Relaxing Baby Massage

What is Baby Massage

Baby massage is the gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby’s body using your hands. As part of a massage routine, you might gently manipulate your baby’s ankles, wrists and fingers.

“You might also talk softly, hum or sing to them while massaging to create a sense of calm and reassurance for your baby”.

Benefits to Baby Massage

Baby massage is a lovely way to enjoy time with your baby and it can also help you bond with them.

Before babies are able to understand language, we often communicate and comfort them through touch. If a baby cries, for example, parents will hold, cuddle or stroke them. Baby massage is part of this natural impulse.

Baby massage was introduced about 30 years ago in neonatal wards to support the development of premature babies in intensive care units. A study in 2004 found that babies in intensive care units who were massaged spent less time in hospital, had slightly better scores on developmental tests and slightly fewer postnatal complications.

Today, there is widespread belief that baby massage can increase a mum’s awareness of her baby’s needs and support their early bond, as well as improve her sense of well-being if she is suffering with postnatal depression or other mental health issues. The evidence is inconclusive on these points but parents do say they find baby massage a lovely way of bonding with their baby.

Various research studies on infant massage have shown that there is a significant reduction in overall crying time with infants and toddlers who receive massage.
Improves sleep and regulates sleep patterns. Baby massage increases serotonin levels and regulates melatonin secretion rhythms which helps regulate sleep patterns. In addition to regulating sleep patterns, serotonin is believed to play an important role in regulating anger, aggression, temperature, mood and appetite in addition to other body functions. Low levels of serotonin are thought to be associated with several disorders involving aggressive behaviour, in addition to clinical depression, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine and many more. Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted more at night to help induce sleep, and when released during daytime hours is, associated with napping. Melatonin plays a role in regulating a person’s ‘body clock’ or circadian rhythms. Ideal for pre-term and low birth-weight infants. Research has shown that infants receiving touch therapy and massage gain weight faster and are discharged earlier than other infants.
Researchers have found that low birth-weight infants are gaining weight due to increased vagal activity and enhanced gastric motility (filling and emptying of the stomach).
Enhances emotions and improves mood.
Increases dopamine levels which are believed to play an important role in regulating anger, aggression, temperature, mood and appetite in addition to other body functions.
Improves wind, colic, reflux and constipation.
Stimulates elimination of waste from the body, can relieve abdominal wind within minutes and speeds a natural process of the nervous system which can assist with reflux.
Relieves sinus and chest congestion. Baby massage helps promote adequate drainage of the sinuses and excess mucus on the chest.
Boosts immune system.
Positively influence physiological processes and improve immune function. Baby massage has shown a significant increase in the number and function of natural killer cells and an increase in neutrophil count (white blood cells that form an integral part of the immune system).
Baby massage also reduces stress hormone levels in the body, which, in turn, enhances function of the immune system. Reduces stress hormone levels in children and their parents. Known as “the stress hormone” cortisol is released during times of stress. Prolonged high levels of cortisol can reduce immunity, impair cognitive performance, and reduce bone density and muscle tissue. Massage measurably decreases cortisol levels in both children and their parents allowing blood pressure, heart rate, digestive functioning and hormonal levels to return to their normal state.
Parents who massage their infant each day are more likely to notice changes in their child’s physical condition, which may go unnoticed longer with infants who are not receiving massage.
Reduces symptoms of Eczema.
A UK study showed significant improvement in eczema symptoms with the introduction of massage by parents in addition, Infant Massage Instructors have seen improvement first hand with many babies at infant massage classes. The type of oil used for baby massage is extremely important. New research shows olive oil and sunflower oil damage the natural skin barrier, exacerbating and possibly instigating eczema. The barrier provides a crucial protective function for the skin, preventing loss of moisture and the entrance of harmful microorganisms or irritants. Why some people develop eczema is not well understood. We know that with eczema the skin barrier does not work as well, so the goal is to strengthen this while also reducing stress levels and strengthening the immune system. Daily massage for babies with eczema helps to measurably reduce cortisol levels (‘stress hormone’) as well as strengthening the immune system by improving the function of the body’s ‘natural killer cells’ (a type of white blood cell that plays a major role in the rejection of both tumours and virally infected cells). Moisturising the skin regularly is best carried out via a short massage twice a day. The massage strokes themselves assist with eczema by increasing circulation and lymph flow for the affected areas.
Enhances coordination.
Studies have shown baby massage improves left/right brain communication which has been suggested to improve intelligence.
Relaxes little muscles while stimulating circulation.
During baby massage, circulation in both the circulatory and lymphatic system increases. The lymphatic system is a specialised component of the circulatory system and has various functions within the body. The two most important functions are internal fluid balance and immunity. One way to imagine the role of the lymphatic system is as the bodies own ‘waste-water system’. Like wastewater systems used in cities, the lymphatic system drains away excess, or ‘runoff,’ water from large areas. “After collecting the body’s runoff, or lymph, the lymphatic system conducts it through a network of lymphatic vessels, or ‘drain pipes,’ to miniature ‘treatment facilities’ called lymph nodes. Contaminants are then removed from lymph, just as contaminants are removed in a wastewater treatment plant. The ‘clean’ fluid is then returned to the bloodstream much as clean wastewater is returned to a nearby river or lake.
Like Municipal wastewater systems, the lymphatic system not only prevents dangerous fluid build-ups, or ‘floods,’ [swelling] but also prevents the spread of disease. All systems of the body benefit from the fluid-balancing and immune functions of the lymphatic system.” (Thibodeau Patton 1996.)
Reduces anxiety and improves alertness.
Improved pulmonary (lung) function.
Stimulates the vagas nerve.
The vagas nerve is a nerve in the brain that becomes stimulated, or increases in activity during massage. Because the vagas nerve branches out to control the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems, all of these areas can benefit from massage therapy.

