Massage for Infants

by Victoria Zhang

When my son, Anthony, was 2 & 1/2, he cut his leg enough to need a bandaid, so we hurried to the bathroom to get him one. Much to my surprise however, before I could put the bandaid on, he said, "Mommy, I need a back massage first." Honoring his request, I spent the next five minutes massaging his back until he told me he was ready for the bandaid.

Why should you massage your child?

Massage:
-Helps develop a sense of trust and teaches good boundaries around touch.
-Can help relieve symptoms of colic and painful gas. (Be sure to always massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction – up baby’s right side, across, and down baby’s left side).
-Helps reduce baby’s stress, which may lead to longer, sounder sleep.
-Increases baby’s body awareness and helps promote a positive self-image.
-Is a powerful way to enhance parent-child bonding, and provides a way for fathers (and mothers who are not breastfeeding) to bond through touch.

Massage Basics:
Always ask permission before you begin massage. This is the single most important element to creating a trusting massage relationship with your child, who may not always be ready for massage when you are. With older children, you can simply ask. With infants, you might ask by wiggling your fingers above her eyes each time before you begin. If she keeps looking at you or smiles, she’s probably ready for massage, but if she looks away, then it’s probably not a good time. Don’t force the issue.
Have a warm comfortable environment. Your baby’s body temperature may fall as yours warms up, so your sense of temperature may not be an accurate gauge.

Use an appropriate oil or cream. Cold-pressed vegetable oil can be used if you don’t have special massage oil (almond oil is good for massage), but don’t use olive oil for infants – it’s too thick to be absorbed by their skin. Always put the oil in your own hands first to warm it up – don’t place it directly on baby’s skin.

Your touch should be firm but gentle. Start off lightly if you are a beginner and gradually work up to a pressure that seems suitable for both you and your child.

Do not massage your baby right after a temper tantrum – this might encourage more tantrums in the future.
Be thorough but be ready to stop when your child wants to stop. This could be indicated by an arm-crossing motion in infants. Older children will generally tell you when they’ve had enough.

To find a qualified infant massage teacher, call the Boulder College of Massage Therapy at 303-530-2100.

Massage Websites:
www.infantmassage-imis.com
www.infantmassage.com
www.babymassage.com/links.htm

As you develop a massage relationship with your child, you might find it’s fun to add brief massage to your daily life. Stop for a moment in the grocery store and hug your child as he sits in the cart in front of you and massage his back for a moment while you chat. Massage his arms and legs once down each limb after you put him in his car seat. Be creative. Develop a routine and be willing to deviate from that routine.

You are developing a relationship that will last a lifetime. Treat it gently with loving touch, and have fun.Victoria Zhang is a Parenting Place member and a mom of two. She is a certified massage therapist who gives massages and teaches classes in massage techniques. You can reach Victoria at Hands for Health, (303) 442-5009.