How to massage your baby (with pictures)
by Amélie Smal-
1 / 12Setting 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.
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2 / 12The 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.
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3 / 12The 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.
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4 / 12The soles
Use your thumbs to trace circles all over the bottom of each foot.
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5 / 12The 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.
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6 / 12The 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.
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7 / 12The hands
Trace tiny circles all over the palm of each hand with your thumbs.
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8 / 12The 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.
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9 / 12The 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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10 / 12The 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.
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11 / 12The 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.
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12 / 12The 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