Baby massage

Baby massage has been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures but, like other gentle approaches to infant care, it was rediscovered by the modern parents in the 1970s.

You can do courses, attend short workshops or learn from books and videos … or you can follow your instincts and see what your baby does or doesn’t enjoy.

A little oil on your hands helps them slide across your baby’s skin. Use a food-grade oil like olive oil. Avoid nut oils if that is a potential allergy for your baby. You don’t need to buy commercial baby massage oils but if you are gifted some or already purchased, check the ingredient list. Aim for minimal additions to the base oil and be cautious about scents or essential oils.

While baby massage can become a useful technique to calm an unsettled baby, it is best to experience new things when everyone is calm, fed and rested.Avoid massaging immediately after a feed, especially if your baby tends to bring up milk! Because babies can’t easily regulate their body temperature, warm the room you will be using and keep some blankets and towels handy to cover your baby if needed.

You can massage the exposed parts of your baby’s body - hands, feet, head - at any time. You can do short massage moments as part of your nappy changing process or longer sessions at bath time or during your baby’s alert periods between feeds. Once you become confident, incorporating massage into your baby’s unsettled times of day can help everyone relax, relieve discomfort and support their need for touch.