Benefits of Baby Massage for Newborns & How to Do It Safely

Massaging your baby is a powerful way to communicate with them without words. In the precious early months of life, babies explore and understand their world through touch, which is their most refined sense at this stage. A gentle touch can calm your baby and is also the first way they learn to communicate. Whether you’re looking to deepen your bond, ease your baby’s fussiness, or establish a peaceful bedtime routine, infant massage is a wonderful tool that benefits both you and your child.

The Benefits of Infant Massage

Giving a baby a massage can help in many ways, including making them feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally. It creates a loving space for both the baby and the parent.

Building a Deeper Connection

Giving your baby a massage is an excellent step to build your connection with them. It leads to the release of oxytocin, also known as the ‘bonding hormone’. This process strengthens the emotional bond between you and your baby, which is very important when they are still very young.

Boosting Infant Health

Regular massages can significantly benefit your baby’s nervous system and overall well-being. They improve digestion, which can alleviate colic and constipation, enhance blood circulation, and support healthy growth and development.

Enhancing Sleep Patterns

If it is tough to get your baby to sleep, trying massages might help. Massages can help set your baby’s sleep-wake cycle. It is a relaxing thing to do that can lead to your baby sleeping more soundly, something every parent would love!

Reducing Stress

After birth massage are good for reducing stress in both babies and parents. Massaging your baby can make you feel calmer, helping you get into a peaceful routine. It is an activity you both share that makes you and your baby feel better overall.

Massage Guide: Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

Consult with a healthcare professional and a trained massage therapist before starting.
Prepare a comfortable setting on a sturdy surface.
Use gentle, calming music to enhance the soothing atmosphere.
Maintain a soft, light touch throughout the massage.

Don’ts

Don’t massage if your baby has a fever or appears to be in discomfort.
Don’t massage directly over wounds or surgical sites. Instead, gently work around these areas.
Don’t use scented lotions before your baby is 3 months old to avoid skin irritation.

Step-by-Step Massage Routine

Warm-Up: Start by making sure your baby is calm. Warm some oil in your hands and gently apply it to your baby’s tummy and behind their ears. Apply gentle pressure.

Legs: Begin with your baby’s legs. Use your thumbs to make circular motions from the heels to the toes and stroke gently from the ankles up the thighs.

Chest & Shoulders: Gently stroke from the shoulders inward towards the centre of the chest. Place your hands on your baby’s chest and rub towards the sides, mimicking a heart shape with your movements.

Tummy: Apply the lightest pressure to stroke the belly and below the chest. Use gentle, clockwise circular motions across the abdomen, avoiding the belly button.

Is Massage Oil Safe for Babies?
When it comes to massaging a newborn, picking the right oil is crucial due to their sensitive skin. Opt for organic, chemical-free oils to prevent dryness or irritation. Warm, unscented oils like avocado and grapeseed are excellent choices. These oils are gentle on your baby’s skin and provide a soothing experience without the risk of allergic reactions.

Tips for Incorporating Massage Into Bath Time & Diaper Changes

Practising infant massage doesn’t have to happen only during a dedicated session. You can also work loving touches into other parts of your daily care routine.

After a bath, wrap your baby in a towel and run some long, firm strokes down their arms, legs and back.
During diaper changes, provide a little tummy massage.
Touch and hold your baby’s foot while you feed them or when they feel especially fussy.

Notes
Pay close attention to cues indicating whether your child is enjoying the interaction.
If your little one displays signals suggesting discomfort or disinterest in a specific touch or activity at a particular time, try not to take it personally. Just like adults, babies may not always be receptive to certain types of sensory stimulation. With time, you’ll become familiar with the touches that are most comforting and enjoyable for your baby.

PNSG’s Free Baby Massage Tutorial

At PNSG, our postnatal massage comes with a free baby massage tutorial, and our therapists are trained in newborn massage in Singapore. They will personally share the knowledge and steps of a proper baby massage in Singapore with you. Since it would be a one-to-one demonstration, you can ask them everything you would like to know then and there as they teach you!