How to give a perfect baby massage: A complete guide

how to give a perfect baby massage: A complete guide

Are you excited about giving your little munchkin a great massage, but nervous about the whens and hows of a baby massage? Worry not! We’ve put together a complete guide to help you with your baby massage woes.

Why does my baby need massages?

A baby massage is beneficial not just for the baby, but also for the parent who massages the baby! It can help improve the mother-baby bond as it involves a lot of touching and caressing. While massaging your baby, you are also conversing with them, and it can make your baby more responsive. In general, baby massages are known to calm and soothe babies. Some studies have also found that a massage reduces stress-inducing hormones in babies and encourages the release of happy hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. That is why many parents include a massage in their baby’s bedtime routine – a baby massage can help you put your baby to sleep. You can include a lukewarm water bath before the massage in the routine to further calm your baby! Oil massages also improve your baby’s skin texture and promote good overall growth of your baby.

When should I start massaging my baby?

Doctors recommend waiting until your newborn’s umbilical stump has dried and fallen off before beginning with an oil massage. This can take anywhere between 5-15 days. If you plan to start with baby massages before their umbilical stump has fallen off, make sure to consult your doctor and avoid the area when massaging your baby to avoid any infections.

How should I massage my baby?

Pick a time when your baby is comfortable and alert. Avoid giving a massage within 45 minutes of feeding your baby, it can irritate your baby. Similarly, if you realize that your baby is crying or stiffening up to your touch, instead of enjoying it, you should stop the massage and pick a time when your baby is ready for it. Remember, a massage should feel like a loving activity you do together with your baby. You can try to schedule your baby massages at the same time every day to set up your little one’s routine.

The most important thing to remember is to be gentle with your strokes while massaging your baby. Your baby’s skin and organs are much more delicate than an adult, and as such, you need to be extra gentle when it comes to massaging them.

Before beginning the massage, it is important to pick the correct massage oil for your baby. You need to steer clear of essential oils and oils that are known skin irritants, like Mustard Oil and Tea Tree Oil. CITTA’s Nourishing Baby Massage Oil is made with 12 natural oils – including Coconut, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Brahmi Oil – carefully chosen to provide your baby’s skin with the wholesome nourishment it needs. With anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, our Baby Massage Oil protects your baby’s skin while deeply moisturizing it. It is non-sticky and absorbs easily into your baby’s skin, making baby massages a hassle-free affair. 

Lay down your baby on a hard surface lined with a soft towel. You can choose to remove all clothes of your baby except the diaper or to take the diaper off as well, depending on your baby’s comfort. Ensure that the room is warm. 

You can start the massage with your baby’s legs, which are less sensitive than other body parts. Take a small quantity of massage oil in your hands, rub it between your palms to warm it slightly, and then apply it on your baby’s legs one by one, starting from their thighs and gently pulling down in a milking motion. Gently stroke the front of their feet and trace circles with your thumb in the soles. Hold each toe between your forefinger and thumb and gently pull to complete the leg massage.

Repeat the gentle milking motions with your baby’s arms, starting from their armpits to their wrists. Rotate the wrists slightly in each direction. Pull each finger and thumb gently, using your forefinger and thumb.

For the chest, begin by positioning your palms in a prayer position over the heart. Now move the hands outward, lightly flattening the palms over the chest, and repeat these strokes a few times. Avoid putting oil on your baby’s umbilical stump, even if it has dried out, as that can lead to infections.

If your baby seems relaxed and comfortable enough, you can roll him/her over and massage the back in long circular strokes on either side of the spine.

For the head massage, just apply oil to your baby’s head and pat it slightly. Avoid applying any pressure on your baby’s head, and avoid the fontanelle, which is the soft spot on your baby’s head. In general, you should avoid applying oil near your baby’s eyes, nose, mouth, privates, and inside ears!

Cover your baby in a warm swaddle or hooded bath towel, and you are good to go! This is a good time to bathe your baby, as your baby is calm and responsive. You can choose to bathe him/her in lukewarm water to further calm them down, or dress your baby up in warm clothes and get ready for some warm snuggles!

How frequently should I massage my baby?

The frequency of baby massages can vary at your convenience. Some parents prefer to give their baby a massage every day, while others don’t. You can also plan the massage before your baby’s bath time or before their sleep time. What is important is that you are completely involved and present while performing the massage, so that you and your baby can reap all the benefits of this amazing practice.

