Massage can be helpful for fussiness, colic, and restlessness. It provides an opportunity to deepen bonds with parent/caregiver.

Massage can be such a soothing practice for baby and for the person giving, helping to create a deep connection with your baby in a new way. Slowing down the day, and creating a space for connection and relaxation with presence, is a gift you are giving to yourself and to baby. It also signals safety and security for baby.

Many studies have shown that infant massage can have positive effects on a baby's physical health and well-being. It can help with pain relief, jaundice and weight gain. Research has also shown that babies that receive massage before bed, sleep more deeply and stay asleep longer.

Babies can benefit from massage at an early age, starting right after birth, their sense of touch is well developed at this point. Some parents prefer to wait a few weeks after birth, until their baby has established more of a routine and has had their first checkup with their doctor.

“Research shows that babies feel touch when they're still inside the womb. Right after delivery, birth teams encourage parents to hold infants close to their bare skin. This skin-to-skin contact gives them immediate comfort and rich sensory input. Touch sends wordless messages of sympathy and security that humans benefit from, no matter their age.”

Massage can help baby:

Ease into healthy, restful sleep.
Feel calmer with lower levels of stress hormones.
Relax their muscles, encouraging flexibility in their arms and legs.
Breathe healthfully and gain good body awareness.
Digest food better and experience less constipation, gas and bloating
Benefit from healthier circulation and stronger immunity to disease.
Experience fewer symptoms of colic, such as irritability and sleeplessness.

The best time to provide a massage is:

After a bath.
After their nap.
During a diaper change.
Before or after a feeding.

The most important thing to remember is to follow the cues from your baby. If they are fussy during the massage, they may not be interested at the moment and you can try again later. If they start to show signs of discomfort during the massage, stop right away and wait for another time. Massage can last anywhere from 10-30 minutes.

I suggest asking the baby’s permission before the massage or talk to them about what you are about to do, this teaches safe touch and introduces ideas about consent to touch at an early age.

Do not massage baby if:

They are asleep.
They have a fever.
There are any medical complications are present.
The umbilical cord hasn’t fully healed.
There is a reaction to oil being used, discontinue oil.

Is massage oil safe for babies?
Using oil helps your hands move smoothly over your baby's tummy. Try a natural oil like coconut or some other food grade oil. You can also use non-medicated baby rubs for babies age 3 months and older. Don't use adult massage oils, hand lotion or nut-based oils (this last option might cause an allergic reaction). For a baby safe oil, please reach out. I make a blend that is safe for baby that mama can use too.

“Touch is the most developed sense at birth ”

Baby Massage Flow:

Here is a link to an audio for the gentle and soothing massage flow. It is recommended that any baby massage be done by an adult. If you wish to involve siblings, please remain with them at all times during the massage. The audio is about 9 min, you can pause the audio at anytime if you’d like to add more time in with your baby.

Here are a few things to help you prepare:

Create a nurturing environment by making sure the room is warm, that your baby is quiet, well rested and alert, and that you are relaxed.
It would be beneficial if there were very little distractions, the quieter the room, the better. Soft music can be added.
Make sure you have everything you need nearby for the massage and for after the massage.
After the massage you should both feel more connected and relaxed.

If you have trouble accessing the file, please reach out to me and I can send it to you directly.

By making this a regular practice, you are teaching your baby the importance of connection, self-care and healing that comes with consensual touch. Thank you for taking the time to be with your baby in this way. May you both find healing and connection during this practice

Con Amor,

Amanda