A Massage Will Put Your Baby to Sleep

One great way to bond with your baby is massaging him or her to sleep.  There are several benefits to massaging your baby. Not only does it help with his or her growth development, but it also helps with the relaxation of his or her muscles. 

Your gentle and loving touch can also help your little one have less anxiety at bedtime.  Besides feeling less anxiety, he or she will also grow stronger.   Infants who are massaged before sleep show more eye contact as well.

A simple massage is another, loving way to communicate with your baby. When you massage your baby, you will develop a better understanding of his or her dislikes and likes.  For example, some babies may love to be tickled and some may be unaffected by it. You can also build a positive and stable relationship with your baby by massaging him or her.  A baby’s joints, muscles, and ligaments are often strengthened by a massage.  Common ailments that show up in the early years of a baby’s life can also be fought off when a baby is regularly massaged.  

There have been many studies conducted on baby massaging and whether it affects the babies’ lives when they are older. It was found that the more physical contact such as with massages the more empathy, compassion, and cooperation with others they showed when they reached their adult years.

Reasons to Massage Your Baby

• A baby’s nervous system can be improved with regular massages.
• A baby’s immune system can be stimulated with a massage. He or she will then be better able to fight off diseases and illnesses.
• Your baby will be more alert, friendly, and playful if he or she is massaged often.
• A baby who is massaged often will also have to be more talkative, and willing to give and accept hugs as they get older.
• If your baby should become angry or upset, you can help him or her to easily get rid of these negative emotions with a massage.
• Digestive problems or relief of colic can also be helped with a massage.
• A teething baby can also be helped to get his or her mind off the pain with a massage.
• After a massage, your baby will sleep better. However, it is best to massage your baby before he or she is too sleepy or tired. 

Ten Tips for Massaging Your Baby

• Tip #1: The best time to massage your baby is when he or she is both awake and alert. It also shouldn’t be when your baby is either too hungry or too full.
• Tip #2: The room’s lighting shouldn’t be too bright, and it should be warm.
• Tip #3: You will need a towel, lotion or baby massage oil, clean diapers, and clothes. You should have all these items ready and handy.
• Tip #4: Before beginning the massage, you should remove your jewelry and wash your hands.
• Tip #5: The place you massage your baby should be comfortable, and you must be able to see your face.
• Tip #6: You should take a few deep breaths to relax before you begin. If you’re relaxed, your baby will also relax.
• Tip #7: If your baby is close to you, he or she may feel more secure.
• Tip #8: Put either baby oil or lotion on your hands. Begin the massage by gliding your hands over your baby’s skin.
• Tip #9: When you massage your baby, your strokes should be firm but gentle, and in no way ticklish.
• Tip #10: Decide when to stop the massage by following the baby’s signals and moods. Some massages will last only 10 minutes, and some will last 30 minutes.

In Conclusion

Follow the baby's signals about when to stop. A massage can last 10 minutes or 30 minutes, depending on his or her moods.