I recently completed my training as a Baby Massage Instructor with IMIS and am excited to get started using my new skills! I used massage myself with my first child to help with constipation (an issue that lasted for years), despite this being my personal motivation for starting to massage my child we both experienced benefits in many other areas.
So, what are the benefits of baby massage and how can you build it into your day with your child?
Benefits to Baby
The benefits to babies of infant massage are many and varied, so I’ll keep this piece focused on what I see as the main ones:
A more relaxed baby! It can reduce stress hormones and increase ‘happy’ hormones as well as regulating those hormones that regulate sleep
Relieves colic, wind and constipation
Overall system stimulation for improved physical health
Improves learning and physical coordination and mobility
Enhances attic ament and bonding with the person delivering the massage
Benefits to the Parent/Care Giver
Again, the benefits to parents/care givers of infant massage are many so I’ll keep to a few main ones…
Improves maternal bond and confidence
Has been shown to reduce postnatal depression/anxiety
Involves partners and other caregivers
How to Get Started:
Which Oils to Use
Choosing something to massage your baby with is an individual choice, the following are generally accepted guidelines:
It should be edible!
Babies are constantly putting their hands and feet into their mouths so you need to be comfortable that the oil is suitable to be ingested. General recommendations include that it should be plant based, pesticide free and organic. It should also be fresh - oils can expire so make sure you use them within 3 months of opening them.
Avoid essential oils if your baby is under 12 months old
While essential oils are believed to have many benefits it is recommended to avoid using them on younger babies since strong smells can inhibit infant bonding. A baby’s sense of smell is one of their strongest senses so allowing them to utilise it when forming attachments is important.
Finding an Class or an Instructor
Always get professional instruction before starting to massage your baby. Although touch is natural and instinctive you want to be sure that your massage is appropriate and truly benefitting your baby. Infant massage instruction is usually delivered in a class or through a 1-1 private session and you will find some in your local area. Always be sure that your instructor is properly qualified and insured.
Building Massage Into Your Routine
So, you’ve had some instruction but how do you really use what you’ve learned? The first thing to bear in mind is that if your baby is under 5 moths old, don’t offer any massage as part of your baby’s bedtime routine. It can be stimulating to younger infants and may not have the desired effect when you’re trying to promote bedtime as a way to wind down. As your baby gets older, bedtime is a great opportunity to include baby massage into your day.
So, with that said, when else could it be incorporated?
You will likely have been taught a few ‘routines’ as part of your class and you can set aside a few times in your week to go through the routine from start to finish. Your baby should be calm and ‘passively alert’, you should have your materials set up and the room should be warm.
You could also take a more ‘opportunistic’ approach! Instead of going through the routines from start to finish at set times, you could use times in your day as they present themselves. For instance, you could massage your baby’s legs during a nappy change, their back and arms as they’re getting dressed in the morning and, of course you could massage their tummy when they’re suffering the effects of wind or constipation.
If you’d like to organise some massage instruction with me for yourself or a group then please get in touch,
I’d love to hear from you, x
