Touch is a baby’s love language
From the moment we are born, the need for touch becomes an important part of our lives. Research shows that the more skin-on-skin contact we have with our babies, the healthier they will be.
Of course, we cuddle our little ones all the time but regular massage is a perfect way to harness the therapeutic benefits of skin-to-skin touch and also to keep their precious baby skin healthy.
Other benefits of baby massage include:
- helping to calm your baby so they can sleep
- improving muscle tone
- helping regular bowel movements
- aiding baby’s growth and development
- encourages your baby’s social skills
- helping your relationship with your baby
- easing the effects of dry and itchy skin
Make baby massage a daily ritual
Babies love routine so make a special time for them to enjoy their massage every day. Many families find that a massage after bath time is the perfect way to relax their little one before bed but find a time that works best for you.
Here are some tips to get started:
- Try bath and massage time straight after feeding so that your baby has a full tummy and feels content.
- Ensure the room is warm and dry, with soft lighting and play some relaxing music.
- Start massaging your baby after bathing by gently patting them with a soft, dry towel.
- Use a gentle, natural lotion, like Bee Baby Sleep Lotion with Manuka Honey and Lavender. This has the skin benefits of Manuka Honey, lavender to help your baby relax and has no nasties to irritate your little one’s skin.
- Start massaging from the top of your baby’s head. Using soft, circular strokes, move gently down their body, making eye contact with them. Try talking and singing and having a giggle with them.
- Massage for as long as your baby is enjoying it before dressing them and readying them for bed.
- Keep a tube of lotion handy to do a soothing mini-massage at nappy change times, or during mat time.
A relaxed and happy baby with soft, moisturised skin is well prepared for a night of sweet dreams! Isn’t massage magic?
Research
https://www.who.int/elena/titles/review_summaries/early-skin-contact/en/
https://www.plunket.org.nz/caring-for-your-child/hygiene-and-daily-care/handling-your-baby/massage/