially important when massaging a baby.

Arms and Legs

Gently wrap your whole hand around your baby’s limbs and massage them all the way along their arms and legs.

Head

Just do circles with your open palms on your baby head. No pinching.

Hands and Feet

Rub palms of the hands and soles of the feet quickly to increase circulation.

Tummy

Gentle clockwise circles on tummy will help digestion and release emotions.

Safe Massage Oils

Never use essential oils with a baby, except under the guidance of a clinical aromatherapist. Ayurveda recommends sesame or sunflower oil for baby massage, but recent research is finding tha olive oil and other vegetable, nut and seed oils are not ideal for new babies. The Royal Children’s Hospital of Melbourne now recommends:

“Avoid moisturisers containing plant or food products (e.g. vegetable, nut or olive oils), as these may disrupt the skin barrier and lead to allergies.”

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Julia Jones

I’m Julia, the founding director of Newborn Mothers. I’m a postpartum doula, educator, and best-selling author. For the last ten years, I have trained over 1500 postpartum professionals in over 60 countries through my worldwide leading education training for postpartum professionals. My work is informed by fifteen years of experience in postpartum care and a background in social justice and community development. My training draws on anthropology, evolutionary biology, traditional medicine, and brain science. I also run a high-level business mastermind creating the next generation of leaders in the postpartum renaissance.