Baby massage is a great activity to do with your baby, it can have benefits for both baby and parent and is a fantastic way to promote bonding; it’s also pretty easy to do and very low cost.

Why should I massage my baby?

The research into baby massage is quite limited, but anecdotal reports suggest a variety of benefits including easing digestive problems, improved sleep and boosting parents’ confidence in handling baby. In addition, gentle loving touch releases oxytocin, ‘the love hormone’ in parent and baby, and decreases cortisol ‘the stress hormone’ in you both too, this strengthens your bond and has a positive impact on mental health – studies suggest regularly massaging your baby may help to reduce the symptoms of postnatal depression.

It’s a lovely activity for dads too; often, if dad is out at work and/or mum is breastfeeding, bonding and confidence caring for baby can take a while to build, a regular massage as part of your little one’s routine can help this, and also give mum a bit of respite and time for a hot cuppa or a shower!

What do I need to massage my baby?

You need very few supplies to massage your baby, you probably already have most, if not all, of the things you will need:

• A soft towel to lay baby on, and perhaps a spare for mopping up any spills
• Your usual nappy change supplies
• Clothes/nightwear for baby after the massage
• Massage oil (optional)
• Your baby!

You don’t need to use oils or creams for baby massage, but they can help your hands to move smoothly over baby’s skin. If your baby has eczema then you could use their prescribed emollient cream, aqueous creams are not recommended as they can cause skin irritation for all babies, especially those with skin conditions. If you want to use an oil you don’t have to spend lots of money on specialist supplies, many baby massage practitioners use sunflower oil for massage, as it contains vitamins that can be absorbed by babies’ skin and is not harmful should any end up in baby’s mouth.

When should I massage my baby?

You can massage your little one at any time, though it is common to include it as part of the bedtime routine. Don’t try and squeeze a massage session in when you are busy as you won’t get the full relaxing benefits if you are clock watching, it’s also not recommended to massage just before a feed (a hungry tum will distract baby) or too soon after (unless you want to see that milk again!). If your baby is upset or asleep it’s not a good time to start a massage either

How should I massage my baby?

• Make sure the room is warm and baby is not in any draughts
• Make sure there are no bright lights overhead
• Find a safe, flat surface to do the massage.  The floor is probably safest, especially for more mobile babies.  A change unit might be a good option too.
• Consider putting a change mat or folded blanket under the towel if your floor is hard
• Have all your supplies handy so you don’t have to get up partway through to retrieve things
• You could put some calming/relaxing music on.  Make sure it’s not too loud though, so your baby can still hear your voice
• Start by undressing baby, loosen the nappy for abdominal massage.  Alternatively you can combine the massage with some nappy free time (this is where the second towel might be required!)
• Warm up some oil (if using), and your hands.  Ask your baby if they want a massage – it might sound a bit daft, but your little one will begin to recognise this as a cue for their massage, and it gives them the opportunity to let you know if they aren’t ready for a massage.
• Start by just gently laying your hands on your baby before moving onto smooth gentle strokes.
• There are specific techniques for different body parts or to help with colic/congestion/sleep. There is a fantastic resource here That covers all the baby massage techniques you could ever want to know!
• Make eye contact, and talk or sing to your baby
• Enjoy some lovely relaxing bonding time with your baby
• Your massage could be a quick 5 minutes, or you might indulge in a full body 30 minute session.  Be guided by your baby, if they become upset or fall asleep then stop.

Safety first!

• Creams or oils are not recommended for babies under 1 month
• Don’t perform a massage if your little one is unwell or has recently had an immunisation
• If you are massaging on a raised surface don’t leave your baby unattended
• Always massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction to support the natural direction of the digestive system
• Don’t use aromatherapy oils for baby massage

Your little one may take a while to get used to massage.  It might be easier for them to get used to it if you start with short sessions and leg massages. Sometimes your baby might not be in the mood for a massage, if that’s the case then don’t push it, just try again another time. Ultimately the aim is for you and your baby to enjoy the massage.