Infant Massage

Like every new parent, we want the best for our baby. Since I don't have my mother with me to give me advice, I relied on books, magazines and the internet on what's best for my baby. After all, they should be the experts in this field. Although, one could argue that mother knows best still. So, to avoid that conflict, I feel that I should do my homework but have the last word on it all. I filter what I read and apply only those ideas that I think, as far as my logic and my busy schedule allows, is feasible and that she likes. (you bet she tells me if she likes it or not! hehe!) And infant massage is one of them! So, here is a guide to infant massage from baby.com:

A Guide to Infant Massage
Research shows that massage can relax babies, improve their sleep patterns, and calm them when they are irritable. Infant massage should last about 15 minutes. Don't worry if you have only five or ten minutes: even a short massage is good for your baby. Choose a warm, quiet room and play background music if you like. (I usually do it at night before she goes to bed and so I always play lullaby music or just sing to her lullaby songs after all I have a good voice! Hahaha!)

Using a lotion or oil will help reduce friction and make the massage more soothing. Make sure you use a product that is gentle enough for your infant's skin.

Start with your baby lying on his stomach. Then gently rub your hands (make sure they're warm) back and forth six times on each of the following areas for about one minute in each area:

1. From the top of your baby's head to his neck

2. From his neck across his shoulders

3. From his upper back to his waist

4. From his thigh to his foot and back to his thigh, on each leg

5. From his shoulder to his hand and back to his shoulder, on each arm

Now turn your baby over onto his back so that he is facing you. Move each of his arms gently, flexing it and then straightening it. Exercise each arm and each leg in this way, and then both legs, as if he were pedaling a tiny bicycle, for a total of five minutes.To finish your baby's massage, turn him back on his stomach and repeat the first sequence.

Throughout the massage, remember to be sensitive and responsive to your baby. Learn to recognize when your baby tells you that he's not interested or that he's had enough. Your baby might do the following to tell you he would rather be doing something else:

• turn his head away
  
• "crunch up" his forehead
  
• suck in his cheeks
  
• grimace
  
• fuss
  
• cry

As you give your baby more massages, you'll gradually find a routine that works best for both of you. And with all your love and attention focused on him, you and your baby will be truly in touch.