Baby
INFANT MASSAGE
By Ken Howard and Jyothi Larson
No new parent needs to be told to cuddle and touch her baby. But did
you know that specific kinds of touch- infant massage- can help
preemies gain weight or fussy babies settle down? Research has shown
that massage calms colicky babies, improves sleeping patterns, and can
help premature or ill babies who have trouble nursing latch on,and
breastfeed successfully.
But even if your newborn is full-term
and easy-going, massage can benefit your baby. "Any loving touch is
good touch," says Susie Plechner, a certified infant massage instructor
and spokesperson for the International Association of Infant Massage,
"but massage is one of the best ways to bond with your baby."
To
get started, lie your baby on her back, either on a blanket on the
floor next to you, or on your lap, with her head near your knees. Talk
to her in a soothing voice to help her relax. If you wish, put a dab of
an unscented massage oil in the palms of your hands (avoid oils made
from nuts, since they may cause an allergic reaction). Then:
- Start with the legs. Hold one foot in one hand and use the other
hand to "milk" the leg, moving from ankle to thigh. Then, hold the
thigh with both hands (like you're holding a baseball bat) and use a
very gentle twisting and squeezing motion as you move your hands from
thigh to foot. Now roll the leg between your hands from knee to ankle.
To finish, lightly stroke the legs from thigh to feet.
- Tummy time. To massage your baby's abdomen, slide your palm
and fingers in a hand-over-hand circular motion, moving gently from the
rib cage downward. Now slide both hands around the abdomen in
clockwise, circular movements.
- If your baby has gas, try the "I Love U" stroke a
time-tested tummy relaxer. Picture an upside down U over your baby's
abdomen. Start with a downward stroke for the "I" on baby's left side.
Then stroke along the imaginary upside down "L" and then along the
upside down "U."
For more information about infant massage, and to find a catalog of massage books, videos, and oils, visit the iaim-us Website.
Top
About The Author
Ken Howard and Jyothi Larson are regular contributors to Your Baby Today.
Main Menu
Community
Channels
Favorites
Printables & Links
Members
