“It is through our hands that we speak to the child. That we communicate.
Touch is the child’s first language, understanding comes long after feeling”
Frederick Leboyer
Why massaging your baby at home is more important than massaging your baby in class.
Each baby has a rhythm, ups and downs throughout the day. For some babies it may be similar each day and others may be more changeable. As a baby massage instructor classes can’t be set to suit each individual baby, but at home you can learn babies cues and rhythms and massage when the time is right.
“When should I massage my baby?”
This is a question I get asked all the time in class and there is no definitive answer. In class we talk about recognising when baby is in the right mood for massage and the cues to look for.
You should be looking for your baby to be alert but calm, making good eye contact and with gentle movement of the limbs. You shouldn’t massage if baby is asleep or crying.
Many parents find that bath time or early morning works well.
“Do I need to do the whole massage routine?”
If you have the time and baby is in the mood – fantastic, but if not then do the area baby likes best, by starting here they may let you do more of the routine than you anticipated. If your baby is needing a specific area massages, such as the tummy for constipation, then it is better to do this than nothing at all. There are really no rules about how much and how little you need to do.
Creating the right environment for massage
Baby massage should be a pleasure for both the giver and the receiver. So here are a few things that can make it relaxing for your both.
- Make sure the room is warm.
- Baby should ideally be naked to ensure you are working all areas of the body.
- Dim your lights.
- Ensure you are both comfortable.
- Switch off mobile phones.
- Play some relaxing music
- If massaging at bath time some babies enjoy to hear the sound of the running water.
- Don’t forget to warm the oil in your hands.
Baby Massage Class
Baby Massage class is about learning the skills of massaging your baby, so you can take what you learn and use it at home.
To find out the dates of Nurtured Baby massage visit my website.