How long should a baby massage be?

A baby massage usually takes between 10-30 minutes time. You can start with a small duration, say 5 minutes, to get your baby acquainted and comfortable with the process before moving on to extended periods of time.

When to stop giving my baby a massage?

Again, this is a personal decision. There is no hard and fast rule about the age at which you should stop giving your baby a massage. Most families in India give a daily baby massage for the entire first year. If your baby enjoys massages, you can continue beyond a year as well. 

Baby massages have been a part of Indian baby care traditions for a long time. When performed correctly, the practice offers multiple benefits for the baby and the parent or grandparent offering the massage. A good baby massage nourishes your baby’s skin deeply and improves bone strength. It also improves their mood, muscle tone, and muscle coordination. Most importantly, it can help you to bond better with your baby. With this guide, we hope you will feel prepared to give your baby the perfect massage!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

  • The Delicate Balance of Children's Skin: Why Ad...

    Are you using your shampoo for your kids as well? Is it safe for your kids? Are you a parent struggling to find the right skincare products for your kids...

    Read more

    The Delicate Balance of Children's Skin: Why Adult Skincare Isn't Suitable

    Are you using your shampoo for your kids as well? Is it safe for your kids? Are you a parent struggling to find the right skincare products for your kids and teens? Many parents even switch to using adult products once their kids reach 6 years old due to this confusion. As parents, our children's well-being is paramount, and understanding the unique needs of their developing skin and hair is crucial. Their skin and hair differ significantly from adults, and using adult products can have adverse effects. Dr. Prajakta Bhokre, a seasoned pediatrician and neonatologist in Pune, emphasizes, “Children's skin and hair are delicate and require special care. Adult skincare and hair care products can disrupt the delicate balance and harm their developing systems." Kids' Skin: A Delicate Canvas To comprehend the importance of specialized care for children's skin, we must recognize the structural differences between their skin and adults'. A child's skin is thinner, more delicate, and has a higher surface area to body weight ratio than adults. Their skin's natural protective barrier, composed of lipids, is not fully developed, which means their skin is not as efficient at retaining moisture and is more susceptible to dehydration, irritation, and damage from environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollutants. Even the pH level of a child's skin is more acidic, which helps to ward off harmful bacteria and makes it more sensitive to changes and potential damage. Their hair is finer and less oily, resulting in a greater tendency for tangles and breakage. Why It's Unsafe for Kids to Use Adult Products? Adult skincare and hair care products often contain potent ingredients like parabens, sulphates, silicones, talc, and phthalates that may be too harsh for a child's delicate skin and hair. Ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and strong fragrances can strip away natural oils, disrupt the skin's pH balance, and cause allergies, rashes, or even chemical burns in children. Moreover, many adult products are formulated to address age-specific concerns, such as wrinkles or acne, which are not relevant to children. Ideal Ingredients for Kids' Skincare and Hair Care For kids aged 5-10, it's important to choose products with gentle, natural ingredients. Ingredients like almond oil, olive oil, basil oil, rice protein, aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, turmeric oil, and oats are not only nourishing but also gentle on young skin and hair. “These ingredients hydrate, protect, soothe, and help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, promoting healthy growth and making them perfect for nurturing young skin and hair,” says Dr. Bhokre The Importance of Age-Appropriate Products (0-10 years) It's essential to select age-appropriate products for kids. Dr. Bhokre further states that “Children aged 5-10 years should use products specifically designed for their age group, such as baby products ranging from 0-10 years. These products are formulated with the unique needs of growing children's skin and hair in mind, providing gentle care without harsh chemicals.” They contain milder ingredients, ensuring that kids' skin remains protected and nourished. pH Levels: A Precarious Balance A child's skin is more prone to pH level changes than an adult's. Their skin's pH is naturally more acidic at around 5.5, which acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria. Adult products can disrupt this delicate balance, leaving their skin vulnerable, further leading to dryness, itchiness,  infections, or even eczema. Structural Differences in Hair In addition to skin, a child's hair is structurally different from an adult's. Children's hair is finer, more fragile, less porous and lacks the oil-producing capabilities of adult hair. Adult hair products may strip their hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Ingredients to Avoid in Kids' Products “When selecting skincare and hair care products for kids, it's essential to avoid harsh chemicals like sulfates, talc, asbestos, silicones, mineral oils, parabens, and strong fragrances. These ingredients can irritate the skin and harm their overall health”, says Dr. Bhokre. Opt for products that are free from harmful additives to keep the child’s skin healthy while keeping them safe from the detrimental effects of these harmful chemicals. At CITTA we focus on using the highest quality natural ingredients while keeping harsh chemicals at bay. Our products are carefully formulated to cater to the unique needs of children's skin and hair. CITTA prioritizes safety and nourishment for kids' skin and our commitment to natural ingredients ensures that children can enjoy healthy, glowing skin without the risk of adverse reactions. While it may be tempting to use adult skincare and hair care products on your children, it's essential to consider their unique skin and hair needs. Opt for products specifically designed for kids, enriched with natural ingredients, and free from harsh chemicals. Our products promote healthy skin for children while emphasizing the importance of nourishment and safety in children's skincare routines. After all, our children deserve the very best, and that begins with caring for their delicate skin and hair with the utmost attention and care.

