You’re the parent of a newborn and someone tells you they know a way to possibly help optimize sleep for your baby. I don’t know too many people who wouldn’t jump on that opportunity. There is no 100% certainty that baby massage will magically make your little-one a superstar sleeper, but the benefits certainly speak for themselves! Read on to learn how baby massage can help with infant sleep.
Tell Me Everything!
Just like us adults, our babies often thrive on consistency. Within that consistency might be a bedtime routine. I’m not suggesting sleep training your newborn (because it likely won’t work haha!) but I do suggest around 4-6 weeks to start to consistently do the same activities just before bed. There aren’t too many adults who can come home from a busy day and go directly to sleep. Usually we try to relax our body and mind in one way or another. We want to do the same for our babies!
Every baby is different, but depending on their likes and dislikes consider incorporating a bath, some soft music or lullabies, dimmed lighting and of course a few relaxing massage techniques before you put them to bed. Over time your little one will start to associate this same routine with going to sleep.
How Do I Do It?
Before starting your bedtime baby massage, set out everything you’re going to need. If you’re doing bath time first, you will want a nice cozy towel, clean pyjamas and diaper, any other baby products you use, and massage oil or a nice calming lavender lotion. For massage oil we always recommend using an edible oil such as olive, safflower, or coconut in case your baby puts his/her hands in their mouth.
I always recommend starting with gentle touch before getting into massage strokes. Starting at the feet is a great way to ease into it and not overwhelm baby by getting near their face or head right away, which can overwhelm them. Watch your baby’s cues as they communicate through their facial expressions and their body language. If they start to cry, they might be trying to tell you they aren’t feeling like a massage right now. It’s important to not force the massage if the baby isn’t enjoying it. We always want it to be a peaceful and calming experience so we need to listen to our little ones and try again another time.
We will do the legs as an example!
A few things to try out:
- Start by applying gentle squeezes to the baby’s feet and calves and work your way towards the hip on both sides
- Include some nice slow bicycle-like movements of the legs just to move the hip around. But think slow and rhythmic when you’re doing them.
- Use some oil start at your baby’s feet and do long soothing strokes up towards the hip and then back down to the foot. Repeat this as long as the baby is enjoying it on both legs.
- Then try a “wringing” technique, which is simply just going back and forth across the thighs and calves side to side instead of up and down.
- When coming down to baby’s toes think about pulling the tension out of their toes (“this little piggy” might get you some smiles or giggles too).
- Alternate through techniques as your baby enjoys them. If you try a technique and it doesn’t work, no worries, just go back to one they do like!
- You always want to finish any night time massage with soothing techniques. Nice long, slow strokes to settle their nervous system down and prepare them to rest.
Want To Learn More?
We hope this has helped you learn how baby massage can help with infant sleep. Baby massage is helpful for so many reasons beyond sleep. Did you know it can help with colic, gas and indigestion? How about improving maternal and paternal bonds with baby?
Interested in Infant Massage? Schedule a session with Alysha
Or get more information about our fun infant massage workshops!
