Baby Massage & the Power of Touch
First, gather the supplies you’ll need before you get started. These are the basics for a soothing rubdown:
oA flat, comfortable surface covered with a blanket or mat
oA small amount of baby oil
oTissues or paper towels to wipe up excess oil
oA blanket or soft towel to cover your baby
oA pacifier to calm your baby
oLow lights
oSoft music
First, lay your baby on his stomach, with his head to one side.
Moisten your hands with a few drops of baby oil.
Stroke from your baby’s forehead across the top of his head and down to the nape of his neck.
Stroke across each shoulder from the center of the neck out to the arm, one side at a time.
Stroke from the top of your baby’s back down to his hips with both hands.
Massage the backs of your baby’s legs, down and then up again, with the pads of your fingers.
Massage the back of your baby’s arms, down and then up again, with the pads of your fingers.
Turn your baby on his back and repeat up-and-down strokes on his chest and the front of his arms and legs.
Keep the temperature comfortable by turning up the heat before you start, or covering the parts of your baby, with a blanket or towel, that you aren’t massaging at the moment.