How to Massage Your Baby

Baby massage is more than just a soothing routine—it’s a powerful way to bond with your baby while supporting their physical and emotional development. Research shows that regular infant massage may help reduce crying, relieve gas and colic, improve sleep, and even enhance immune function. It also promotes better muscle tone, coordination, and skin health. For parents, it offers a chance to build confidence and connect deeply with their child through the power of touch.

Key benefits of baby massage:

• Soothes fussiness and improves sleep

• Aids digestion and relieves colic

• Enhances bonding and emotional connection

• Encourages sensory and motor development

• Boosts the immune system and skin health.

By using gentle, rhythmic strokes with baby-safe oils or lotions, you can create a calming experience that evolves with your child’s age and needs—from newborns to toddlers. In the sections that follow, we’ll explore step-by-step techniques, safety tips, and age-specific guidance to help you make baby massage a nurturing part of your daily routine.

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—plus, it has numerous benefits for your little one.

Research shows that massaging infants can support both physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re practicing massage for a newborn or an older infant, these quiet moments of connection can have a powerful impact.

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How to Massage Your Baby

Learning how to massage a baby can be a beautiful way to bond while supporting your little one’s health and development. With just a few minutes, some calming touch, and the right baby massage techniques, you can help your baby feel relaxed, safe, and loved. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how to give an infant massage:

1. Choose a comfortable, safe spot. Before starting, pick a warm, quiet environment where you and your baby feel relaxed, like a cozy room indoors or a shaded outdoor area on a calm day. You can do newborn massage on the floor, a bed, or a changing table. Just make sure your baby is never left unattended on a raised surface and always keep one hand on them during the massage.

2. Get your baby ready. Many parents wonder whether it’s best to massage before or after a bath. The answer depends on your baby’s routine, but infant massage after a warm bath often helps soothe your baby into sleep. Lay your baby on a soft towel or blanket, undress them down to the diaper, and gently let them know it’s time for a massage. If you’re using baby-safe oil, have it ready and do a quick patch test to ensure there’s no skin reaction.

3. Use gentle, responsive touch. When it comes to how to massage an infant, the key is to use soft, intentional strokes. Begin with light pressure and adjust based on your baby’s responses. 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 and focus on what feels good for your baby. Explore different infant massage techniques, such as:

   • Stroking with open palms

   • Gentle circular motions with your fingertips or thumbs

   • Raking lightly with your fingers

   • Tapping softly with your fingertips

   • Wringing motions on the arms and legs (like gently squeezing dough).

4. Massage from head to toe. Start your massage with your baby on their tummy, softly stroking from head to feet. If you're using oil, use a small amount to prevent slipperiness. Then, turn your baby onto their back and gently flex and extend each arm and leg, one at a time, and then together. If your infant hasn’t eaten recently, you can try the soothing “I Love You” tummy massage—a popular newborn massage technique. Using three strokes, trace the letters I, L, and U across your baby’s belly. This motion may help with digestion and ease gas or colic symptoms.

5. Stay present and communicative. The best infant massage sessions are calm, connected, and filled with love. Narrate your actions, hum softly, or sing a lullaby. Watch your baby’s reactions—if they smile, coo, or move their arms happily, it’s a great sign. If they turn away, get fussy, or seem overstimulated, it’s okay to pause and try again later.

If you're still unsure about how to do an infant massage, don’t worry. There are books, videos, and even in-person classes that can help you feel more confident. Some local hospitals or wellness centers offer infant massage classes taught by certified instructors.

If your baby has any health conditions or was born prematurely, speak with their healthcare provider before starting any massage for newborns. They can guide you on the safest approach and help you adapt newborn massage techniques to suit your baby’s unique needs.

When and How Often Should You Massage Your Baby?

If you’re wondering when to start baby massage, you can start as early as you like. Just be sure to be extra gentle when massaging newborns.

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

• Wait at least 30 minutes after a feeding. Many parents wonder how long after feeding you can massage a baby; starting too soon after they've eaten could cause your baby to vomit, so it's best to wait at least 30 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 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 as part of their bedtime routine. It can be a soothing ritual that helps calm them before bedtime.

Baby Massage for Sleep

Baby massage for sleep is a calming ritual that can help your little one wind down and feel secure before bedtime. Gentle, rhythmic strokes support your baby’s nervous system, reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), and encourage melatonin production—the hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles.

A consistent infant massage for sleep routine has been shown to help babies fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake less frequently during the night.

Try massaging your baby in a quiet room after a warm bath and before bedtime. Focus on soothing strokes on the arms, legs, back, and feet, and use a calming voice or lullaby to help set the tone for sleep. With regular practice, massaging your newborn or older baby may become one of your favorite tools to promote restful nights—for both of you.

Infant Massage for Gas Relief

Infant massage can be a gentle and natural way to relieve discomfort from trapped air and bloating. Babies often experience gas as their digestive systems mature, and massage can help move those tiny bubbles through.

Popular infant massage techniques to help relieve gas include:

• Tummy massage. Use gentle clockwise circles on your baby’s abdomen to follow the direction of the intestines.

• Bicycling the legs. While your baby is on their back, gently move their legs in a pedaling motion to help release trapped gas.

• The “I Love You” stroke. Trace the letter “I,” then an upside-down “L,” and then a “U” across your baby’s belly using soft strokes. This is a widely recommended baby belly massage for gas technique.

