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The perfect baby massage in 5 simple steps

The perfect baby massage in 5 simple steps

by Naïf in Blog

Giving a baby massage is not only fun as a bonding moment between parent and baby, there are also all kinds of benefits: it promotes your baby's digestion, stimulates muscle and joint mobility and it reduces stress. But how do you actually do such a baby massage?

What do you need?

The preparation

Find a quiet place and make sure your baby is lying safely and warmly, for example on a changing mat with a towel over it. Also keep an extra washcloth handy to (partially) place over your baby. Wait until an hour after feeding. Babies often have a bowel movement right after feeding. Make sure your hands are clean, your nails are not too long and if you're wearing rings you can best take them off. You can also put on a calm playlist. Have the oil ready and warm it up if needed between your hands. All set!

5 massage steps

Step 1: Start with the legs. Your baby is already used to the touch of their legs, from changing the diaper. This is therefore a good starting point. Apply light pressure with your fingertips. Massage from the groin to the feet.

Step 2: Make cycling movements with the legs, with the knees towards the belly. Massage the bottom of the feet in circular motions with your flat thumb. Massage from the heel to the toes.

Step 3: Do the same with your baby's arms and hands. Pay attention to the signals your baby gives. If your baby is a bit firmer, you can also massage a bit firmer.

Step 4: Now place your hands on the chest and stroke towards the side of the body. Then move your flat hand from the right shoulder to the left hip and from the left shoulder to the right hip. End with a circular motion over the belly.

Step 5: To massage the back, your baby should lie on their belly. You gently go from their neck to the bottom of the back and back again, and finish with soft circular movements at their buttocks. Does it feel nerve-wracking? Then skip the back.

Tags: Baby The first 1000 days
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