Baby Massage Techniques

GETTING STARTED WITH BABY MASSAGE

Baby massage is soothing and can comfortably last 10-30 minutes. Before starting, make sure the room is warm and your baby is quiet, well-rested and alert. Good times to perform massage on your baby include after a nap, when your baby is clothed or in the cot, and after a bath.

To get started, smooth a few drops of a suitable baby massage oil or moisturiser into your warm hands and begin massaging the soles of your baby’s feet. Use firm, gentle, slow strokes from the heel towards the toes. Always keep one hand on your baby while massaging. Some babies might be sensitive to some oils. Look for any sign of an allergic reaction, and see your GP immediately if you’re worried.

Continue with long smooth strokes up your baby’s legs. Massage from the ankle up to the thigh and over the hip. You can try massaging both legs at once or one at time. Avoid massaging the genital area. Hold your baby’s leg under the knee and gently press it towards the tummy to help baby expel gas.

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