Benefits To Children With Special Needs

Massage is beneficial for children with cerebral palsy, asthma, cystic fibrosis, dermatitis, diabetes, down syndrome, fibromyalgia, HIV exposed infants, leukaemia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and a wide range of other conditions with similar symptoms.

Reduces postnatal complications of drug-exposed infants.
Enhances habituation (a form of learning).
Stroking on the skin is a new sensation for infants to become accustomed to. Any process that is new to an infant (or unrecognised) can induce an automatic stress response causing the release of a hormone known as ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone). This process is not negative, but beneficial to the infant. The release of ACTH stimulates the growth of millions of new connecting links between neurons. The end result is that the brain is able to process information, and convert new and stressful situations into something that is recognised as being predictable and safe. This fascinating benefit has the potential to ensure infants are easier to soothe in general, and show a decrease in future stress hormone levels for the child.
Enhances cognitive and motor development. Cognitive development refers to the development of thought processes, including remembering, problem solving, and decision-making. Motor development refers to the progressive change in a child’s control of movement due to maturation and experience.
Relief of discomfort Massage causes a release of endorphins which “act like opiates to block pain (Thibodeau 1996).” This release may assist in relieving discomfort associated with painful conditions such as teething, wind, colic, and other medical conditions like Cerebral Palsy that has painful symptoms.
Evidence suggests that opioids are the most appropriate treatment for infants’ suffering from withdrawal after being exposed to various drugs during pregnancy; therefore this release of endorphins could be particularly beneficial to these babies.
Reduces distress during aversive medical procedures.
Reduces crying, a team of researchers from Warwick Medical School and the institute of Education have reviewed nine paediatric massage studies where parents were trained by professional instructors in appropriate baby massage techniques. Following the intervention, a range of significant results were noted. Compared to control groups, the massaged infants cried less, slept better and had lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).
Enhances attachment and bonding.
Enhances body awareness.
Speeds myelination of the brain and nervous system. Myelination is a process that occurs in the nervous system where a portion of some nerves are covered by a fatty sheath known as myelin. Skin stimulation speeds the process of myelination in the nervous system therefore improving brain-body communication and enhancing neural-cell firing, the process by which cells of the nervous system ‘fire’ messages to the brain and musculoskeletal body.
Beneficial for parents and grandparents Research has shown that adults who provide massage to infants experience less anxiety, fewer depressive symptoms, improved mood, pulse decreases, cortisol levels decrease (a stress hormone), and improved self-esteem. Another study (Lunnen et al 2005) showed that caregivers felt more confident and less stressed and felt a closer bond with their baby after learning infant massage.
Massage can easily involve the father. Fathers have been seen to have improved interaction behaviours with their infants after learning massage techniques.

Getting Started

You’re ready to massage baby, but what exactly are you supposed to do?

Just follow a few simple steps:

1. Set the mood, Dim the lights, shut off your phone, turn on some soft music if you’d like, and make sure the room is warm.

2. Place baby on a safe surface, choose a comfortable, but flat surface. This may be a floor, your bed (don’t leave baby unattended!), or baby’s changing table.

