How to massage an infant

Step by step instructions on performing "Infant Massage". Instructed by Licensed Massage Therapist.
The Best Baby Massage EVER!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small blanket or hooded baby towel, light music or classical baby CD, baby oil or lotion

1. Research shows that massage will contribute to your baby's weight gain and increase their rate of development. Massage will comfort your child, help with sleep issues, stimulate digestion and relieve colic.
   When massaging an infant, the touch is as light as you would touch your eye lid. There are 3 main techniques: Stroke, which is stroking the body part with your fingers or whole hand (always towards the heart), Tiny Circles, with your fingertips and Muscle Jiggle, lightly shaking the skin as if the skin is jello.

2. To begin: Start with the Baby face up, lying on its back on a mat, blanket, bed or floor.
   • Stroke head and hair, from crown downward
   • Stroke along eyebrow, from middle to sides
   • Stroke one finger around each eye
   • Stroke one finger down bridge of nose
   • Stroke one finger around mouth
   • Stroke ears
   • Stroke jaw, chin from ears to chin
   • Small circles on head and hair, forehead, and down face
   • Stroke head and shoulders
   • Shake top edge of shoulder
   • Small circles in the triangles between neck and shoulders
   • Shake arm muscles, shoulders to wrist
   • Stroke each finger between finger and thumb and rotate gently
   • Pull down on arms gently and cross into “hug” 3 times
   • Stroke head to bottom of ribs
   • Stroke one finger along each rib, center to sides
   • Small circles between ribs
   • Shake pectoral muscles at shoulder
   • Stroke around umbilicus
   • Small circles on abdomen
   • Stroke down legs
   • Shake leg muscles, hips to feet
   • Stroke toes like the fingers
   • Stroke down whole body 3 times head to feet

3. Turn Baby over to rest face down.
   • Stroke head to arms twice
   • Stroke head to rest of body twice
   • Stroke tracing ribs with one finger, center to sides, all the way down to the buttocks
   • Small circles in same area
   • Stroke from back to buttocks
   • Small circles on glutes
   • Stroke down legs
   • Shake leg muscles from thighs to feet
   • Stroke entire body twice from head to feet
   That completes your infant massage. Always hug your baby after.

Tips & Warnings

• It's never too early or to late to start a massage routine!
• After bath time is a great time for Infant Massage!
• Babies love it! As they grow, they will get used to massage time and expect it!
• Sing to your baby or play some relaxing music during your massage
• Always be aware of your baby's breath during massage. They will let you know what they like and what they don't like. Some babies are very ticklish at first - work with them.