Some people aren’t sure how to handle a baby, and they worry about whether their touch is too strong, too soft, too gentle, or too forceful. When we pat a baby’s back or stroke the sides of their faces, we want to convey relaxation, security, and comfort.

It’s one thing to comfort infants using various sorts of premium baby gear, but knowing how to use touch to soothe is another. But how do we know if our touch is indeed soothing and comforting for the baby?

A great way to provide effective and soothing touches for infants is to learn how to give a baby massage. Maybe you’d like to give a baby massage for gas relief, or you’re interested in a baby massage for sleep.

Regardless of your reasons for learning how to give a baby massage, knowing the right way to do so is important.

Some research shows that giving babies massages could promote healthy growth. During sessions, the baby will feel loved and nurtured, calmed, and soothed. Since infants feel more relaxed at this time, they also often sleep more soundly afterward.

Infant massages are excellent for encouraging bonding. Communication and trust, which are critically important to a child’s development, develop as you interact with an infant.

The benefits of giving an infant massages don’t stop with security, comfort, and trust development. These soothing movements also may provide a variety of benefits to the baby’s health, as well.

Some of these potential benefits can include:

In addition, the International Association of Infant Massage states that these baby rubs can help stimulate the circulatory system. When you learn how to give a baby massage, infants may get relief from teething discomfort, growing pains, and muscle tension. In preterm babies, growth might be stimulated, as well.

The International Association of Infant Massage recommends that parents introduce touch as soon as an infant is born, especially skin-to-skin contact.

When a child is a few weeks old, baby massages can begin. The infant should be alert, content, and calm for massages.

As you begin the massage, make strokes firm but gentle and never ticklish. If the baby stiffens their arms or turns their head away from you, discontinue the massage until a later time.

In addition to these baby massage tips, the Mayo Clinic recommends waiting at least 45 minutes after feedings before massages to avoid causing the child to spit up.

Always pay attention to the child’s cues to determine when and how often to perform an infant massage. The baby should be in a comfortable area, such as on your bed, in a

bassinet

, or even on a

changing pad

.

To begin, undress the baby down to the diaper and make sure the room temperature is comfortable for them. Then place the baby on their back and gently rub each body part, beginning with their head and moving down gradually to their feet.

Many parents are interested and active in Looping, which is passing baby products along to other families after a baby has outgrown items. It’s similar to renting and reusing high-quality, gently used baby items.

If you’re interested in renting baby products for sleep or relaxation during baby massages, visit Loop today.