The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

continued:

Infant massage: Understand this soothing therapy

How do I massage my baby?

Start by creating a calm atmosphere. If possible, do the massage in a warm, quiet place — indoors or outdoors. Remove any jewelry you're wearing. Sit comfortably on the floor or a bed or stand in front of the changing table and position your baby on a blanket or towel in front of you. Place your baby on his or her back so that you can maintain eye contact and bring your baby's body close to you. As you undress your baby, tell him or her it's massage time.

When you first start massaging your baby, use a soft and gentle touch. Avoid tickling your baby, however, which might irritate him or her. As your baby grows, use a firmer touch.

While specific techniques vary, infant massage usually involves slowly stroking or kneading each part of your baby's body. You might start by placing your baby on his or her stomach and spending about one minute each gently rubbing different areas, including your baby's head, neck, shoulders, upper back, waist, thighs, feet and hands. Next, place your baby on his or her back and spend about one minute each extending and flexing each of your baby's arms and legs, and then both legs at the same time. Finally, with your baby either on his or her back or stomach, repeat the rubbing motions for another five minutes.

As you massage your baby, stay relaxed. Talk to your baby throughout the massage. You might sing or tell a story. Try repeating your baby's name and the word "relax" as you help him or her release tension.

Watch how your baby responds to the massage. If your baby jiggles his or her arms and seems happy, he or she is likely enjoying the massage and you can continue. If your baby turns his or her head away from you or appears restless or unhappy, stop the massage and try again later.

Should I use oil?

It's up to you. Some parents prefer to use oil during infant massage to prevent friction between their hands and the baby's skin, while others find it too messy. If you choose to use oil, select one that's odorless and edible — just in case your baby gets some in his or her mouth. If your baby has sensitive skin or allergies, test the oil first by applying a small amount to a patch of your baby's skin and watching for a reaction.

Is infant massage OK for babies who have health issues?

If your baby has any underlying health issues, talk to your baby's doctor before trying infant massage. The doctor can help you determine if massage is appropriate. You might also ask your baby's doctor if he or she can recommend an infant massage specialist or other qualified expert who can teach you techniques to address your baby's specific needs.

It might take a few tries before you and your baby get the hang of infant massage. Be patient. With a little practice, infant massage can be a healthy way for you and your baby to relax and bond.

Previous page
(2 of 2)
References
  1. Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2012.
  2. Field T, et al. Preterm infant massage therapy and research: A review. Infant Behavior and Development. 2010;33:115.
  3. Underdown A, et al. Massage intervention for promoting mental and physical health in infants aged under six months. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005038.pub2/abstract. Accessed Jan. 5, 2012.
  4. Hernandez-Reif M, et al. Preterm infants who reduced stress behaviors and activity after 5 days of massage therapy. Infant Behavior and Development. 2007;30:557.
  5. Moyse K. Baby massage and baby play: Promoting touch and stimulation in early childhood. Paediatric Nursing. 2005;17:30.
  6. Lorenz L, et al. The benefits of baby massage. Paediatric Nursing. 2005;17:15.
  7. Kemper KJ, et al. The use of complementary and alternative medicine in pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2008;122:1374.
  8. Kulkarni K, et al. Massage and touch therapy in neonates: The current evidence. Indian Pediatrics. 2010;47:771.
  9. Cervasio C. Baby massage made simple. Practising Midwife. 2010;13:16.
  10. Epple A. Infant massage for children with special needs and disabilities. Practising Midwife. 2011;14:30.
  11. Shelov SP, et al. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. 5th ed. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books; 2009:837.
  12. Diego MA, et al. Vagal activity, gastric motility, and weight gain in massaged preterm neonates. Journal of Pediatrics. 2005;147:50.
  13. Massage for promoting growth and development of preterm and/or low-birth-weight infants (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000390.pub2/abstract. Accessed Jan. 6, 2012.
  14. McClure V. Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents. New York, N.Y.: Bantam Books: 2000:31.
MY01972 April 18, 2012

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger