How To Massage Infants And Children

Benefiting individuals of all age groups and different conditions are massages. Like eating and sleeping, touch is also very important to any infants and kids. With massaging, loving, gentle stroking or kneading by a parent or caregiver on various parts of a child’s body like the face, head, arms, shoulders, neck, hands, back, legs and feet are involved.

When you use oils on the body of your precious little ones to soothe, relax and heal then this affirms a strong and close bond conveying a comforting sense of trust and security.

Early infant massage enhances the development of the nervous system and stimulates all other systems of the body. Aside from improving circulation, respiration, aids, and digestion, it also eases elimination of wastes from the body. Not only that, but it also makes your little one less prone to gas and colic ailments. Massage of baby in its growing years prepares the body for sitting, standing and walking.

Massage is a wonderful stress buster for children who are prone to all kind of stress. Examples of stress are a child starting a school in a new area, health, fights amongst parents, exams or peer pressure, etc. produce emotional, physical and mental stress. Not only does a massage reduce stress, it also heals the body.

When they are being massaged, each child responds differently. While some may squirm and cry, there are those who might just appear more relaxed and calm and also fall asleep.

There is no fixed time to massage your baby. How about finding a time that is suitable for you and your baby. Some enjoy in the morning after their feed, some in the afternoon before or after their naps. Massage before bedtime can put a cranky baby to sleep peacefully. Follow the massage with a warm bath.

Sit straight either on the floor or on the bed while giving a massage or you can also stand before the table. Your little one can shiver when undressed so the room should be warm enough. Choose a place where it is quiet and away from distractions of all kinds when you massage your baby.

When you lay your child, choose a soft surface like thick set of towels so it may not hurt it self when it wriggles or squirms. Keep aside towel, pair of wash cloths, clean diaper and baby clothes for use after the massage.

For lubrication, oils are good and it helps your hand glide smoothly over your baby’s soft and rather delicate skin. Small babies have a habit of putting their hand or fingers in their mouth all the time, so it’s ideal to use oil that is of good quality. Using unscented oils or cold pressed oils that are extracted by means of pressure is ideal. Alternatively you can use baby oils produced by many companies which specialize in baby products. Grape seed oil does have a nice texture while apricot and almond oils are smooth, light and easily absorbed into the body. To massage your babies, use coconut oil in summers and mustard oil in winter.

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