Your Baby`s Daily Massage

Getting to know you

These techniques are good for all babies who aren't yet crawling. For the best chance of success, don't try a massage just before or after a meal or when she needs a nap. When you think she's ready, set yourself up on the floor with a towel and a small bowl of oil suitable for massage. If your baby seems to be uncomfortable or starts crying before you have finished the massage, stop and give her a cuddle instead.

The legs

Her legs are a good place to begin, as they're less sensitive than some parts of her body. Using a little oil, wrap your hands around one of her thighs and pull down, one hand after the other, squeezing gently, as if you're "milking" her leg. Switch legs and repeat.

The feet

Take one foot and gently rotate it a few times in each direction, then stroke the top of her foot from the ankle down to the toes. Switch feet and repeat.

The soles

Use your thumbs to trace circles all over the bottom of each foot.

The toes

To finish off the feet, take each toe between your thumb and forefinger and gently pull until your fingers slip off the end. Repeat for all ten toes.

The arms

Take one of her arms in your hands and repeat the milking motion from her armpit all the way to her wrist. Then, take her hand and gently rotate her wrist a few times in each direction. Switch arms and repeat.

The hands

Trace tiny circles over the palm of each of her hands with your thumbs.

The fingers

Gently take a finger between your thumb and forefinger and pull, letting her finger slip through your grasp. Repeat for all her fingers and both thumbs.

The chest

Place your hands together in prayer position over her heart. Then, opening out your hands slowly, stroke outward and lightly flatten the palms over her chest. Repeat several times.

The chest (continued)

Place one hand flat across the top of her chest. Stroke it gently down to her thighs. Repeat the motion, alternating hands, several times.

The back

Roll your baby onto her tummy. Using your fingertips, trace tiny circles on either side of her spine from the neck down to the buttocks.

The back (continued)

Finish with some long, firm strokes from her shoulders all the way to her feet. When you have finished, put on her nappy and cuddle or breastfeed her. She'll probably doze off!

More About Bath Refer Bathing Your Baby 
And
 Bathing And Soothing Your Baby`s Skin
And
First Bath Of Your Newborn Baby