In the womb, a baby is constantly cocooned in a warm secure environment and surrounded by amniotic fluid. As the mother goes about in her daily routine, the little one inside her is constantly rocked and massaged by the gentle rolling movements of her body.
Little wonder then that babies so craved the human touch right from birth. Gently conducted, massage can soothe and comfort a baby, both emotionally and physically. It can help to ease digestion problems, promote muscle tone, as well as calm an overstimulated child down.
Note: While most babies enjoy a gentle massage, there are some who do not like it. Respect your child's preferences. Keep massage gentle and short, and if your child resist, stop.
Simple Massage for Babies and Toddlers To begin, place baby on a soft surface or on your lap. Warm up a small amount of good quality massage oil or nut butter in your hands and use the following methods.
For Newborns Hand massage Gently keep baby's hand open by cupping it with one hand and holding the fingertips with your thumb. Lightly massage baby's palm with your other thumb, working across from baby's wrist to the base of baby's fingers. Repeat a few times.
Foot Hold baby's foot and gently massage the sole with your thumb, using small circular movements.
For Babies Two Months & Above
Head & Face Moving from the top of the head down to the chin, stroke the sides of your baby's face gently with flat palms. Then, using the index fingers, gently caress the sides of Baby's nose, followed by a soft smoothing movement over the cheeks, sliding out towards the ears.Repeat a few times.
Chest & Stomach Gently place your hands on Baby's chest. Stroke downwards, caressing the thoras, then the hips.Bring the hands to the initial starting point and repeat a few times.
Back MassageStroke Baby's back continuously from the nape of the neck to the lower back, using first one hand, then the other.
Arms & Legs Hold Baby's hand or foot in one hand. Slide your other hand along Baby's arm or leg, applying gentle pressure. Repeat a few times.
|
|
© 2005-2014 Home On Earth
Registration No. 53043585C
All rights reserved.
|
|