Baby massage is a great way for a new dad to bond with his baby.
What oil to use
Particularly with very young babies, I advise a plain, simple cold pressed organic oil (such as Natalia Baby Massage Oil) for baby massage, without any essential oil in it. This is because young babies are making sense of their world through touch and smell, so the smell of their mother or father is really important.
When not to massage
Massage is very safe, but there are times when it would be uncomfortable for your baby to receive massage. Do not massage:
How to massage
Before you begin make sure both you and your baby are warm and comfortable – a folded towel is perfect for your baby to lie on.
Although some babies respond well to massage straightaway, others may take a little longer to get used to it—usually three or four sessions at the most. Don’t give up! Just try a few strokes each time - see what they like best, and build up slowly.
Always respect your baby’s likes and dislikes and stop if they are not enjoying it. Keep it fun – introduce games and singing and try to keep eye contact as much as possible.
Before you start
Make sure your baby is in the mood for massage – if you always give them the same cues – such as lying them on their back, removing their clothes and taking some oil and warming it between your hands then they will soon realise what happens next and respond according to their mood.
Step 1 - Legs
Take one leg and give it a gentle shake.
With one hand holding the ankle, use the other to glide up the front and down the back of the leg.
Then gently stroke the whole leg again, hand over hand from hip to foot.
Step 2 - Feet
By massaging the feet, we relax the whole body.
Using your thumbs, massage the sole of the foot with little circles. Be firm so it does not tickle.
Step 3 - Toes
Play with and pull on each toe gently between your forefinger and thumb. Play This Little Piggy.
Massage the top of the foot and around the ankle with your fingers.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 with other leg, keep taking more oil as necessary
Step 4 - Tummy
Use the weight of your relaxed hand to stroke in big clockwise circles around the tummy. Start very lightly, and increase the pressure slightly as your baby’s tummy relaxes.
Step 5 - Chest and arms
Using both hands, start in the middle of the chest and gently glide out and over the shoulders and back round to the chest.
Now slide over the shoulders and down both arms.
Stroke down the whole body with both hands. Keep eye contact.
Step 6 - Back
When a baby lies on their front, this gently stretches the abdomen, so can be helpful relieving wind and colicky pain. It will also begin to strengthen the back and neck muscles.
Take some more oil between your palms, and stroke down the back, hand over hand. Don't put any pressure on the spine.
Finish by stroking slowly down the whole back of your baby’s body—from neck to feet using both hands three or four times.
Step 7 - Scalp
Gently massaging some oil into your baby's scalp will help them relax and can also help treat and prevent cradle cap.
After the massage, dress your baby slowly who may well be ready for a feed and bedtime. Massage can be part of a really enjoyable regular bedtime routine: bathe your baby first, then give them a massage and put them to bed in a happy, relaxed state.
Katie Whitehouse is an experienced baby massage instructor and founder of Vital Touch Ltd. For massage oils and a step by step guide to baby massage www.vitaltouch.com
To find a baby massage class near you log on to: www.gicm.org.uk or www.iaim.org.uk