Infant Massage

Touch is the physical expression of love and it is a universal language that babies can understand before they can talk.

Benefits of infant massage

• Promotes parent-child bonding
• Calms a fussy or colicky baby, and helps baby to release tension, anxiety and irritability
• Helps baby to relax and fall asleep easily
• Encourages body awareness, coordination and motor development
• Promotes emotional growth

Tips on infant massage

• It is best to do it after a warm bath, before bedtime, when your baby is still alert and not drowsy.
• Lay your baby on a flat surface, e.g. a mattress. You can also sit on the floor and make a diamond shape with your legs; soles facing each other. Place a blanket over your legs to form a “cradle” for baby to lie in.
• Remember to dress baby in his diaper.
• Use a little baby oil or lotion. It makes the massage smoother. Do a patch test first, to make sure that the oil or lotion is not too harsh for baby’s delicate skin. Do not use pure concentrated essential oils.
• Rub the oil or lotion between your palms to warm it up before putting your hands on baby, so that he does not get a shock from your cold hands.
• Sing or hum to baby, or talk and make eye contact with baby while massaging. Baby will like that!

Reference: Health Promotion Board, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital