Baby Massage FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions on Infant, Baby and Child Massages
What is the right time to massage a baby?
Choose a time when both you and your child are calm and relaxed. Usually, a half hour after feed is desirable. Mid morning massage sessions are best. A massage right after feed can cause regurgitation or upset the baby.
When is the right age to start a baby massage?
Massages can be started at any age. Infant massages can last for 10 mins a day initially and gradually increased to 30 mins a day when they reach 1 year of age. Benefits of infant massage can extend even during childhood. Child massages can be continued beyond infancy.
Why massage everyday?
A baby gains a huge amount of life experience everyday. To a baby, touch is important for growth, for development and to gain understanding slowly, that they have a body with arms and legs. It is also the only time that you connect with your baby without other distractions. It is the quality time that you spend with your baby that nurtures and strengthens the parent-infant bond.
How long should the baby massage last?
Around 20-30 minutes massage should be good. You can give your baby, a complete body massage in this time. Give some time to yourself and your baby to learn and get used to the massage strokes. Finally both you and your baby will set your rhythm of optimal comfort.
Why learn a particular massage routine?
Touch is an important means of communication – an expression of love and care which allows you and your baby to connect deeply to each other. Thus, infant massage can be a daily ritual. It has a rhythm which is hard to duplicate in other ways. It allows the mother to focus attention and bond with her baby.
Why to set a massage routine?
A set routine helps you and your baby understand what to expect and enjoy the deep, satisfying and relaxing experience. Doing the exact same thing over and over on a daily basis, lets the mother flow with the rhythm. She can stop worrying about ‘how’ to do it and just enjoy the experience along with her baby.
What if your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy the massage?
Most babies love being massaged. It is rare to find a baby who doesn’t enjoy being massaged. If your baby doesn’t seem to like the massage, it is likely that you are not doing it the right way. You may be using hard massage strokes which the baby finds uncomfortable. Begin with gentle, soothing touches and once your baby is used to them, you can proceed to firmer strokes. Your baby will demand more of it once it gets used to your touch.
It may require persistence to get your child into a massage rhythm with you. At first, the baby may be uncomfortable, just as when you get a back rub you become more aware of the discomfort in your body and then feel relaxed. Offer your baby short massages a few times a day. Make it enjoyable, soothing and desirable instead of trying too hard.
What happens when your baby gets older?
It is very likely that once your baby becomes 6 months of age, he/ she would get hooked on to the soothing massage therapy routine. As babies get older, they tend to get more playful and may dislike being tied to a routine for long.
The massage routine would need to be modified to something that works best for both of you. Your baby is likely to get occupied with whatever task they are trying to learn, during the growth and developmental stages. This results in your baby not wanting the massage. Once this stage passes, they may settle for the massage routine again. As a mother, you would need to adapt to a changing routine.
Some children may want a bedtime routine for the massage, while other children get active and never stop once they are up and running. Toddlers like to smear themselves with body lotion. Older children may want a back-rub, or leg rub as a part of the bedtime routine.
Massage Oils or Dry Massage?
Massage oils not only lubricate and ensure a smooth glide but also have positive health benefits on your baby. For more information about this, read the baby massage oils section.
How to bond better with your baby during a massage session?
Focus your attention on your little one and let go of worries and distractions. It may be a good idea to talk softly to your baby and listen to their response. Often babies respond with non-verbal mouthing, facial expressions or body language. Stifle the urge to talk non-stop. Communicate with your hands and facial expressions. Practice listening with your whole body and senses. Wait for your baby to respond. Breathe deeply and keep your hearts connected.
