BABY MASSAGE

Massaging your baby not only soothes them but also supports their development. Massage calms your baby by reducing the circulation of stress hormones in the blood vessels—those same stress hormones that are our greatest enemies from the moment we are born. It also helps you establish a strong bond with your baby.

Babies transition from the soft, fluid environment of the womb to a firm and motionless surface. For the first three months, they lack the ability to move or turn independently, except for limited arm and hand movements. Therefore, regular baby massages during these early months are important for the development of both physical and motor skills.

The most developed sense in babies is the sense of touch. During infancy, touch plays a vital role in how a baby perceives their environment. When a baby is touched or held, it helps them connect with their surroundings and supports their development. One of the effective ways parents can connect with their babies is through baby massage.

What Are the Benefits of Baby Massage?

• It supports the development of the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, as well as neuromuscular coordination. It plays an important role in the development of reflexes and muscles.
• By strengthening the immune system, it helps the baby build resistance to common infections such as colds and flu. However, because massage increases blood circulation, it can be dangerous if the baby has an infection—massage may cause the infection to spread more rapidly.
• Massage increases the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which helps relieve pain during moments like gas discomfort or teething.
• It creates a soothing bedtime ritual, making it easier for the baby to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
• It improves nutrient absorption and boosts appetite.
• It enhances communication and bonding between the baby and parents, making shared time enjoyable and meaningful.
• Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby stimulates the production of prolactin (the milk hormone), increasing milk supply and promoting successful and harmonious breastfeeding and bonding.
• The sense of touch gives the baby a feeling of safety. It reduces tension, anxiety, and fear, promoting calmness and relaxation. It also boosts the mother’s confidence, and the peace she feels is reflected in her baby.

How Should We Perform the Massage?

Each part of the baby’s body needs a specific massage approach, as every area is developing and requires special attention.

Face Massage:
Using your thumbs, gently glide from between the baby's eyebrows upward across the forehead. This motion helps the baby calm down and fall asleep. With gentle fingertip pressure, move from the inner corners of the eyes down along the sides of the nose to the nostrils—this opens the sinuses and relaxes the baby. Using your index fingers, lightly pull along the underside of the cheekbones as if forming a smile, reaching the jaw joint and applying circular motions with your fingertips. This relaxes the lips and cheek muscles, which can become tired from sucking.

Chest Massage:
Place your hands on either side of the chest and slide each hand diagonally toward the opposite shoulder in a "butterfly stroke."

Arm and Leg Massage:
Starting from the hands, stroke up toward the shoulders. Then, using both hands—one below and one above the limb—gently squeeze and glide from the wrist up to the shoulder to stimulate deeper circulation. The same technique should be applied to the legs.

Back Massage:
Lay the baby face down on your legs or on a blanket on the floor. Starting from the head, gently stroke the entire back and down to the soles of the feet. Then, move your hands in opposite directions across the back—one pushing, one pulling—and finally use your fingertips to gently tap along the back. (This relaxes the back and helps the baby become aware of their body.)