by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: February 18, 2009

Infant massage is:

A great way to connect with your newborn
Calming for you and the baby

Infant massage is not:

Going to break the bank
Add stress to your schedule

For what it is and is not, infant massage is a win/win situation. With an investment as small as five minutes per day, you can feel closer to your baby while making baby calmer and sleep better.

Does it take training?

Amateur: You are probably doing some infant massage without knowing. Are you caressing a soft belly during diaper changes? Gently squeezing a foot? Rubbing a back or bottom to go back to sleep? You have the first steps already down.

Pro: Have you taken a class? Infant Massage USA and International Association of Infant Massage list certified instructors by state. Hospitals offer classes. Ask your OB/GYN or pediatrician.

Learning massage in a group helps you connect with other parents. No class close by? Learn at home with an instructional DVD like BabyBabyOhBaby: Bonding with your Brilliant and Beautiful Baby, Through Infant Massage.

How does it work?

Clinical studies involving infant massage show the benefits as better sleep, relaxation and less crying. It encourages bonding (especially for Dad) and improves digestion. Moms report shorter hospital stays and more weight gain in their massaged preemies.

Do I need something fancy?

No. If you like the idea of using oils or creams, do what works for you and your baby. Remember, baby has delicate skin, so baby lotion is a good choice. Any cold pressed, unscented oil works well, like grape seed. If you want to stimulate the senses, chamomile is soothing.

Soft music is nice, but optional. Soft lighting is best. A comfortable spot with a changing pad, play mat or favorite blanket sets up a predictable environment for baby. All you need now is a baby and clean hands.

What do I do?

Baby will respond best with no clothes or only a diaper. If not already nude, you can undress baby as you massage. Always keep one hand on the baby's skin, so your movements will be predictable.

The best beginning is placing your hands on the baby's belly, making full eye contact and speaking softly. Explain in soft tones what you are going to do. The massage can be narrated or you can talk about anything or nothing.

Is this a good time?

Is your baby squirming, turning away from you, arching his back or splaying his fingers? These are all cues this may not be the best time for a massage. Try again in a few minutes.

Where do I start?

Begin a rhythm with the feet. Using slow, firm strokes, move thumb-over-thumb on each foot. Squeeze little toes and trace the ankle bones, inside and out, with your fingers.

Next the legs: Cup and hold the ankle in one hand. Using your hand in a C shape, stroke the legs from top to foot on both the front and the back. Try the other way. Some babies like the foot to the hip.

Use the same massage motions on the arms. Remember to keep one hand on the baby. The soothing reassurance of your touch will help him stay still. If you find a ticklish spot, you can always navigate around it.

Rather than your everyday belly rub, try the sun/moon. Using the flat pads of your fingers, put your hands above baby's belly button. Move the right hand clockwise from twelve to six around the navel. Repeat counterclockwise with the left.

Now, professional technique does not require professional pressure. Baby need light, firm touch, not the deep muscle tension relief you seek at the masseuse.

Enough is a good as a feast.

Infant massage does not have to be head-to-toe every time or take so much time it causes meltdown for you and baby. Infant massage is more for the connection and integrating quality time into every day. It won't take long for you to see the benefits of infant massage: For both of you.

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