Whether you’re a total zen mama or a skeptic, I highly recommend learning a few techniques of infant massage. You can enjoy some quiet time and get to know your baby’s tiny developing body AND often get the kid to chill out and go to sleep. Win win.
I took a short workshop in baby massage with my mom’s group and picked up a few other pointers in a kick-ass mommy yoga class. Only one baby had to leave early for having a melt-down. The Baby Whisperer book has a ten-step plan to great infant massage (that I’ve used for reference).
Ease into it and stop if either of you are too bothered to continue. It can be fun for both of you even if you are making it up as you go. Then you can build up to a longer massage when you’re both ready.
Some quick tips and ideas:
- Keep the room warm and cozy – maybe throw some hand towels in the dryer beforehand (one for underneath and one to cover the baby while you’re working on other bits).
- Talk through what you’re doing (i.e., “I’m making swirly motions on your teeny tiny foot with my thumbs”).
- Use a little bit of olive oil on your hands.
- Let dad try it himself (without you supervising).
- Try it while traveling to help baby unwind and feel “at home”.
- Move on if baby seems annoyed. Try another body part or give it up entirely…
I’m convinced that massage is a great pre-bedtime ritual because even a short massage makes babies hungry, tired and quite happy. I used to give Holden massages whenever we traveled away from hom overnight. But whenever you do it, try to relax and enjoy the moment.
[...] Activity #455: Wrap your baby and stay warm – See picture. Activity #38: Learn baby massage – I took a free class at Elephant Pharm this week. Next one is Aug 28. Activity #494: Build a better Kleenex box – I sent a personalized Kleenex box with a picture of my baby to all three grandmothers. Activity #17: Soothe that baby – Validating that a swaddled baby naps longer. Activity #92: Go to the theater where crying is allowed – Scarlett’s first movie was Hairspray! Activity #122: Say “Yes, thank you.” – I am pleased with myself because when my seven months pregnant friend Lisa asked how she could help, I told her to come over and hold Scarlett for 20 minutes while I go drive Julian to school. I’m proud of myself for saying “yes” to the help. Activity #100: Get a pedicure – Heather and Milo came, too, and we sat in spa chairs while the babies sat in their carseats. Activity #205: Meet a monkey at the zoo – Ok, this was really for Julian’s benefit, but the result of being #2 is that you get to go to the zoo when you are just a few weeks old. Activity #361: Make some easy kids pants – I made a pair of tiny tiny pants for my tiny tiny girl out of a cute pink tshirt. It took about twenty minutes. Super fun to tell people I made them myself (when they comment). [...]
I tried massage when my baby was little, but he just wouldn’t hold still for it. He was a little wiggler. And I love giving massages!
Maybe my next one will enjoy it more!
Just be careful! My mom did baby massage with my sister and my sister grew up obssessed with massage! Every time anyone sits down, she’s right next to them asking for a shoulder rub or a neck rub, etc….and she’s 21 now.
In all seriousness, though, my hyperactive two-year-old loves massages and when I’m done giving him a massage, he gives me a mini massage back
I’ve made a ritual since Evangeline was born of giving her a baby massage after a bath. I use Burt’s Bees Apricot Oil and massage her little chubby legs and arms and belly. We usually sing songs while we do it. It’s so cute and almost always calms her down…thanks for the tip about the book!
[...] car seats overnight. (Or not sleep, as the case may be.) I also like to give a little dose of infant massage right before bed in a strange place to really knock the baby [...]