How to give baby massage
Baby massages are great for getting baby ready for bed and soothing tummy troubles. Find out what to do with this baby tummy massage breakdown. Now you can put “baby masseuse” on your CV, alongside “super mom”.
- 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.
Related articles
Safe Food Preparation Principles
Follow these stay-safe principles when you’re shopping or preparing food for your baby.
4 mins to read
How to Increase Baby Immunity with Child-Friendly Foods
Nothing is more painful than seeing your child fall prey to infectious diseases easily.
4 mins to read
Baby Milestones – 9 to 11 Months
1 min to read
What’s a healthy breastfeeding diet?
If you’re breastfeeding, a healthy breastfeeding diet is important as it can affect your baby as much as you. Get tips on what not to eat when breastfeeding and what to eat when breastfeeding.
2 mins to read
How to Know if Breastfed Baby is Full
Did you know? The longer a mom breastfeeds, the more she responds to her baby’s signs of fullness.
2 mins to read
8-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
About the size of a robin’s egg, your little one measures about 30 mm long. Learn more about this week.
3 mins to read
How To Keep Your Child Healthy
You can't stop your child from getting sick, but you can certainly reduce the chances by following some basic principles to promote a healthy lifestyle and strong immune system.
3 mins to read
How to encourage baby’s first steps—in 10 steps
It can be both thrilling and terrifying watching your baby’s first steps—or at least, attempted steps.
2 mins to read
Your baby’s step-by-step guide to texture
Once your baby has mastered smooth purees, it’s time to offer textured foods. Experience with different textures helps him develop the skills for chewing.
1 min to read
How much food to feed your baby at 6-7 months / 8 months / 9-11 months
While feeding your baby, understanding how much food he/she needs can be tricky.
2 mins to read
Why your baby needs to be active
Did you know? Spending time playing with your baby at this age can lead to him being more active when he’s a toddler.
2 mins to read
First foods can influence your child’s future tastes
Did you know?
3 mins to read
When Can Babies Drink Juice – You may be surprised...
Think before you drink!
1 min to read
How much food to feed your baby at 8 months
With a little knowledge and observation, you will easily be able to identify when you have fed your child the appropriate amount of food.
2 mins to read
Your baby proofing action plan
It’s a good idea to baby proof your house before the big arrival. Read our baby proofing tips, from baby safety locks to baby corner guards, to minimize the risk of accidents at home.
1 min to read
Baby Not Interested in Eating Solids – Understanding the Process
Did you know?
3 mins to read
12-week pregnant: baby development and diet tips
You’re coming to the end of your first trimester. Congratulations! Read more about this week.
3 mins to read
Why Play Is Good For Baby's Body and Mind
Your little one is bursting with energy from dusk till dawn and loves making new discoveries.
3 mins to read
Baby talk: How to encourage baby’s first words.
Your baby’s first words are likely to happen after a few months of baby talk.
2 mins to read