3. Undress baby You can ditch the nappy if you want. A little air time will even be beneficial for baby’s bum if she has a diaper rash or heat rash. Just be sure to slide a towel or two under baby if they are nappy-free. The pre-fold inserts for cloth diapers work well in this situation.

4. Gentle and firm touch, now is not the time for tickling. You want a calm, peaceful mood.

For small infants, use soft, gentle strokes. For toddlers, you can use more firm “massage” strokes. Think of a massage stroke as smoothing your baby’s skin, rather than rubbing it.

5. Number of strokes – Babies do not have the capability to lie there for lengthy periods of time. It is advisable to do each move approximately 3 times.

6. Bond with your baby – Talk softy, sing a lullaby, or gently shhhhh your baby. Look baby in the eyes to enhance the connection between the two of you.

7. Know when to stop If baby starts to fuss, stop the massage and resume at a later time. Common reasons why babies start to fuss during a massage is that they are hungry, too cold, or even bored.

Age – It’s never too early to start massaging your baby. Your baby’s first massage might even be on their birth day when you rub in the vernix. However, if you massage a newborn, you’ll want to be extra careful when using any oils on his sensitive newborn skin.

Time of day – The time of day you choose to massage your baby could make a difference in how well baby responds to the massage. Avoid massaging baby too soon after a feed, since it may cause baby to spit up.

Some of the best times to massage baby are:

About 45 minutes after eating,

When baby is calm, alert, and awake,

Right before bed,

After a nappy change.

Massage Baby's Legs

Hold the ankle with one hand and hold your other hand in a C-shape, thumb down, around your baby’s upper thigh. Stroke from the thigh down to the foot.
With your hands grasping the leg at the thigh, one right above the other, stroke down from hip to foot with both hands rotating in opposite directions, as if you were wringing a towel.
Massage around the ankle using small circles one way and then back the other way
On the sole of the foot, use a thumb-over-thumb motion to massage from heel to toes. just like walking up the foot. Make sure you use firm strokes, as not to tickle them.
Use your whole hand to stroke the bottom of the foot from heel to toes.
Stroke the top of the foot. Gently squeeze and pull each toe.
Stroke the top of the foot in a down ward motion from ankle to toes.
Roll the leg between your hands, as if you’re rolling dough.
Now take your hand into the C-shape again and go from ankle up to thigh.

Massage Baby's Arms

With one hand, hold your baby’s wrist. Relax the upper arm by tapping it lightly.
Hold the baby’s wrist with one hand, and hold your other hand in a C-shape around the upper arm; stroke from the shoulder down to the wrist.
With each hand grasping the arm, one right above the other, stroke down from shoulder to wrist with both hands rotating in opposite directions, as if you were gently wringing a towel.
Massage the palm, by moving thumb in a circular motion in the baby’s palm.
Stroke down the top of the hand from wrist to fingertips.
Gently squeeze and pull each finger and thumb.
Stroke down the top of the hand from fingertips to wrist
Massage the wrist by moving your fingers in small circles.
Roll their arm between both your hands.
Now take your hand into the C-shape again and go from hands back to shoulders.

Massage Baby's Tummy

According to International association of Infant Massage (IAIM), rubbing a baby’s stomach can help relieve gastrointestinal issues like constipation and gas, improve symptoms of colic, and encourage good digestion. Here’s the best technique for parents (but note you shouldn’t massage the area around the cord, if their cord hasn’t completely healed.)

Hold your hand so your pinky’s edge can move like a paddle across your baby’s belly. Starting at the base of the rib cage, stroke down with one hand, then the other, in a paddle-wheel-like motion.
Gently massage the abdomen with your fingertips in a circular, clockwise motion.
Do the “I Love U” stroke: Trace the letter I down your baby’s left side. Then trace an inverted L, stroking across the belly along the base of the ribs from the right side to the left and down. Trace an inverted U, stroking from low on the baby’s right side, up and around the navel, and down the left side.
Walk your fingers across their tummy from left to right.
Place your hand on their tummy with your palm to their navel, then move your hand in a circular clockwise fan motion.
With a little pressure, move your fingers along the area of the intestines in 5 centimetre intervals.
Hold your baby’s knees and feet together and gently press their knees up toward the abdomen. Rotate your baby’s hips around a few times to the right. (This often helps expel gas.)
Place hand on tummy horizontally and rock your hand from side to side a few times. When ever massaging a baby’s tummy, always go in a clockwise motion as this is the way the large intestines move waste.

