The benefits of massage for babies
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The benefits of massage for babies:
Baby massages have benefits for children, but also for parents. Many professionals and researchers affirm that massaging your baby helps develop your relationship with your baby and contributes to your baby's development.
Indeed, massages:
- are a good way to develop the bond of attachment with your baby. First, physical contact stimulates the production of oxytocin, a hormone linked to attachment. In addition, during the massage, the parent connects with their baby, which generally facilitates parent-baby interactions;
- have a positive effect on the baby's sleep. Thanks to massages, the baby learns to relax. Their sleep gradually becomes longer. After a massage, their body also secretes more melatonin, the sleep hormone. Thus, the baby's sleep-wake cycle improves;
- help children to be less stressed. Indeed, massages are very relaxing; promote weight gain in newborns. They also contribute to good digestion and relieve gas; stimulate the senses, especially the sense of touch, which promotes the development of babies' brains;
- encourage better communication between parents and their babies. During a massage, parents must listen to their baby's non-verbal signals and vocalizations;
- stimulate the child's blood circulation, which helps transport oxygen and maintain body temperature; help parents reduce stress and feel more confident in their parenting role.
Getting ready to massage your baby:
You can massage your baby from the first few days of life. However, if your baby is premature or has health problems, ask a nurse or doctor for advice before starting the massage.
- Choose a time when your baby is awake and relaxed. This could be before a nap or before putting him or her to bed for the night, or after a bath. Avoid massaging him or her when he or she is sleeping, crying, very agitated, or immediately before or after a feeding.
- Find a quiet place to do the massage. You can lay your baby on a blanket on the floor or on your bed, keeping an eye on him or her at all times. If you prefer to stand, place your baby on the changing table instead. The room you choose should also be dimly lit.
- Remove your baby’s clothes. This will allow you to massage his or her skin. Make sure the room is warm enough so that he or she does not get cold.
- Choose a vegetable oil (e.g. canola oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil) to massage your child. You can also use a moisturizer. However, avoid scented oils, massage oils, and nut- or petroleum-based products (e.g. petroleum jelly). Remove jewellery if you wear it. It could irritate your baby's skin and hurt him.
How to massage your baby?
When you massage your baby, you get to know him. You may notice, for example, that he likes it when you massage his legs, but he gets agitated when you massage his arms, or vice versa. If you want to massage your baby, here is what you can do.
- Start with a massage of a few minutes. Pay attention to your baby's reactions and adapt to his needs so that the massage remains pleasant. Stop if he turns his head, stiffens, gets agitated or seems upset. If he reacts well, and you feel comfortable, you can continue. If your baby is cold, cover him with a soft blanket and only take out the limb you are massaging.
- Massage your baby's arms, legs and back first. Since he is used to being touched in these areas, it should be pleasant for him. To start, you can put your hand around your baby’s ankles or wrists. Then make small circles with your thumb and index finger. You can also wrap your hand around your baby’s wrist (in a C shape) and slide it up to his shoulder.
- Once your baby is used to being massaged, gradually add massage to his face, chest, and neck.
- Sing or talk gently to your baby while you massage him. Listen to him “talk back.” If your baby enjoys being massaged, consider adding massage to his daily routine. For example, you could set aside 15 minutes a day for massage, at a time of day when your child is very calm. This could be after a bath or before bedtime.
Do all babies like massages? Some babies don’t like massages the first time. If your baby cries when you start massaging, try:
- Stroking your baby gently;
- Talking to your baby in a very soft tone;
- Singing or reading a story to help your baby relax.
If your baby is still upset, try again later. This may simply be because it is a new experience for your baby. If your baby is tired, hungry, or has a full tummy, he or she may not want to be massaged.
Other babies are more sensitive to touch than others and do not tolerate massages. If this is the case for your child, you can wait a few weeks before trying again.
Some babies also prefer it when their parents simply place their hands on them. Skin-to-skin contact is also a good way to have physical contact with your child.
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