Baby Massage & the Power of Touch

A gentle massage can calm a cranky infant, help your baby sleep better, and create a bond between parent and child. Studies have shown that infant massage has amazing effects including improving your babies' physical and neurological development, aiding in digestion, and helping them sleep better. For moms and dads alike, a gentle massage helps parent and child reconnect after a long day away at work.

First, gather the supplies you'll need before you get started. These are the basics for a soothing rubdown:

oA flat, comfortable surface covered with a blanket or mat
oA small amount of baby oil
oTissues or paper towels to wipe up excess oil
oA blanket or soft towel to cover your baby
oA pacifier to calm your baby
oLow lights
oSoft music

First, lay your baby on his stomach, with his head to one side.
Moisten your hands with a few drops of baby oil.
Stroke from your baby's forehead across the top of his head and down to the nape of his neck.
Stroke across each shoulder from the center of the neck out to the arm, one side at a time.
Stroke from the top of your baby's back down to his hips with both hands.
Massage the backs of your baby's legs, down and then up again, with the pads of your fingers.
Massage the back of your baby's arms, down and then up again, with the pads of your fingers.
Turn your baby on his back and repeat up-and-down strokes on his chest and the front of his arms and legs.

Keep the temperature comfortable by turning up the heat before you start, or covering the parts of your baby, with a blanket or towel, that you aren't massaging at the moment.