Why baby massage can work wonders

Did you know that you can do something very good for your baby with a gentle massage? In this article, you'll learn why it's worth trying out a baby massage. We also explain how a baby massage works and what you need for it.

Many good reasons for regular baby massages

Baby massage has a variety of benefits – not only for your little explorer but also for you and your partner. A very obvious advantage is, of course, the Relaxation and Calm , which can provide a gentle massage. Anyone who has ever been massaged knows the relaxing effect that comes with a massage. It helps to reduce stress and tension from everyday life. Your baby can also benefit from it by helping them to relax and, for example, fall asleep more easily.

At the same time, it helps your little treasure to do so, to feel his own body and to capture Especially in the first months of life, babies often feel a little lost in the big wide world. You can counteract this uncertainty with regular massages in a pleasant atmosphere, because with them your baby learns to get to know itself better and gains self-confidence to explore this exciting world.

In addition to the emotional, there are also physical aspects that speak in favor of regular massages: The gentle movements also stimulate the Blood circulation This is not only important for an optimal body temperature, but also to ensure that the blood transports all essential nutrients and minerals to the skin, muscles, and tissues, thereby promoting cell growth. Additionally, massages help babies Stimulate digestion and Relieve stomach pain can. Unfortunately, many little explorers occasionally suffer from stomach aches, constipation, and Colic . With the right massage technique, these complaints can be prevented and relief achieved.

And that brings us to the benefits for caring moms and dads. Because anyone who can relieve their baby from pain with such a simple and natural remedy as a massage feels happy and relieved. This good feeling is a great motivation to explore the right techniques for pain-relieving baby massage.

But even if your baby is not currently suffering from stomach pain, we recommend regular massages. They help moms and dads to a close bond to build with their child. If you incorporate massages as recurring rituals into daily life, you regularly create valuable time during which your baby and you are guaranteed the undivided attention of the other person. A time when you can get to know each other even better. Especially for dads, baby massage is an ideal opportunity to become even more actively involved in the daily baby care to bring in and pamper your little explorer from head to toe.

But not only some dads may have difficulty establishing a deep bond with their baby. It can also happen with new moms. In such cases, these so-called postnatal depression or depressive moods, many midwives also recommend to women to massage their babies. This can help mothers shake off fears and pave the way for a healthy mother-child relationship.

The right time to massage your baby

Once you hold your baby in your arms, stroke and cuddle it, this tender affection could be called baby massage. If you really want to massage it, your child should be at least eight weeks old. Prior to that, only partial massages, such as of the feet, are recommended. The ideal time for a baby massage varies from baby to baby, by the way. Generally, babies should be fed at the time of the massage, but at least half an hour should have passed since their last meal.

A massage is only half as much fun with a full stomach! Your little darling should also be awake and receptive. Especially during the first few times, conscious massages are an exciting experience for your baby. Some children become even more active, while others become very sleepy, making it a wonderful ritual before bedtime. It is important to always choose a similar time of day so that your baby can get used to it. You will quickly notice which time of day is best for your baby.

These utensils are needed for the baby massage

To make the massage more enjoyable for your baby and you, you will need – besides a content and alert baby – a few drops of baby oil without fragrances or preservatives, for example . If you want to massage your baby unclothed, you should already have everything ready that you will also need after changing: some to clean your child if necessary, fresh baby clothes, and a clean diaper. Besides that, a cozy surface, for example in the form of a large towel or a , and a comfortable room temperature are important so that your baby does not get too cold even when naked.

To create a relaxing atmosphere during the massage, we have put together a playlist of gentle, classical music for babies on our Spotify channel.

Here's how: Baby massage made easy

You don't need to attend a special course to be able to massage your baby. If you want to incorporate baby massage as a regular ritual into your daily routine, you should follow a plan when stroking. A consistent routine gives your baby security.

Here is a guide for a simple baby massage:

• Warm a few drops of baby oil in your palms and gently place your hands on your baby's tummy and shoulders for a minute to show him that the massage is about to begin.

• Start with the soles of the feet: circle around each toe and stimulate the soles by applying gentle pressure with your thumb.

• Gently knead the legs now and move from the calves to the thighs with the movements.

• Massage the baby's belly and chest with the flat hand. Be sure to perform circular motions on the belly only clockwise to promote your baby's digestion.

• Walk now with kneading motions simultaneously to the arms on the left and right, and from there to the hands.

• Gently press and make circular motions on your baby's palms, then softly stroke each finger.

• Finally, place your hands again on your child's belly and shoulders for one minute as a sign that the massage is now finished.

Such a massage can last up to 15 minutes, but a shorter period is also perfectly fine. The important thing is that your baby and you feel comfortable! If you notice that your child is squirming or crying, you should probably postpone the massage to a later time. Some children also do not like massage on certain parts of their body. All of these are things you will quickly find out. If you enjoy singing, you can also search online and in baby books for nice children's songs that are suitable for baby massage. This way, your hand becomes a funny crawling beetle and your thumb stomps like an elephant in rhythm.

Do you want to learn even more about baby massages or master specific techniques to better soothe your baby's colic? Then a baby massage course is right for you. and some midwives also offer such . Alternatively, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi demonstrates the most important techniques in a video.

Whether simple or advanced baby massage – you and your baby will surely enjoy this special time together to the fullest. We wish you lots of fun!