Baby Massage Precautions
Massage is a form of enjoyment. Massaging your baby not only makes them feel comfortable, but also helps them grow healthier and smarter. Although parents rarely massage their babies in the wrong way, it is still necessary to highlight a few details to pay attention to during massage.
Baby Massage Precautions How to Massage Your Baby Preparations for Baby Massage
1. Choose a suitable environment for baby massage
When massaging your baby, it is best for the mother to choose a warm, quiet, and well-ventilated place. Usually, you can choose a location in front of a French window, which provides a broad view and allows sunlight to shine in, making the baby feel comfortable. Of course, the floor, beach, grass, or bed/table are all good places for massage. The mother can also play some sleep-inducing music to help the baby relax even more.
2. Choose a suitable time for baby massage
When massaging your baby, it is best to choose a time when you have time and the baby needs to relax. Some parents like to massage in the morning, while others prefer to massage before the baby goes to bed at night. These times are determined by you and the baby. However, if your baby experiences nighttime intestinal spasms, the best time for massage should be in the evening, as it can alleviate the pain caused by nighttime intestinal spasms.
3. Choose suitable massage oil for your baby
When massaging your baby, it is best to use a little massage oil, as it makes the massage smoother and moisturizes the baby's skin. However, it is best to choose vegetable oil for your baby, as it contains abundant vitamin E and has no fragrance or undergone any physical or chemical changes, making it the safest option for the baby.
4. Pay attention to your baby's willingness to be massaged
Experienced massage therapists always emphasize the importance of respecting the baby's willingness to be massaged, and they suggest seeking the baby's consent before starting the massage. Pay attention to the baby's expression when they see you preparing massage items, such as applying oil to your hands or hearing suggestive words related to massage. If the baby is restless, it is best to postpone the massage and hold them for a while.
If the baby keeps squirming, or is stiff and tense, parents should use the contact relaxation technique, make eye contact with the baby, and hold their wriggling legs while gently rotating them, using a soft voice to tell the baby to relax. These movements and sounds will gradually help the baby relax. Then, you can start the massage.
5. Choose a suitable position for baby massage
Since baby massage takes some time, an uncomfortable position will make both you and the baby uncomfortable. The mother can choose to sit on the floor, lean against the sofa or wall, or kneel on the bed. In the first few months after birth, the baby can lie on your legs for massage. As the baby grows, you can let them stay between your legs. Regardless, you should choose a position that the baby likes and that you find comfortable!