Massage Baby's Chest

When your baby is suffering from a cough, cold, or respiratory infection, a chest massage with a therapeutic oil may help provide some relief from their symptoms. Even for healthy infants, a chest massage can improve breathing patterns and lung health. Consult your doctor before giving a chest massage if they’re sick or if you are unsure.

Place both hands on your baby’s chest and stroke outward from the sternum to the shoulders.
Beginning at the sternum, trace a heart shape bringing both hands up to the shoulders, then down and back together.
In a crisscross pattern, stroke diagonally from one side of your baby’s hip, up and over the opposite shoulder, and back down to the hip.
With both hands, place your hand flat and move it across their chest from shoulder to shoulder and then back again, At the same time place the other hand flat below it moving in the opposite direction.

Massage Baby's Back

Giving your baby regular back massages may help them feel more comfortable lying on their stomach. If the position makes them fussy, you can place a tummy roll under your little one, or a rolled up towel. You can sit down on a chair and place little ones over your lap or hold them up to your shoulder and with the other hand massage the back and head.

Place your baby on their tummy horizontally in front of you, or lay them across your outstretched legs. Keep their hands in front of them, not at their side.
With both of your hands on your baby’s back, move each hand back and forth (keeping them going in opposite directions) from the base of the neck to their buttocks.
Hold the top of your baby’s buttocks with one hand and use the other to stroke down from the neck to the buttocks.
Using your fingertips, massage in small circles down one side of baby’s spine and up the other. Avoid pressing on the spine directly.
Spread your fingers between each rib and gently move your fingers from the spine to the side of their body.
Place the palm of your hand on the cheeks of your baby’s buttock, with firm pressure rub in a big circular motion. This will help increase circulation to their feet.
Massage their shoulders with small circular motions.
Holding your fingers like a rake, stroke down their back.

Massage Baby's Head and Face

A tender head and face massage can release tension, improve blood circulation, and encourage sound sleep before bedtime. And some good news for follicle challenged babies: a head massage may even promote hair growth!

Cradling your baby’s head in both hands, massage the scalp with your fingertips, as if you’re shampooing. (Avoid the fontanel, the soft spot on top of baby’s head.)
Massage the ears between your thumb and index finger.
Trace a heart shape on your baby’s face, bringing your hands together at the chin.
Place your thumbs between your baby’s eyebrows, and stroke out.
Again with your thumbs, stroke gently out over your baby’s closed eyelids and then over their eyebrows.
Stroke from the bridge of the nose out over the cheeks this is good in relieving sinuses.
Using a circular motion, run your fingers around the eyes, over the eyebrows then down the side, over the cheek, and then up the bridge of the nose.
Using your fingertips, massage the jaw in small circles, this is good for teething.

General Tips for Baby Massage

Implementing infant massage into your parenting routine doesn’t have to be difficult, but there are some general guidelines you can follow to maximize your efforts—and keep your baby safe and happy. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting started with baby massage:

Different cultures have different ideas on the best time to massage, but every baby is different so listen to your baby on when they are open to a massage.
Make strokes gentle but firm, and not ticklish.
Build massage into your baby’s daily schedule.
Follow your baby’s signals about when to stop.
A massage can last 10 minutes or 30 minutes, depending on their mood. Crying, squirming, or falling asleep are signs that your baby isn’t feeling the massage.
Use massage oil that is gentle on baby’s skin, and avoid any that have harsh ingredients. IAIM also recommends choosing something without fragrance. Don’t incorporate any essential oils into a massage oil that is used on the face.
We recommend using Apricot Oil.
Remember to relax and don’t worry too much about your technique. Speak softly, sing, or hum to your baby, and smile to teach them that this is a fun, loving activity you can share.

Best Oils to use

As any parent knows, keeping a baby’s skin healthy, nourished, and soft is a top priority. But with all of the different lotions and oils on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose.

With any oil you are using for the first time, always do a little patch test.

Apricot Oil

The only oil trusted by My Baby Bubble Spa.

Apricot oil is one of the best all-rounder oils, Apricot Kernel Oil (Refined) is highly nourishing, readily absorbed and well suited to all skin types (particularly dry, sensitive and young skin). Often likened to Almond Sweet Oil, Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil has a lot to offer when it comes to skin care.- Due to its versatile nature, this carrier oil is fantastic for diluting essential oils.

Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil is rich in essential fatty acids (oleic and linoleic). It also contains high levels of vitamins A, C and E, making it fantastic in after sun care products.
The Vitamin K content within this carrier oil has been seen to reduce the appearance of dark circles, particularly around the eyes.
Other Apricot Kernel Oil benefits are known to soothe inflamed, irritated, chapped and dry skin.
The anti-inflammatory properties further make it a great remedy for reducing signs of eczema and psoriasis, as it works to decrease redness and itchiness.
Well suited for babies and children due to its fast absorption into the skin, gentle on delicate skin, an good edible oil that will not hurt baby if they place their hands into their mouth and is not a nut reducing the chance of allergic reaction.
Light in texture whilst providing deep moisturisation without any greasy residue. Easily absorbed, leaving your baby’s skin feeling soft, supple and cared for.
It is also commonly used in creams, lotions, ointments, butters and balms, as well as soaps, bath oils and massage oils.

Benefits

Among many, some of the most notable benefits of Apricot Kernel Oil Refined are;

100% Pure & Natural vegetable origin
Easily absorbed and ultra-light
Highly versatile & hydrating
Rich in Omega-9 (Oleic acid) & Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid)
High Antioxidant content (Vitamins A, C & E)
Rich in Vitamin K
Anti-inflammatory properties
Helps to reduce & prevent signs of aging
Provides hydration and repairs the skins surface
Protects from free-radical damage
Can help reduce UV skin damage

Coconut Oil

If you’re looking for a natural and healthy alternative for your little one, then consider using coconut oil.

Coconut oil is gentle and effective at cleansing the skin, while also being naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Coconut oil is also rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can protect against infection. In addition, it helps to lock in moisture, keeping the skin soft and hydrated (it’s best to apply coconut oil to your baby’s skin after a bath!).

Plus, according to dermatologists, coconut oil is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types (however, do a patch test first!). Some studies have also shown that coconut oil can provide relief to baby skin that is affected by eczema, psoriasis, cradle cap, and diaper rashes.

Unlike other oils, coconut oil is quickly absorbed by the skin, providing long-lasting hydration. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that coconut oil is a staple in many households with young children!

Essential Oils

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is good for your baby’s skin. This essential oil, known for its calming scent, has been shown to be effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions, and has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Of course, it’s important to always use lavender oil with a carrier oil like Apricot oil. Plus, only use it on babies who are older than 3 months.

So, put a few drops in your baby’s bath and watch how it promotes sleep and relaxation! Lavender oil is well-known for its calming effect on the mind and body, making it an ideal choice for massaging into your baby’s skin before bedtime. It can also provide relief to a dry, itchy scalp that has dandruff.

However, make sure that your little one doesn’t ingest the oil. Additionally, it’s best to use an essential oil like lavender oil sparingly!

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile)

German chamomile and Roman chamomile are gentle essential oils that can be beneficial for babies who have trouble sleeping.

Chamomile has natural soothing effects and is traditionally used to treat insomnia in babies and adults.

Chamomile, along with lavender, can relieve symptoms of colic. Chamomile has also been shown to help anxiety and depression, and can uplift a fussy baby’s spirits.

Distilled lemon (Citrus limon)

Distilled lemon can help lift energy and mood, and is great for a post-nap wakeup call.

Distilled lemon is preferable to expressed lemon for babies. Expressed lemon is a potential photosensitizer, whereas distilled lemon should not cause skin irritation.

Dill (Anethum sowa)

Dill is a calming, antispasmodic oil that can help soothe indigestion.

To use, dilute dill in a ratio of 1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil, blend thoroughly, and massage the mixture onto a baby’s skin.

Eucalyptus (Eucalpytus radiata)

Eucalyptus is a natural expectorant that can help unclog respiratory congestion. This makes Eucalyptus a favorite during the cold winter months.

Note: Eucalpytus radiata is a different species than the commonly found Eucalyptus globulus. Children and infants should use Eucalpytus radiata. While Eucalyptus globulus is safe for adults, it should not be used on children under the age of 2.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Mandarin has calming effects similar to lavender, making it a great nighttime alternative for babies who are irritated by the scent of lavender.

The sweet scent of mandarin is favorable to other orange varieties because it’s not phototoxic. This means that even when diluted and applied directly to the skin, it shouldn’t cause skin irritation.

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree is a natural antimicrobial, antifungal, and disinfectant. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to an unscented oil can help with diaper rash and fungal infections.

Tea tree is a stronger oil that can be harsh on the skin, so it should be avoided on babies younger than 6 months old and carefully patch-tested on older infants.