Benefits
There are many benefits to baby massage, both for you and your pēpi.
Benefits for baby
- Improved parent-infant interaction
- Better sleep patterns
- Helps calm your baby
- Reduces crying and stress levels
- Improves weight gain and development
- Helps with muscle tone and bowel movements
- More socially alert
- Helps the brain develop through touch
Benefits for you
- Improved parent-infant interaction
- Helps you better recognise your baby's communication signals
Tips for massaging your baby
Massage works best in a warm, peaceful environment. Here are a few tips to help:
- find a time that works for you and your baby. Try massaging them after a bath, when they're relaxed.
- start massaging from your baby’s head and gently stroke downwards over their body
- use a gentle circular motion with your fingers
- baby massage oil will help your hands slide over your baby’s body
- avoid highly perfumed oils, which can irritate their skin
- talk or sing to your baby as you massage them.
The way you massage isn’t important – there is no right or wrong technique – just do whatever your baby enjoys. Follow their cues and stop when you think they’ve had enough.