• Tummy time. Placing your baby on their stomach across your lap or on the floor for supervised tummy time is an effective way to help relieve gas. Start with short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes a few times a day and gradually increase the duration. This practice not only aids in gas relief but also helps strengthen your baby’s neck, back, and arm muscles, while preventing flat head syndrome.  And remember to not put your baby down for sleep on their tummy. 

Always wait at least 30 minutes after a feeding before doing a massage for gas relief on a newborn or older baby to avoid discomfort. If your baby seems fussy during or after feeds, ask your healthcare provider whether massage for infant gas relief is a good addition to your daily routine.

Baby Massage by Body Part

Different parts of your baby’s body may benefit from different infant massage techniques. Here's a breakdown of how to give your infant a massage from head to toe:

Soothing Head and Face Massage for Babies

Gentle infant head massage and facial massage can be especially calming. Use your fingertips to gently stroke from the center of your baby’s forehead outward. You can also use soft circular motions on their scalp, temples, cheeks, and jawline. Be extra cautious to avoid the fontanelle (soft spot on top of the head) and keep your pressure very light. Newborn head massage may help relieve tension or fussiness and can encourage relaxation—especially useful as part of a bedtime routine.

Gentle Baby Chest Massage

Place both hands flat in the center of your baby’s chest and gently sweep outward toward the shoulders in a butterfly motion. This baby massage technique is soothing and may help calm a fussy baby. Maintain steady, gentle pressure and observe your baby’s cues. Avoid the chest area if your baby is showing signs of illness or congestion unless cleared by their healthcare provider.

Infant Tummy Massage

Wondering how to massage your newborn’s belly? Tummy massage for newborns or older infants is a safe and natural way to support digestion and ease gas, especially helpful for colicky babies.

To perform infant abdominal massage:

• Wait at least 30 minutes after feeding

• Use soft, clockwise circular motions around the belly button

• Try the "I Love You" stroke that we mentioned earlier in our guide

• Move your baby’s legs in a bicycling motion.

This infant massage for gas may help reduce discomfort from trapped air and promote bowel movements. If your baby has colic, gentle tummy massage may also ease symptoms, particularly when used alongside soothing techniques like swaddling or carrying your baby.

Baby Back Massage to Relax and Soothe

Lay your baby on their tummy across your lap or on a safe surface. Gently stroke along their back from neck to bottom using the flats of your hands. Avoid pressing directly on the spine. This type of baby back massage can help relax your baby’s muscles and may support motor development over time.

Infant Arm and Hand Massage

Hold your baby’s upper arm gently and use your hands to stroke downward to the wrist. Try a wringing motion or softly roll the arm between your hands. For baby hand massage, softly open and close your baby’s fists, then use your thumbs to make small circles in their palms. This kind of sensory input can help promote flexibility and body awareness, especially as your baby learns to explore with their hands.

Massaging a Baby’s Feet and Legs

Baby foot and leg massage is often very relaxing for them. Use your thumbs to stroke from heel to toes in a rhythmic pattern and gently tug the toes. Light circular motions on the soles of the feet may also help calm a fussy baby. Try not to make your touch too light, as this may be ticklish for your baby (keep an eye on their reactions). For the legs, try a gentle wringing motion from thigh to ankle, or firmly stroke down each leg.

Choosing the Best Oil for Baby Massage

Whether or not to use baby massage oil is largely a matter of personal preference, but many parents find that it helps their hands glide more smoothly over their baby's delicate skin, making massage more comfortable and soothing.

If you decide to use an oil, the key is choosing one that is safe, gentle, and suitable for your baby’s sensitive skin. According to experts, a good baby massage oil should be:

• Free of added fragrances and harsh chemicals

• Edible (in case your baby puts their hands in their mouth)

• Hypoallergenic and ideally plant-based.

Popular natural oils often used in infant massage include:

• Coconut oil for baby massage. Light, absorbent, and antimicrobial; ideal in warm climates.

• Almond oil for baby massage. Nourishing and rich in vitamin E (avoid if your baby has a known nut allergy).

Olive oil for baby massage is not typically recommended for babies with eczema or sensitive skin, as some research suggests it may disrupt the skin’s natural barrier. It’s also recommended to avoid adult massage oils, nut-based oils, hand lotions, or essential oils. 

Some parents wonder when to start oil massage for a newborn baby. You can begin gently massaging your baby (with or without oil) after the first few weeks, once the umbilical cord stump has healed and your baby’s skin has adjusted to life outside the womb. For premature babies or those with specific skin conditions, consult your healthcare provider before starting massage.

Before using any new oil, do a small patch test. Apply a tiny amount to a small area of your baby’s skin and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction, such as redness or irritation. If a reaction occurs, stop using the oil and consider trying a different product or skipping oils altogether. 

You don’t need a special brand—many parents use oils they already have for their baby’s skincare. However, when looking for the best oil for baby massage, consider one that aligns with your baby’s needs, your values (organic, vegan, etc.), and any guidance from your child’s healthcare provider.

The Bottom Line

Massaging your baby is an excellent way to soothe them and strengthen your bond. You may find that you enjoy this time together just as much as they do! Choose a moment when your baby is in a good mood, and who knows, it could become a cherished routine that your little one looks forward to.

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 diaper codes, and earn Pampers Cash. Then simply redeem for money off Pampers at one of your favorite retailers.

_{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.}