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More About Baby Massage and Baby Yoga

What is Baby Massage?

Baby massage is a gentle and soothing practice in which caregivers use their hands to massage and stroke their baby's body. It involves using specific techniques which have been used for 1000's of years and strokes designed to provide various physical and emotional benefits to the baby and the parent, as it also provides an opportunity for caregivers to create a special and nurturing bonding experience with their little one.

What are the benefits of baby massage?

Bonding and Attachment: Massaging your baby provides an opportunity for skin-to-skin contact, promoting a strong emotional bond between you and your baby. This physical closeness can help enhance feelings of trust and security.
Relaxation and Calmness: Gentle massage techniques can help relax your baby's muscles and nervous system, leading to a sense of calmness. It may also reduce fussiness and crying.
Improved Sleep: Regular massage may contribute to better sleep patterns for your baby. The relaxation induced by massage can help your baby fall asleep more easily and enjoy longer periods of restful sleep.
Relief from Discomfort: Baby massage can aid in relieving discomfort from gas, colic, and constipation. Gentle strokes on the baby's tummy can help stimulate digestion and alleviate digestive issues.
Sensory Stimulation: The tactile sensations of massage stimulate your baby's sense of touch, which is crucial for their overall sensory development. It can also help your baby become more aware of their body and surroundings.
Development of Body Awareness: As you gently move your baby's limbs and body, they become more aware of their own body and its movements. This can support their motor skill development.
Promotion of Circulation: Massaging your baby's skin increases blood circulation, which can aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the body's cells.
Stress Reduction: Massaging your baby may help reduce stress hormones, benefiting their overall well-being and potentially supporting a healthier immune system.
Enhanced Communication: Through massage, you learn to read your baby's cues and responses, fostering better communication between you and your baby.
Support for Premature Babies: Baby massage can be particularly beneficial for premature infants. It can aid in weight gain, improve muscle tone, and contribute to their overall development.

What is Baby Yoga, or Baby Movement?

Baby yoga, also known as infant or baby-and-me yoga, is a practice that involves gentle movements, stretches, and poses designed to promote bonding, relaxation, and physical development between caregivers and their babies. Similar to traditional yoga, baby yoga adapts poses and techniques to suit the needs and abilities of infants. There is often use of dynamic movement such as swings, dips and use of elevation to expose a baby to stimulation of the lesser known senses; proprioception, the vestibular system and interoception.

What are the benefits of baby yoga?

Bonding and Interaction: Like baby massage, baby yoga enhances the emotional connection between caregivers and babies. Through shared movements and touch, caregivers and babies strengthen their bond and communication.
Physical Development: Baby yoga incorporates gentle stretches and movements that can help promote the development of the baby's muscles, flexibility, and motor skills. It provides a safe and nurturing environment for babies to explore their bodies and movement capabilities.
Sensory Stimulation: Baby yoga engages the baby's senses through movements, textures, and sensory experiences. This can contribute to the baby's cognitive development and sensory awareness.
Relaxation and Calmness: Just as in adult yoga, baby yoga often includes relaxation techniques and soothing movements that can help calm fussy babies and improve their sleep patterns.
Speech and Language: Many baby yoga classes involve the use of songs and rhymes in line with the movements being done, this helps development and understanding of language, speech patterns and use of different tone.
Parental Confidence: Participating in baby yoga can boost caregivers' confidence in handling their infants, as they learn more about their baby's cues, preferences, and responses to movement.
Group Interaction: Baby yoga classes often provide a social setting where caregivers and babies can interact with other families. This can be a supportive and enriching environment for both babies and caregivers.

When can you begin Baby Massage and Baby Yoga?

Baby massage can be started from birth, unless otherwise advised by your midwife or health visitors.

Babies, particularly premature ones, have been found to benefit hugely from the early use of regular skin-to-skin contact with their caregivers and massage is a great way to do this.

Due to the delicate nature of their skin the use of oils should not be introduced until 6 weeks.

Baby Yoga generally starts from around 10-12 weeks; as it is more active it is beneficial to wait until babies have reached the 12 week developmental leap meaning they do not become easily over-stimulated by it all, and they have better head and neck control.

As with all activities with your baby you should be listening to your baby's cues. If they are not enjoying it, then stop, and try again another time or once your baby's need has been attended to. Remember! 5 minutes of happy bonding time is far better for your baby than 30 minutes of preventable stress.

The time of day to massage your baby will depend entirely on them, ideally they should be well rested and not hungry, and in their alert phase; a combination that will happen at different times for individual babies. Building some massage into the bedtime routine can have additional benefits towards better sleep and relaxation; so if it suits your baby, this a great opportunity to make it a regular practice.

Baby yoga is more of a during the day activity, where they are alert and wanting to engage with you. It's more of a playful bonding experience. Avoid big movements with babies if they have had a recent feed though as it may cause them to be sick.

What do you need to massage your baby?

In essenece you don't need much to massage your baby, and it can be done on the go over clothing if you want to seize an opportunity. If have a bit more time for planning then you can create a beautiful and calming environment for you and your baby.

