How to Massage Your Baby

Just like the rest of us, babies love to be touched, and your baby may enjoy a baby massage now and then. Massage can help strengthen your parent-child bond and can also help relax your baby—and what’s better than a calm and content baby! Learn more about the potential benefits of infant massage and how you can massage your little one in the comfort of your own home.

What Is Infant Massage and What Are the Benefits?

Infant massage is a soothing therapy that involves gently touching and stroking your baby in a way that communicates your love and care.

The benefits of massaging your baby may include:

• Fostering a stronger bond through skin-to-skin interaction with your baby

• Helping your baby calm down, relax, and sleep better

• Having a positive effect on your baby’s stress levels

• Reducing crying

• Helping your premature baby grow and develop.

How Do You Massage Your Baby?

With just a little bit of prep and some basic massage techniques, you're all set to start massaging your little one. Follow these five easy steps:

1. Pick your location. Find a warm, calming environment, like a quiet room or a shady spot outdoors on a nice day. The massage can take place on the floor, on a bed, or on the changing table. But be sure not to leave your baby unattended on a high surface, as they could roll and fall. Always keep a hand on them during the massage.

2. Get your baby ready. You might consider massaging your baby after a bath. Some parents wonder whether it's better to give a baby massage before or after bath . It's really up to you and your baby's preferences, but massaging after the bath can be a soothing way to end the day. Gather your oil if you're planning on using it. Once you’re ready to begin, place your baby on a blanket or towel. Remove their clothes except for the diaper, and softly tell them it’s time for a massage.

3. Pay attention to your touch.

• Start by massaging your little one with gentle strokes on each part of their body, including the head, neck, upper back, shoulders, hands, waist, thighs, and feet. As they get older and more accustomed to the routine, you can gradually increase the pressure or firmness of your touch. Avoid tickling or irritating your baby but do whatever makes them happy.You could try some of the following massage variations:

• Stroke your baby with open palms

• Stroke them with your fingers or thumbs

• Rake them with your fingertips

• Tap them lightly with your fingertips

• Use a wringing motion to massage their arms and legs

4. Move from top to toe. Begin by placing your baby on their stomach and gently rubbing them from the head down to the hands and feet. If you’re using massage oil, don’t overdo it as your baby can get very slippery. Once you’ve turned them onto their back, extend and flex each of their arms and legs separately and then simultaneously. Then, you can repeat the massage again from top to bottom. Avoid your baby’s abdomen if they’ve recently eaten. Otherwise, you can try the “I love you” abdomen massage by stroking the letters I, L, and U across their abdomen.

5. Be calm and communicative. Throughout your baby’s massage, you’ll want to stay connected by quietly talking, narrating the massage, or by singing a song or telling a story. The way they respond will clue you in to whether they're enjoying the massage or not. If they flap their arms and seem happy, then you're onto something. If they turn away from you, fidget, or seem unhappy, then it’s time to stop. You can always try again another time.

If you still feel hesitant about starting infant massage, look for a book on the subject at your local library, watch some videos online, or reach out to your child’s healthcare provider for guidance. There may even be classes on infant massage at your local medical center or a massage specialist you could consult for more information.

If your baby has any special medical issues, be sure to check with their healthcare provider before beginning massage.

When and How Often Should You Massage Your Baby?

You can start massaging your baby as early as you like. Just be sure to be extra gentle with newborns.

Here are some tips on choosing the right times to massage your baby:

• Wait 45 minutes or longer after a feeding. Many parents wonder how long after feeding can you massage baby ; starting too soon after they've eaten could cause your baby to vomit, so it's best to wait at least 45 minutes.

• Pay attention to your baby’s moods. If they seem calm and look at you with a steady gaze, they’re probably good to go. If they seem fussy, turn their head away from you, or stiffen up when you pick them up, it might be best to skip the massage for now.

• Choose a time that’s good for both of you. It’s really up to you and your baby when and how often you do this activity together. You may decide to massage your baby in the evening, for example, as part of their bedtime routine. It can be a soothing ritual that helps calm them before bedtime.

What Can You Use for Baby Massage?

This is a personal preference. You may like to use an oil (that you may already have on hand for your baby’s skin care) during your baby’s massage to help reduce any friction created between your hands and your baby’s delicate skin. Some experts suggest using vegetable oil. It doesn't absorb as fast as regular baby oil, making it a popular choice. Or, you may decide using an oil is just too messy.

If you do decide to use oil, choose one that is free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, and one that's edible in case it gets into your little one’s mouth.

Before using the oil for the first time, you’ll want to test it to gauge the reaction on your baby’s skin. Do this by applying a tiny bit to an area of their skin and wait to see if there’s a reaction. If there is, stop using the oil and consider trying another type of baby oil, or skipping it altogether.

The Bottom Line

Massaging your baby is a great way to soothe them and to bond. You might find that you enjoy this time together just as much as they do! Choose a time when they’re in a good mood, and, who knows, it could turn into a routine that your little one comes to love and expect.

In between your baby’s massage sessions, you’ll probably be changing lots of diapers. Why not make it a bit more rewarding? Download the Pampers Rewards app, scan all your diapers and wipes purchases, and earn rewards points. Then simply redeem the points for cool rewards like gift cards or cash back.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}