    Read More

  • Baby's Delicate Skin Deserves the Best: Choose ...

    Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD) is a distinguished Consulting Pediatrician in Pune. With an impressive track record, he served as Former President of the Maharashtra State Academy of Pediatrics in 2010...

    Read more

    Baby's Delicate Skin Deserves the Best: Choose the Perfect Skincare for your Bundle of Joy

    Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD) is a distinguished Consulting Pediatrician in Pune. With an impressive track record, he served as Former President of the Maharashtra State Academy of Pediatrics in 2010 and Former President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics Pune Branch from 2008 to 2009. He's also the Director of Unique Hospital for Children and Kartik Group of Hospitals in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. Dr Dhekne is recognized as a Master Trainer for both the "Asthma Training Module" and "Problem-Solving in Paediatric Infectious Diseases (PSPID)" by IAP.  As you embark on this new adventure called parenting, keeping your bundle of joy cosy and well-fed becomes your top-most priority. You’d move mountains to ensure they’re showered with all the TLC in the world; you would go to any lengths to protect them. Apart from ensuring the right nutrition and shielding them from heat and cold, even delicate matters like choosing the right skincare for your ‘mini-me’ can become an uphill task. Their sensitive and delicate skin requires the utmost care. If you’re unsure about how to choose the best skincare products for your little munchkins, we’ve got you covered! Dr Jagadish Dhekne (MD), who is among the distinguished consulting pediatricians from Pune, is here to drop some wisdom on pampering that adorable epidermis and the dos and don'ts of skincare for babies. He also gives us a low-down on how to pick the safest baby skincare brands: Allergen-free formulations:  Opt for products that are free from harsh chemicals, strong fragrances, and dyes. Allergen-free formulations are designed to minimise the risk of adverse reactions and are gentler on your baby's skin. Avoid harmful ingredients:  “Avoid products that contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial preservatives, as these chemicals can cause skin irritations and potential long-term health risks. Instead, choose products with natural Indian ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, turmeric oil, and almond oil, known for their soothing properties,” says Dr Dhekne. Moisturisation is key: Babies are prone to dry skin, especially in certain weather conditions. Choose moisturising products specifically formulated for babies to keep their skin soft and hydrated. Read labels thoroughly: Take the time to read product labels carefully and pay attention to certifications such as ‘paediatrician-tested’ and ‘dermatologist-approved.’ These endorsements offer added assurance about the product's safety and efficacy. Minimalistic approach: Stick to the essentials for baby skincare, such as a gentle baby wash and moisturiser. Avoid overwhelming your baby’s skin with too many products. Consult a paediatric dermatologist: When in doubt, seek professional advice. Paediatricians can assess your baby’s skin type and recommend suitable products based on their needs. A dermatologist can also provide personalised guidance if your child has specific skin conditions like eczema or cradle cap. “The natural ingredients in babycare products help soothe and protect the delicate baby skin, leaving it soft, supple and healthy. Parents can witness improved skin conditions, reduced irritation and a noticeable difference in their baby's overall skin health after using natural and organic products,” adds Dr Dhekne. When it comes to baby skincare, it’s always better to exercise caution. You can embrace the benefits of natural care through CITTA’s dermatologist-approved and ‘conscious’ baby skincare products. The brand is committed to crafting products with natural ingredients while maintaining the highest safety and efficacy standards. CITTA’s baby skincare range comprises gentle and nourishing formulations enriched with plant extracts, essential oils, and botanical goodness.

    Read More