How to Give Your Baby a Massage

Have you ever gotten a massage and felt so relaxed afterward? That’s because massages are a wonderful way to release tension in the body and help the mind calm down. Not only do adults benefit from regular massages, but babies do as well. When you give your baby a massage, you’re releasing tension from their body as well as calming them down. Next time you bathe your baby, try giving them a gentle massage with some massage oil and see if it relaxes them.   

Why Should You Give Your Baby a Massage?

Giving your baby a massage is one of the most underrated ways to bond with your baby. The feeling of touch is how a mother bonds with her baby like when she's breastfeeding. Dads, however, may have a harder time bonding with their babies since they aren’t breastfeeding. Massaging your baby is a great way for dads to get in on the action and bond with their babies. Not only is massaging your baby a great way to strengthen the bond between the both of you, but it is also a calming ritual for the mind and body. Think about it. When adults get massages, it’s because we want to relax and unwind. The same works for babies. When you give them a massage, it helps calm them down and give them a relaxing experience. Last but not least, massaging your baby is a wonderful way to moisturize and hydrate their skin so it’s protected against irritation and redness.

What Products Should I Use When Giving My Baby a Massage?

When giving your baby a massage, you want to use a Gentle Baby Oil that glides over the skin. Rubbing your baby’s skin without oil can cause your hands to catch on their soft skin and cause redness. Try to pick a massage oil that has natural, minimal ingredients. Look for ingredients such as safflower oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil. Safflower oil is high in Vitamin E, moisturizes the skin, and is rich in protective antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory effects which are great for babies with inflamed, sensitive skin. Jojoba oil is packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin A and E and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential components of the skin’s barrier, making it a great oil for soothing skin with eczema. Lastly, grapeseed oil gently moisturizes the skin and is safe for even the most sensitive skin. This oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-allergenic properties. The combination of these three oils is best for moisturizing and protecting the skin from irritation.

When looking for the right massage oil, try to avoid mineral oils, silicones, and other additives that aren’t natural. You want the only ingredients to consist of oils and nothing more. It’s also important to look for certified organic products because you know they won’t be harmful for your baby. You also want to look for dermatologically tested and microbiome-friendly certifications in massage oil. If the oil is dermatologically tested, that means that it has been approved by dermatologists and is safe to use. If a product is microbiome-friendly, that means it won’t affect the integrity of your baby’s skin. If a product doesn’t have a least one of these things, it probably isn’t safe for your baby.

How to Use Baby Massage Oil

Baby massage oil is very easy to use. After you bathe your baby, apply a few drops of the massage oil. Take your hands and slowly stroke and knead your baby’s skin with a gentle touch. If you’ve already put lotion on your baby, that’s okay! This oil can be used before AND after lotion for enjoyable bonding time. One thing to note is that the oil may be cold to the touch when first squeezed out of the bottle. To make the oil warmer for your baby’s skin, put a few drops in the palm of your hand and rub until the oil feels warm.

Takeaway

If you want to strengthen the bond between you and your baby, your best bet is a gentle massage with moisturizing massage oil. Your baby will be calmer, happier, and have the smoothest skin possible.