How to massage a child
Massage is a good way to stabilize psychomotor and speech development. Mother's hands are an excellent way to calm the baby, and at the same time you will help him cope with his tone. From the article you will learn how to properly perform a restorative massage for your baby.
How to properly massage a child
When the baby is born, he cannot control his muscles. Tone of arms and legs after 9 months of being in the mother’s stomach, it can persist for up to 3 months. To cope with it, the neurologist prescribes a course of massage. Of course, the hands of a specialist work wonders, but mother’s touch can also play a big role in the development of a small miracle.
Firming massage is prescribed for:
- improves digestion and helps get rid of colic;
- long and restful sleep;
- normalization of the nervous system;
- development of movement coordination;
- removing tone;
- stimulation of metabolism;
- increasing immunity.
The first half of the day is the best time for a massage. But keep in mind that the procedure cannot be done on a full stomach. After feeding, at least 1 hour must pass, otherwise you may induce vomiting. You can start massage after 3 weeks of age. Only after this period does the child’s skin adapt to new living conditions.
The optimal temperature for massage is 23-26°C. You should not perform the procedure in a cool or very hot room.
Before you begin your massage, remove your rings, trim your nails, and warm your hands. Then lubricate them with oil or baby cream. Use hypoallergenic oil to prevent rashes on your baby's skin.
The movements of your hands should be light, because the baby's skin is still very delicate.
It is better to start the massage from the feet, moving up the body. Pay more attention to the balls of your feet and the Achilles tendon.
Avoid massaging the lower leg, as the muscles in this area are not yet formed and you can harm the baby. It is also worth going around places on the chest and inner thigh.
How to massage a baby
Before starting the procedures, we will immediately make a reservation - the movements should be stroking and soft. There should be no rough rubbing or popping.
Detailed instructions for massaging an infant:
- Start the massage from the legs. Massage your foot, toes, heel. Next, move up the leg. Avoid the area of the joints, knees and inner thighs.
- Gradually move to the tummy. All movements must be carried out strictly clockwise. This will relieve the baby from the gases and make it easier to get rid of them.
- The baby's chest is massaged towards the collarbone, then towards the ribs. Avoid the breast area.
- Move on to the handles. Pay special attention to your fingers. Work them separately, then move on to the palm. This procedure helps relieve hand tone and has a beneficial effect on the baby’s nervous system.
- Turn the baby over onto his tummy and massage his neck. If the child raises his head, then at this moment it is necessary to stop movements. Move to the back.
- Movements should start from the lower back to the shoulders, then from the vertebrae to the ribs. It is not recommended to touch the spine itself. Massage your butt from the outer thigh to the tailbone.
- The final stage is a head massage. Light stroking movements of the hair stimulate blood circulation, so the duration of the procedure should not exceed 1 minute. We don’t leave the ears unattended. There are many points on them that are connected to the body.
Give a massage only when your child is in a good mood. If you notice your baby's tearfulness or fidgeting, you shouldn't torture him. Postpone the procedure for a while.
If your child cries every time you massage, consult a neurologist. He will determine exactly why your child does not like this activity and give appropriate recommendations.
How children get a massage: video
Watch the three suggested video lessons. They will help you navigate the correct movements.
