Infant Massage Instruction
Infant Massage Basics
Benefits
Increase bonding between baby and caregiver.
Enhance caregiver confidence in interpreting baby cues.
Provide relaxation and quiet focus for both.
Establish a massage routine.
Best times to give a massage:
During the Quiet Alert Stage: Eyes open, bright, some movement, regular breathing, and attentive posture.
When baby is drowsy to help them sleep, or active to encourage play/calm.
Environment for Massage:
Warm room.
Use of natural oils/creams or familiar skin products.
Comfortable towels/blankets.
When NOT to perform massage:
If the baby has a fever or infection.
If there are medical issues—consult a doctor or Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
If the baby provides "no" cues (indicating discomfort).
Benefits of Infant Massage
Relaxation.
Strengthening of parent-child bonding.
Enhanced communication between parent and child.
Improved sleep.
Alleviation of GI symptoms like constipation and gas.
Empowerment of babies through responsive touch (stop when babies signal).
Support for growth and weight gain.
Provision of physical comfort.
Assistance with motor coordination.
Normalization of muscle tone and muscle health.
Regulation of the nervous system.
Normalization of respiratory and circulatory systems.
Infant Massage & Your Baby: A Guideline for Parents
Basics
Pressure: Use gentle but firm touch as a guide.
Speed: Slow strokes are soothing; fast strokes are stimulating.
Strokes: Younger babies prefer full-handed strokes, while older babies may enjoy gentle squeezes or movements of limbs.
Areas to Massage: Arms, legs, back, glutes, chest, belly, head, and face—focus on favorite areas but not all areas every time.
Positioning: Baby can be on back, belly, or side, or cuddled on shoulder/lap.
Interest: Use toys, movements, singing, or rhymes to engage older babies.
Duration: Massages can last from 2 to 30 minutes; younger babies may get overstimulated after 5-10 minutes.
Tips for a Successful Massage
Monitor Baby's Signals: Be attentive to signs of discomfort; adjust technique as needed.
Know When to Stop: If the baby remains uncomfortable after adjustments, stop the massage and try again later.
Important Pointers for a Successful Massage
Avoid Certain Areas:
No pressure on the baby’s spine.
Do not apply pressure on the xiphoid process (center of the chest).
Massage Direction: Always massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction to assist digestion and gas movement.
Medical Consultation: If your baby has a medical condition, consult a physician or RMT for safe massage techniques.
Assess Fever: Do not massage a feverish baby.
Touch Relaxation: Use touch relaxation to soothe, comfort, and express love any time.
Touch Relaxation or Static Contact
Description: Connect with your infant when massage strokes may be overstimulating, facilitating gradual familiarization with touch in a nurturing context.
Technique: Gently place hands on a specific area of the baby's body, allowing for a calming connection that conveys relaxation intentions.
Usefulness: Particularly beneficial if the baby has experienced trauma or is distressed by traditional massage strokes.
Full Body Massage Guidelines
Position: Face Up
Legs:
Flat stroking from hip to foot, squeeze & twist, thumb presses to the foot.
Use playful movements like the "This Little Piggy."
Tummy (wait 30 mins after feeding):
Techniques: Water Wheel, I Love You, Sun/Moon.
Chest: Butterfly and heart strokes.
Arms: Same technique as legs.
Face/Head: Stroking across forehead and face.
Position: Belly Time
Back (for babies under 4 weeks):
Flat-handed moving strokes, small kneading circles away from spine.
Neck: Scoop up towards the base of the skull.
Legs: Similar techniques as on the previous page can be used with the baby face up or down.
Tip: Massage does not need to be sequential; adapt to the baby’s movements.