Tips for a good infant massage

Baby massage helps in the overall growth and development of the bones and muscles of the baby

Here are some tips for a good infant massage:

* When you massage your baby, make sure that you remove all the jewelry like rings, bracelets etc.
* Giving a massage, make sure that your hands have been properly washed. Make sure that you hands are warm and not cold when you touch your baby.
* When you are going to begin the massage, ensure that you have all your oils, towels, bath mats, diapers etc. in place.
* Spread the mat on a flat surface. Place your baby, undressed and with the face up, on the mat.
* Your strokes on the baby’s body should be firm and smooth, but not too hard.
* Use light circular movements on the stomach area. Avoid the spine.
* The direction of the strokes on the arms and legs should be downwards, and the direction of the strokes on the back should be upwards.
* Keep eye contact with the baby. Sing or talk to your child while massaging.
* Avoid putting oil on the baby’s fingers or palms, as babies tend to put them into their mouths.
* Avoid massaging the baby right after feeding, or when the baby is ill. Do not wake up the baby for the massage.
* Avoid areas where the baby has rashes or wounds, or where the infant may have received injections, as this may cause further pain to the baby.