Guide to baby massage: techniques and benefits

It is suitable from birth until your baby can crawl, at which point they may become resistant to a structured massage session.

The advantages of baby massage

Like adult massage, the main aim is to induce a calm state. Your baby will not be required to do anything more than to lie back and relax. Additional baby massage benefits include:

• it creates a special bond between you and your baby
• it encourages improved sleep
• it promotes relaxation – studies have shown baby massages reduce stress hormones and increases oxytocin (feel-good hormones)
• it allows partners and family members to bond with baby
• it offers relief if they feel constipated or gassy

Infant massage can help you develop your relationship with your baby. By touching them in this gentle, affectionate way, it can help your baby to feel secure and well attached to you. Recent research has shown that baby massages may be effective in reducing crying and relieving the uncomfortable symptoms of colic and teething. It can also aid your baby’s sleep patterns by helping to soothe and relax them and it can work particularly well as part of a bedtime routine.

Regular baby massage can boost your baby’s immune system and promotes flexibility. The massage strokes can also help to strengthen and regulate your baby’s digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems relieving discomfort and pain. It can also aid neurological development by building ‘pathways’ in the brain as it teaches your baby to become aware of their body.

With limited distractions, baby massage offers a relaxing way to bond with your baby through touch and eye contact. Asking your baby permission to massage and watching for verbal and non-verbal cues for emotional states such as happiness, tiredness and over-stimulation can develop your awareness of your baby’s needs. This in turn also builds their trust in you.

Getting started: Essential items you need

You don't need a whole lot to get started but there are few things that will help make it an enjoyable, comfortable experience for you both. Essential things to have are:

• Your preferred oil
• A towel
• Warm room

Make sure the room is warm as your baby will need to be undressed – either naked or have just their nappy on. Limit any noise or distractions so that baby can be as relaxed as possible, this will also help reinforce that one-to-one bond and communication between you both. Feel free to talk to your baby as your soothing voice will be another element of relaxation for them.

When it comes to choosing a massage oil to use, it is recommended to not use any oils on babies under 1 month old. The best oil to use on your baby is a vegetable oil that is high in polyunsaturated fat or cold-pressed oils. Keep your oil within reach so you can reapply it during the massage session.

Baby massage can form part of a calming bedtime or bathtime routine, but be sure to stop the massage once your baby falls asleep or if they're becoming fussy.

How to give your baby a massage

Massaging your baby can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, not just for your baby but for you too. Slow, firm massaging strokes can lead to the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for helping us to bond with our new baby.

The key thing to know before you start is to take cues from your baby. You need to ‘ask permission’ from your baby first. If you begin to proceed with the massage and your baby hunches their shoulders or pulls away, don’t proceed with a massage at that time.

Lay your baby on the floor with a towel underneath them. You can also lay them on a bed or sofa but ensure they aren't able to wriggle and fall off elevated surfaces. Let them have good eye contact with you and avoid areas with harsh overhead lights.

Massaging your baby's toes and feet

Use your index finger and thumb to gently rotate each toe in a circular motion. On the sole of your baby's foot, just above the heel, gently press with your index finger. As in reflexology, the foot is considered to have reflex points that relate to areas of the body. Above the heel relates to digestion.

Massaging your baby's legs

Hold your baby's ankle with one hand and cup the other hand around top of your baby's thigh. Move a cupped hand smoothly down towards their foot. Change the hand holding your baby's ankle when moving to the other leg. This is a relaxing move. An upward stroke, from ankle to thigh is invigorating.

Baby head massage

If your baby's birth was traumatic, avoid this. Otherwise, gently press your baby's head and press very lightly around their skull. Alternately, stroke their head, starting from the crown and moving towards their forehead; then stroke from the crown to the nape of the neck.

Baby face massage

Use both your index and middle fingers and place them on baby's cheeks, then gently make circles going towards their lips. Move on to the eyebrows by placing your thumbs in between the start of their brows and then gently brush your thumb outwards over the eyebrows. Place your baby's ears between your index and thumb fingers and make gentle circular motions.

Massaging your baby's back

Place your hands vertically (fingers pointing up towards his head) on your baby's back, near the nape of their neck. Stroke down to their buttocks, or all the way to their feet. Ensure your hands are either side of spine (not on it) and don't press. This is a sleep-inducing move.

Massaging your baby's tummy

Place both hands, palm down, on your baby's torso horizontally (fingers pointing in towards each other or overlapping). Start just above their belly button. Use one hand to make a gentle downward stroke towards their bladder. Then start a downward stroke from their belly button to bladder with your other hand. Repeat six times. This is good for wind and colic. You can repeat up to 12 times if your baby suffers from either.

Massaging your baby's fingers, hands and arms

Gently hold the tip of your baby's finger and move it in a circular motion. Open your hand and stroke out from your palm to fingertips. Like toes, fingers are reflex points related to sinuses. For arms, hold your baby's wrist in one hand. Cup your other hand at your baby's shoulder and pull gently down to their wrist. This is calming. From wrist to shoulder is invigorating. Change hands for your baby's other arm.

When and how often should you massage your baby?

You can technically start giving your baby massages from when they're born but it's recommended to start from about 6 weeks as your baby will likely be more open to stimulating activities and their routine will be more predictable.

Pick a time when your baby is happy and content before giving them a massage. The most suitable time tends to be in between feeds when they are neither hungry nor too full. Your baby should be fully awake and relaxed.

To make it a regular thing, try and incorporate the massages into your baby's daily routine. It could be something you do before bedtime or after bathtime, this is a great way for you to bond and settle your baby down for sleeping. A baby massage can last between 10-30 minutes as long as your little one is showing signs they are comfortable and enjoying it.

You can massage your baby as often as you decide. 1-3 sessions a day may be more realistic and doable before baby gets old enough to wriggle away.

Safety tips for giving your baby a massage

Now you're all prepared and equipped with how to massage a baby, here are some safety tips to consider:

• Listen to your baby and don't ignore any signs of disinterest
• Avoid baby massages if your baby is unwell
• Remove any rings that have sharp edges or spikes to avoid accidentally scratching your baby with them
• Always do a patch test with the oil to make sure that baby's skin isn't allergic to it
• For premature babies, we recommend you seek medical advice before starting their first massage

Pic: Getty Images

Read more:

• Tummy Time: essential tips for your baby's development
• When will my baby be able to hold their head up?
• Baby's First Laugh: what to expect
• How to soothe your baby when they are teething