Gather Supplies: A soft blanket or towel to place your baby on. If massaging skin to skin you will need a suitbale natural oil to make the experience more enjoyable for your baby (read the section below on which oils are best for your baby). Soft, soothing music or a calm environment to help create a relaxing atmosphere.
Choose the Right Time: Pick a time when your baby is awake, alert, and not too hungry or full. Avoid massaging their tummy right after a feeding, as it might lead to discomfort, however you could still give their legs or arms a massage.
Create a Calm Environment: Choose a warm, quiet room with soft lighting. Make sure the room temperature is comfortable for your baby, as they will be undressed, if possible it should be above 24 degrees Celcius. You can add soothing music as well if you would like to.
Wash Your Hands: Ensure your hands are clean and warm before starting the massage.
Gentle Touch and Permission: Always use gentle and soft strokes. Start with slow, light pressure, and observe your baby's cues to ensure they are comfortable. Babies are delicate, so avoid applying too much pressure, your touch should be comforting and relaxing.
Watch for Cues: Pay attention to your baby's reactions. If they seem uncomfortable or fussy, adjust your technique or stop the massage. Your baby's comfort and enjoyment should be the priority. If they seem restless, uncomfortable, or disinterested, it's okay to stop the massage.
A Guide: Follow the guidance of a training instructor to learn all the correct techniques for your baby, there are differences to massaging an adult and certain areas of the body that need different attention. Either join a face to face class or an online tutorial such as the one available on this website.
Eye Contact and Communication: Maintain eye contact and talk softly to your baby during the massage. This helps strengthen your bond and reassures your baby.
Gradually Increase Duration: Start with short sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets used to the routine.
Enjoy the Process: The goal is to create a positive experience for both you and your baby. Enjoy the time spent bonding and connecting through touch.
Consult Your Pediatrician: If you're uncertain or concerned about any aspect of baby massage, consult your pediatrician before starting.

Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts and your baby's cues, and enjoy this special bonding time with your little one.y

Which oils are best to use?

When choosing an oil for baby massage, it's important to select a gentle and safe option that is suitable for your baby's sensitive skin. Here are a few oils commonly used for baby massage:

Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is a gentle option for baby massage, and it's rich in linoleic acid, which can help maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Coconut Oil: Virgin coconut oil is a popular choice for baby massage. It's moisturizing, has natural antimicrobial properties, and is generally well-tolerated by most babies' skin. Make sure to choose cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil.
Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is another light oil that's often used for baby massage. It's high in antioxidants and contains vitamin E, making it suitable for delicate skin.
Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamin E and is known for its nourishing properties. It's a lightweight oil that's often used in baby massage. However, be cautious if there's a history of nut allergies in your family.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is known for its similarity to the skin's natural oils. It's hypoallergenic and safe for baby massage.
Pre-mixed oils: THere are lot of marketed baby massage oils that combine the oils above, these are generally safe for most babies but always ensure you check for allerngens and consider avoiding anything with perfumes in as they can be over-stimulating.
Topical Eczema cream: If your baby has mild atopic eczema and you have been prescribed a cream to help soothe it, using massage techniques can be a nicer way for your baby to have it applied to their skin as well as ensuring full even coverage.

When selecting an oil, consider the following tips:

Patch Test: Before using any oil for the first time, do a patch test on a small area of your baby's skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions or allergies.
Unscented and Natural: Choose oils that are unscented or have only natural fragrances. Avoid oils with added artificial fragrances or additives that could irritate your baby's skin.
Organic and Cold-Pressed: Opt for organic and cold-pressed oils whenever possible, as they retain more of their natural nutrients and properties.
Watch for Allergies: If you have a family history of allergies, especially nut allergies, be cautious when using oils derived from nuts (like almond oil).
Consult a Pediatrician: If you're unsure which oil to use or if your baby has specific skin concerns, consult your pediatrician for recommendations.

Remember that every baby's skin is unique, so it's important to observe how your baby reacts to the oil you choose. If you notice any signs of irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

When should baby massage be avoided?

There are certain situations and conditions when it's best to avoid massaging your baby. Here are some scenarios in which you should not massage your baby:

Fever or Illness: If your baby has a fever or is unwell, it's best to avoid massaging. Their body may be sensitive, and the massage could potentially worsen their discomfort.
Skin Conditions: If your baby has any skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, or open wounds, avoid massaging the affected areas. Massaging could irritate the skin or spread the condition.
Recent Immunizations: It's generally recommended to wait a day or two after your baby's immunizations before giving them a massage. This allows their body time to recover at their natural speed.
Cranky or Fussy Mood: If your baby is in an unusually cranky or fussy mood, they might not be in the right state of mind for a massage. It's important to choose a time when they're calm and alert.
After Feeding: Avoid massaging your baby's tummy immediately after a feeding, as they might feel uncomfortable with pressure on their tummy.
Overstimulated: If your baby is already overstimulated or seems overwhelmed, adding a massage might not be soothing for them.
Medical Conditions: If your baby has any underlying medical conditions, it's a good idea to consult your pediatrician before starting a massage routine.
Premature Babies: Preterm babies have delicate and sensitive skin so any massage done should be over clothing and with very gentle pressure. Make sure to discuss massaging your preterm baby with a specialist before trying it.
Lack of Interest: If your baby is showing signs of not enjoying the massage or is becoming agitated during it, it's better to stop and try again later.

Always pay attention to your baby's cues and comfort level during the massage. If your baby seems uncomfortable, restless, or unhappy, it's best to stop the massage and try again at a different time. Remember that baby massage should be a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. If you're uncertain about whether to massage your baby due to a specific situation, consult your midwife or GP for guidance.