Baby massage

Baby massage is a good way to increase bonding between mother and child. Out of the five sense , skin touch is more sensitive and well developed in babies. Baby always feel secure and pleasant when she is been touched and cuddled. Baby massage is the ancient technique and helpful in baby's growth and development. Let us discuss benefits of massage first and then about method.

• Benefits of massage :

1. Massage helps to develop baby's first language , which is mainly touch.
2. Daily massage help to strengthen the affection bond between baby and parents.
3. As per research center result, massage helps in weight gain and neurological development in premature babies.
4. Massage calms to colicky baby and improve functionality of gastrointestinal tract.
5. Massage helps in respiration of cells and circulation of blood.
6. Massage helps to calm nervous system which leads to restful and sound sleep
7. It helps to normalize muscle tone.
8. Massage helps baby to relieve the stress and improve the pain management.

• Preparation before massage :

1. Time for massage - There is no specific time for massage. Only precaution should be taken that baby must not be overfeed before massage and also should not be very tired and sleepy before massage. After few trial and error you could find out more suitable time for baby massage. Usually for infants massage has been done before bath. After massage baby is relaxed and stress less and can sleep more restful.
2. Oil for massage - Organic oil is easy to absorb in skin and hence good for baby massage. Oil like almond oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, mustard oil are good for baby massage. Use warm oil to massage the baby.
3. Position to Massage - As per Indian traditional way baby has been massaged on mother's/caretaker's stretched legs and that easy way to massage infants. However, one can massage baby by lay down on mattresses or bed. Put soft towel on lap or mattress before to take baby for massage.

• Directions of massage :

1. Feet and toes -  Expert suggest that start the massage with feet. Massage the baby feet with the help thumbs. Press the toes lightly and pull them gently.
2. Legs - Start with ankle and stroke up towards knees and thighs. Keep gentle pressure along the direction.
3. Chest and stomach - Massage the chest along the ribs direction, stroke from middle toward down side. Massage abdomen in circular direction staring from naval to outward direction.
4. Arms and shoulders - Massage the shoulder and arm in one long stroke starting from neck to fingertips. Use gentle pressure as you go along. Massage the palm with thumbs and pull the fingers with little jerk.
5. Face - Massage the forehead with the help of your both hands fingers along the eyebrows direction and ends near the ear. Massage the chick lightly in circular motion and nose along the length.Massage the chin along the lips direction. Massage ear lightly along the shape.
6. Head - Head has fontanel in infants so be careful while massaging head. Pit oil on head and just move hands in circular motion with gentle pressure.
7. Back - Massage the back in outward direction from centre to downside. Also give some long strokes from shoulder towards buttocks.