" I took part in Sylvie’s baby massage classes when Jack was 5 months old. Her welcoming presence, her clear explanations have really motivated me to massage Jack on a regular basis (I had books about Shantala massage at home but never..."
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FAQs - baby massage
1. What is a good age to start massaging my baby?
2. Are there any cases in which I shouldn’t massage my baby?
3. Why should I massage my baby?
4. When is a good time of day to massage my baby?
5. What oils should I use?
6. Until what age can I do it?
7. Will massage help my baby’s digestive system?
8. Will massage help my baby calm down and sleep better?
9. What if my baby cries when I massage him or her? Does it mean that he or she doesn’t like it? Should I stop?
1. What is a good age to start massaging my baby?
You can start massaging your baby as early as five days after the birth. At this early stage, the most important thing is to touch your baby in such a way that he or she feels loved and secure, so it is less important to follow any particular instructions.
However, you shouldn’t massage your baby’s abdomen until the belly button is totally healed. Massaging your baby’s feet and hands may be the best place to start.
2. Are there any cases in which I shouldn’t massage my baby?
If your baby suffers from a heart condition or any other serious condition that requires specialist care, it may be inadvisable to massage him or her. Discuss this with your baby’s doctor, as he or she will be able to advise you.
Premature babies can benefit greatly from being gently massaged, and research has shown that preterm babies who are massaged gain more weight than those who are not.
3. Why should I massage my baby?
Massage is a great way to help your baby adapt to the ‘outside’ world. It helps them to relax, lets them release emotions that build up after a day of new experiences, aids digestion and encourages deep sleep. Thanks to the lotion or oil used, massage also nurtures and nourishes babies skin, improving tonicity.
Baby massage also helps the release of ‘feel good’ hormones, both for you and your baby, which can help considerably if you suffer from any level of post-natal depression. On a related note, the close contact and chance to observe your baby’s cues and behaviour can also help baby-parent communication, and can relieve tension. Read more about the benefits of baby massage.
4. When is a good time of day to massage my baby?
Either before or after bath time can be a good time for massage, as your baby is already naked. Also, massaging in the evening may help your baby unwind after a busy day, and help him or her to sleep better.
However, you can of course massage your baby at any time of day. The most important thing is to try to find a time that works for both you and your baby (e.g. not when your baby is hungry or overtired, and not when you are rushed or stressed), so that you can make the experience as enjoyable as possible. Incorporating massage into your daily routine may also give your baby an additional feeling of security.
5. What oils should I use?
The most important thing to remember is that the oil should be organic, since babies put their hands in their mouth all the time. You also need to check that your baby is not allergic to the oil you use by doing a patch test before proceeding with a massage. Some popular massage oils are coconut, almond, olive, sesame, and apricot.
6. Until what age can I do it?
There is no strict upper age limit for baby massage. However, the older and more active your baby is, the more difficult it may be to have them lie down for 15 minutes. If you wish to continue massaging, you may need to be more creative in how you offer the massage. And as your child gets older, massage may even have to be on a more ‘on demand’ basis.
7. Will massage help my baby’s digestive system?
Massage will definitely help your baby deal with cramps, colic and constipation, as the gentle movements help your baby release the tension in his or her muscles and relax.
8. Will massage help my baby calm down and sleep better?
Massage will definitely help your baby sleep better. Some babies cry a lot just after a massage as it can help release emotions. But you shouldn’t worry if this happens, as they usually go on to sleep well - just like we do after a nice relaxing massage!
9. What if my baby cries when I massage him or her? Does it mean that he or she doesn’t like it? Should I stop?
You should always consider your baby’s current state before starting to massage – if he or she is kicking and crying it’s probably not a good time to start. If your baby starts crying during the massage, comfort him or her first and then try again once he or she has calmed down. If your baby is still fretful, just leave the massage for another time. Babies need time to get used to being massaged - it’s a new experience for them, but they soon learn to love it!
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