In many parts of India, infant massage is considered as important as infant bathing. Whether a baby is born in a hospital or in a village, an Indian baby receives a massage every day for the first six to eighteen months of her life. Massaging in the early stages of life lays a foundation for the baby’s emotional and physical development. After nine months in the womb, massaging your baby can help to create a lasting and healthy physical and emotional bond with her mother, father, or caregiver.
Massaging not only helps the baby and parent relax together, there are also proven therapeutic benefits. Regular massages can also promote healthy growth and development by increasing blood flow and strengthening the immune system. Additionally, different massage techniques can be used to ease a baby’s discomfort associated with a host of common ailments such as teething, congestion, colic, constipation, fatigue and dry skin, to name a few. Depending on the practitioner and massage style, different massage techniques may be used. It’s important to find the right technique for you and your baby. Use CitySaheli’s list of tips to share the benefits of massage with your baby today.
CitySaheli Tips to Massaging your Baby
1. Learn a few techniques. Take a class or pick up a book to learn a few massage techniques that are right for you and your baby. Below is a list of local resources:
2. Choose the right massage oil for your baby. Experienced baby masseuses recommend using gentle, fragrance free oils to prevent allergic reactions. Examples may include olive oil, sunflower oil or canola oil. In many parts of India, mustard oil is also used.
3. Choose a warm, draft –free place. It is important to pick a place in your home where your baby can be comfortable. Make sure there is no draft in the room, as you don’t want your baby to get sick. Use the same place if possible – so that your bundle of joy starts to associate that place with her massage and can anticipate it. If the changing table isn’t the right spot, you can massage your baby right on the floor. In India, mothers sit on the floor with the soles of their feet together, forming a diamond shape with their legs. They drape a blanket over their feet and place the baby between the knees. It may sound uncomfortable but babies love it.
4. Choose consistent timing. Babies thrive on routine and massage timing is no exception. Think about your schedule and pick at least fifteen minutes each day that works for you and the baby. Often, parents will massage before the baby goes to sleep, after a bath, or on the changing table with some milk, making the routine easy to stick to.
5. Start Massaging. First, take a deep breath (or several) before starting. It’s very important that you are relaxed before massaging your baby. Second, always massage in a clockwise direction to maximize the benefits of the massage. And most important, be sure to have fun!
