• SHOP PRODUCTS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Laughing Kids Learn

Where learning is made fun

  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

How to give your baby a simple and loving massage

October 14, 2015 by Kate 8 Comments

It really is possible for parents to give a simple and loving baby massage and incorporate it into daily routine. Massage is relaxing and research has revealed that routine touch and massage is critical to a baby’s growth and development, communication and learning. In this post I am going to share with you some simple and loving baby massage techniques that you can do anytime and anywhere. I hope you and your baby enjoy them. 
Simple and loving baby massage techniques for parents

 Aside from it being a lovely experience for both myself and Boo (9 months), recent studies show that routine touch and massage can lead to children having an improved cognitive, emotional and social development. Since establishing our daily massage routine, I have also noticed a huge improvement in how Boo will settle down for the night. She seems so much better prepared for sleep and is generally much more relaxed throughout the day. 

So let me share how to give your baby a simple and loving massage, so you and your baby can experience the love and benefits too. 

Happy baby ready for massage

Preparing for massage

Before you start giving your baby a massage, you might like to consider – 

Timing of the massage

It’s important that your baby is in a happy and alert state. You want the massage to be as enjoyable for both you and your baby, so pick your timing carefully. Avoid times when your baby might be feeling unwell, over tired or just not in the mood for physical touch.

You might like to offer your baby a massage when they have just come out of the bath or woken from a nap. These are ideal times for Boo, however, each baby is different.

Room temperature

Your baby is likely to be wearing little clothing, if any at all, and so you want them to feel as comfortable as possible. Consider the temperature of the room and the surface, which your baby is laying on. A warm, soft blanket or towel on the floor might be ideal. 

Baby massage using Johnsons baby product

Supplies
Very little is required to give your baby a simple and loving massage. I personally have been enjoying the JOHNSON’S® products and will apply their baby lotion to Boo’s skin during the massage. We love it because it smells amazing (reminds me of my own childhood) and find it very moisturising and soft on her skin.

You might find a special unique and organic cream. 

Body Massage for babies
How to give a simple and loving massage

So lets begin. Undress your baby and place them on a soft and safe surface. Rub a pea size amount of baby lotion between your hands and begin by running your fingers softly down the middle of your baby’s torso. Repeat this stroking action a few times, changing hands, and take the time to connect with your baby. You might do this by smiling and making eye contact, talking with them about what you are doing or singing a soothing lullaby. Then move on to the following areas –

Tummy and chest

  • Massage your baby’s abdomen using your fingertips and in a clockwise direction.
  • Gently place both hands in a pray position on your baby’s chest and stoke outwards over the chest and towards the shoulder area.
  • Holding your baby’s feet together, very gently draw the knees to abdomen and hold for a few seconds before lengthening the legs and stroking the tummy.

Massaging baby's hand
Massaging baby's skin and arms

Arms and hands

  • Massage your baby’s palm and fingers with your thumb. Keep the wrist supported too.
  • Gently stroke down your baby’s arm, from shoulder to the wrist. 
  • Lightly tap your baby’s arm with a finger to relax the muscle.

Massaging baby's feet

Legs and Feet

  • Stroke down from the hip to the foot using both hands. 
  • Lightly squeeze the thigh area and massage over and around the knee area.
  • Use your thumb to gently massage the top and underside of your baby’s foot in a circular motion

Massaging baby's back

Back

  • Stoke down the outer sides of the spine and massage over the shoulder blades
  • Massage your baby’s buttocks in a circular motion
  • Lightly roll your thumbs over the rib cage area

Massaging baby's face

Face

  • Place your thumbs between your baby’s eyebrows and stroke outwards and lightly over the nose 
  • Massage the jaw bone in a circular motion
  • Using your thumb and forefinger, massage your baby’s ears

There are so many ways you can give your baby a simple and loving massage. I hope I’ve been able to inspire you to give it a go today and include some baby massage into your daily routine.  

Do you take the time to give your baby a massage?

Filed Under: 0 - 12 months, activities for babies, Parenting, Review, Sensory Play, Sponsored Post Tagged With: baby play, establishing connection, parenting, product review, relaxation

Comments

  1. katepickle says

    October 14, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    My babies all LOVED to be massaged.
    I went to baby massage classes with Pinky McKay when my twins were babies and it was one of the few times in their first year that neither of them was crying! LOL

    Reply
    • Kate says

      October 14, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      Oh dear. Massage is very powerful and a great way to relax. I totally need to organise a massage for myself! LOL
      Thanks for your comment Kate. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Danya says

    October 14, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    Baby massage is so wonderful, isn’t it. We used to do it with our two when they were little. We still do sometimes!

    Reply
    • Kate says

      October 14, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      My oldest often asks for a massage and I love that. Thanks for your comment Danya. 🙂

      Reply
  3. kate @ livinglovinglaughing says

    October 14, 2015 at 11:41 pm

    Love these practical tips! Baby massage is soothing for bub – AND parents huh 🙂

    Reply
    • Kate says

      October 15, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      Completely agree Kate. LOL
      Thanks so much for your comment.

      Reply
  4. Viji says

    November 2, 2017 at 10:21 pm

    We Indians do massage with different oils like mustard oil, sesame oil, etc… That gives strength to the baby bones and keep them relaxed and comfortable and yes as you said gives an emotional and social connect between the two

    Reply
  5. harryberr5 says

    April 2, 2019 at 8:28 pm

    This is an ideal blog for any person who wants to know about massage therapy. The article is good and it is pleasant to read. I know very important things here. Thank you very much for this post!

    Reply

Please Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome
Hello and welcome!
My name is Kate and I am a mum to two little girls, Possum and Boo. We have lots of fun together learning with play at home and are pleased to share some of what we do with you.
Read my about page to find out more.

facebookpinteresttwitterinstagramgoogle plusyoutube

Search

Find More Great Ideas Here:

sesnory play
art and craft
nummeracy
literacy
Science
recipes
videos

Join the Tribe!

Subscribe



Find Activities by Age

  • 0 – 12 months
  • 1 – 3 years
  • 3 – 5 years
  • 5 – 10 years

Find Activities by Celebration

  • Christmas
  • SHOP PRODUCTS

Privacy Policy

  • Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Find posts by month

Copyright © 2023 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in