How to give Massage to the Baby...Ptaa Hai…!!!

Baby Massage: Massage plays an important part in the development of the baby. It helps in better blood circulation, provides adequate stretching of muscles and after a gentle massage baby tends to sleep well. Oil to be used for the massage should be good and branded one which has vitamin E, mustard oil can also be used. Many times it is advised to massage the baby up to 4 times a day but that doesn’t seem to be practical, majorly 1-2 massage a day shall be sufficient for the baby’s daily requirement of flexing. The best time for massage is in the morning and in winters better to give in sunlight. Giving massage once a day is sufficient if given regularly.

How to give massage to the baby?

Massage is very important for the baby and hence given the significance it has to be given in the correct manner. The way massage should be given to the baby is an essential part of baby care. The help of doctors can be taken to learn the various techniques, moves and pressure areas. Here are few techniques that are explained which can be used while giving the gentle massage to the baby.

1. The mothers should keep their nails cut to avoid any harm to the baby. May avoid wearing any sharp edged jewelry and wash hands before giving the massage.
2. The massage should be for around 10 to 20 minutes ideally and the temperature around should be general room temperature. 
3. It should start with feet then move towards upper parts of the body.
4. Take few drops of the oil and start with the sole of feet, strokes shall be from heel to toe. Please note that the strokes should be gentle. 
5. The long strokes from ankle towards thigh and hip area, both the legs can be massaged at the same time or one by one. This can be repeated 8-10 times.
6. The upper body massage should begin with baby’s shoulders and move towards the chest.
7. Moving towards hands, the strokes shall be from shoulders to wrists.Do not massage the naval part if the umbilical cord is still there.
8. The massage at stomach should be soft and gentle and in a circular manner.
9. Baby’s face massage should be by fingertips and the strokes shall start from the forehead and move towards cheeks. 
10. The back massage shall be given by keeping the baby firm in the lap. The strokes should be from head to toe.
11. Keep humming some song or any voice to keep the baby amused throughout the massage. It keeps them engaged with it.