Writen by Jack Prime
Baby massage is great for providing comfort and relief to your baby as well as acting as an important bonding exercise for the both of you.
However before you begin baby massage you need to be sure the location you are using for the massage is prepared and ready for your baby, to ensure they get the most benefit from the baby massage session.
Below you will find the steps to check for when preparing a room or environment where you will perform the baby massage.
Room Temperature
Babies like to be warm, so remember that some babies do not like to be naked and if this is the case with your baby it is perfectly fine to massage over their clothes or to only remove clothes from those areas that will be massaged.
Lighting
When your baby is being massaged they will be looking upwards so keep overhead lights low or turned off altogether if possible. Use lamps or a dimmer switch on the main lights. You may like to close the curtains and doors, which also has the added benefit of stopping any draughts that may occur.
Noises and Distractions
Do not answer the telephone during a baby massage and if you can turn on the answer phone or pull out the telephone plug altogether. No television or background music is preferred unless they have become acceptable to both you and your baby; look out for visual clues if sounds or music relax or annoy your baby accordingly.
Try and make the baby massage time just for the two of you and avoid having other people around during this time. If other people are around, talking or moving about the room it will distract your baby or yourself.
Smells
If you are massaging in a different environment than usual or a strange environment, try and use towels, blankets or waterproof changing mats with a "home" smell as this will avoid over-stimulation associated with the smell of a new or different item.
Time
Avoid rushing a baby massage or trying to "squeeze" a massage in when you are short of time. Find the time that is right for you and your baby so that the both of you will enjoy the session and gain the most benefit from the time invested.
Watch your baby during each massage session and you will soon learn the "cues" of when they are happy and relaxed or irritable and distracted.
One to One
Only one person should massage a baby at any one time. Do not have one person massaging arms and another massaging legs for example. Focusing on your baby yourself is a strong part of the bonding process which is benefited from baby massage.
Strength of Stroke
Babies like to feel that their care providers are strong, capable and in control.
Make sure all your massage strokes are long, slow and rhythmic and use just enough pressure so that it is comfortable yet stimulating for your baby.
Follow the tips above and both you and your baby will enjoy the benefits and interaction which baby massage provides.
For further advice on baby care and support, please visit Baby Bums
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