How to give a baby massage
Baby massages are a great opportunity for interacting with your baby and for skin-to-skin contact. Find out what to do with this baby tummy massage breakdown. Now you can put “baby masseuse” on your CV, alongside “super mom”.
- Choose a time when baby is relaxed. After their evening bath is good.
- Use the right oil. Plant-based oils - like coconut, canola, corn, olive, grapeseed, avocado, or safflower oils – all work well and are safe if your baby sucks on their hands or fingers.
- Prepare all your massage equipment before baby’s bath, when your hands are free.
- Get set up on the floor with a clean, soft towel on top of a yoga or baby mat.
- Make sure the room is warm enough for baby to be in just their diaper or a onesie.
- Dim the lights if it’s getting close to bedtime.
- Put some relaxing music or lullabies on for those sleepy cues.
- Remove any rings or bracelets.
- Make sure your hands are warm.
- Undress baby and lay them on top of your soft towel and mat on the floor.
- Pour a small amount of your preferred oil for baby massage on your hands and warm it in your palms.
- Start at baby’s feet. Stretching and rubbing their toes and bottoms of their feet.
- Work up baby’s legs and very gently rub and squeeze their muscles. Support your baby’s leg by holding their heel with one hand.
- Work your way to baby’s arms. Support their wrist with one hand.
- Finish with a chest and tummy rub. Use clockwise circular motions on his tummy to aid digestion.
- Talk to your baby softy and narrate what you are doing to them throughout the massage.
- Keep eye contact as you massage baby.
- Don’t rub or squeeze baby too hard.
- Stop massaging if baby doesn’t enjoy it. Not all babies do.
- Stop massaging if baby falls asleep.
- If the massage hasn’t helped to relieve baby’s tummy problems, read our checklist for other tips on how to help.
Sources
Kid Care Canada. Baby Massage: An Introduction.https://kidcarecanada.org/videos/baby-massage-introduction-baby-massage-instructional-series/ Accessed August 2020.
Related articles
Fed up with mom guilt? Here’s how to banish unhelpful thoughts
Tired of battling mom guilt? It’s entirely normal, but pretty unhelpful if you’re navigating many other new mom emotions.
2 mins to read
Lonely mom? 10 things to do with baby—that give something back to you
Even with a wealth of online parenting forums and a baby in your arms, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely as a mom.
4 mins to read
What’s a healthy breastfeeding diet?
If you’re breastfeeding, a healthy diet is important as it can affect your baby as much as you. Get tips on what not to eat when breastfeeding and what to eat when breastfeeding.
2 mins to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
3 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
6 mins to read
Your baby proofing action plan
Even though they won’t be mobile at first, it’s a good idea to baby proof your house before the big arrival.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding comebacks for unwanted questions
Fed up of everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? This list reads what NOT to say to a breastfeeding mom.
2 mins to read
Understanding why babies cry
Wondering why babies cry? If you’re struggling to understand what your baby is trying to tell you, check this list for possible clues to help.
2 mins to read
New mom emotions to look out for and how to deal with them
Having a baby and becoming a first-time parent is a massive emotional rollercoaster. Here are 9 emotions after giving birth that you may be experiencing.
3 mins to read
Coping with baby blues
Many moms experience feeling of postpartum blues – sometimes called the “baby blues” soon after their little one arrives.
3 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first baby. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood?
3 mins to read
How to be a confident parent: start today with six easy steps
Becoming a new parent and bringing your newborn home, can be a daunting experience to navigate.
3 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
Baby Feeding and Nutrition: The Guide
How will you feed your newborn?
7 mins to read
10 money-saving tips for having a baby on a budget
Working out how much to save for a baby can be a daunting task.
4 mins to read
Baby vaccine schedule
Early childhood immunizations are an important safeguard against serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses for your baby.
4 mins to read
Food Allergies in Babies
There is growing evidence that many factors in the environment play a role in allergies developing in babies.
3 mins to read
How to Switch Formulas
Your baby’s growing and their digestive system is developing, too. Learn how to switch formulas the right way to support your child’s nutritional needs.
3 mins to read
The ins and outs of babies’ digestive system
By Dr. Jeff Habert, family physician
3 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
Recipe Finder
Find recipes for you and your little one.
