Know Your Baby Through Massage

As soon as I gave birth to my youngest and he was placed swaddled in my arms, my fingertips traced the sweet fullness of his cheeks and the impossibly tiny little fingertips of his curled fist. I could not see his face, but could feel that he had his Daddy’s nose and my long fingers and small mouth.

You can become familiar with your infant’s body by practicing infant massage. It not only helps with the bonding process, but also can help a blind parent become comfortable with their child, especially if it’s their first.

You’ll want to find a dermatologically tested oil that’s safe for use on baby’s skin. There are many all natural varieties available from well-respected companies, most of which are very mild and contain soothing blends of essential oils.

Deciding where you plan to give the massage is important as well. Choose a place that’s quiet and free from a lot of unwanted distraction. Whether it’s on a soft blanket on the floor of the baby’s room, on their dressing table, or even outdoors if the weather allows, make sure you’re going to be able to sit or stand for a long while and the surface is large and comfortable for baby.

Once you’ve bathed your baby, wrap them in a hooded towel. Some babies don’t like their skin exposed to open air, so the process must be gradually introduced. However, if your little one is happy in a diaper and nothing more, you’ll want to diaper them and lay them down with your massage oil close by.

I like to put on some music and sing to my baby while I give him a massage, so we’ll have a favorite CD or radio station on as I begin. If it’s warm outside, we’ll spread a large blanket over the grass so he can watch the clouds drift by or gaze in wonder at the stars above, though mosquitoes can make summer massage outdoors less desirable.

Beginning with your baby’s chest, pour a small amount of oil into your palm. Rub your palms together, and then gently caress your baby’s torso in a circular motion. Talk to your baby as you do this. Wonder at the delicacy of their little body, the racing of their heartbeat, or the coos of happiness and squeaks of pleasure they make.

Add a couple more drops of oil to your hands and move on to their shoulders and upper arms. I avoid putting oil on their hands since babies love to suck their fingers and might not appreciate the taste.

If your baby seems tense or begins to fuss, they might not be ready for massage and you might want to dress them and snuggle them to reassure them, trying again in a week or so.

Move on to your baby’s thighs, knees, and calves. I spend a lot of time on my baby’s feet, since this really helps soothe a baby. Even through socks, a foot rub can be a familiar and reassuring touch that can help settle them when they’re fussy and upset.

Finally, you’ll want to very carefully roll your baby onto their belly. If they don’t have head control yet, gently turn their head for them and make sure they’re comfortable. I can get lost in the silken texture of their skin, and tend to linger over massaging their back. Use your fingertips to rub their little shoulder blades and caress their spine. You’ll almost be guaranteed a more content and relaxed baby when you’ve dressed them and scooped them up into your arms, and they’ll cherish the quiet time they get to spend basking in your touch.