How to massage your baby (with pictures)

How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    Setting up

    These techniques are good for all pre-crawling babies. For the best chance of success, don't try a massage just before or after a meal.

    When you think your baby's ready, set up on the floor with a towel and a small bowl of vegetable-based oil.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The legs

    Your baby's legs are a good place to begin, as they're less sensitive than some parts of the 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.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The feet

    Take one foot and gently rotate it a few times in each direction. Then stroke the top of your baby's foot from the ankle down to the toes. Switch feet and repeat.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The soles

    Use your thumbs to trace circles all over the bottom of each foot.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The toes

    To finish off the feet, grab each toe between your thumb and forefinger and gently pull until your fingers slip off the end. Do this for all 10 toes.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The arms

    Take one of your baby's arms in your hands and repeat the milking motion from his armpit all the way to his wrist. Then, take his hand and gently rotate the wrist a few times in each direction. Switch arms and repeat.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The hands

    Trace tiny circles all over the palm of each hand with your thumbs.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The fingers

    Gently take a finger between your thumb and forefinger and pull, letting her finger slip through your grasp. Do this for all fingers and her two thumbs.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The chest

    Put your hands together in prayer position over your baby's heart. Then stroke your hands outward and lightly flatten your palms down over his chest. Repeat several times.

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    The chest (continued)

    Place one hand flat across the top of your baby's chest. Stroke it gently down to his thighs. Repeat the motion, alternating hands, several times.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    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.How to massage your baby (with pictures)

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    The back (continued)

    Finish with some long, firm strokes from your baby's shoulders all the way to her feet. When you're done, put on her diaper and cuddle or feed her. She'll likely doze right off.

    Looking for more on baby massage? Watch this video to find step-by-step instructions on giving your baby the perfect massage.

Source: babycenter.com

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