- Choose a time when baby is relaxed. After their evening bath is good.
- Buy some baby massage oil or coconut oil.
- Prepare all your massage equipment before baby’s bath, when your hands are free.
- Get a clean, soft towel on top of the baby mat.
- Make sure the room is warm enough, 24°C is ideal.
- Dim the lights if it’s getting close to bedtime.
- Put some relaxing music or lullabies on for those sleepy cues.
- Remove any rings or bracelets.
- Make sure your hands are warm.
- Undress baby and lay him on a soft towel on a baby mat.
- Pour a generous amount of baby massage oil on your hands and warm it in your palms.
- Start at baby’s feet. Stretching and rubbing his toes.
- Work up baby’s legs and gently rub and squeeze his muscles. Support his ankles with one hand.
- Work your way to baby’s arms. Support his wrists with one hand.
- Finish with a chest and tummy rub. Use clockwise circular motions on his tummy to aid digestion.
- Talk to your baby softly and tell him what you are doing.
- Keep eye contact as you massage baby.
- Don’t rub or squeeze baby too hard.
- Stop massaging if baby doesn’t enjoy it. Not all babies do.
- Stop massaging if baby falls asleep.
- If the massage hasn’t solved baby’s tummy problems and you’re worried, read our checklist on how to help.
