Know the Various Benefits of Baby Massage

Not just a trend, baby massage does provide a variety of benefits. The benefits of baby massage can not only be obtained from massage by professionals at a baby care center or baby spa, but can also be obtained from massage that you do yourself at home.

How to massage the baby should be done gently and carefully. In contrast to adults whose muscles and skin are resistant to strong pressure when massaged, babies will easily feel pain and injury when massaged too hard. This is because the muscles and skin are still thin and sensitive.

Not only through massage, babies can also feel the benefits of baby massage when he comes into direct contact or gets skin contact with the person who massages him. This physical touch can make the baby feel happy and comfortable.

Some Benefits of Baby Massage

Baby massage is a way of communicating between parents and little ones. If done correctly, some of the following benefits of baby massage can be obtained by your little one:

1. Make baby feel calmer and more comfortable

These two hormones are also useful in helping reduce the pain that the baby feels.

2. Smooth digestion

3. Makes sleep better

Babies who are regularly massaged are known to have higher levels of melatonin. Naturally, the body will produce the hormone melatonin when it gets dark. Melatonin is what makes the body sleepy. The more restful you sleep at night, the more melatonin is released.

In addition, baby massage is also useful for relaxing the baby's body, so that it is easier for him to sleep soundly.

4. Reduces bilirubin levels

A few days after birth, the baby may turn yellow. Changes in the color of the baby's skin to yellow can be caused by increased levels of bilirubin.

In one study, it was found that jaundiced infants who received 15-20 minutes of massage and phototherapy appeared to experience faster improvement than infants who only received phophotherapy. This shows that the benefits of massage on babies also have an effect on decreasing their bilirubin levels.

5. Strengthen the relationship between parent and baby

How to massage the right baby

Before massaging the baby, make sure the room where the massage is warm and quiet is enough because a good baby massage is done on the baby's condition without clothes. Your little one should also be awake, not sleepy, and full.

If your little one has just been breastfed or fed, wait 45 minutes before massaging him so he doesn't vomit.

When you want to massage your little one, lay him on a towel or blanket and place a baby pillow under his head. Use baby oil (baby oil) or baby cream, then rub it in the palm of your hand until it feels warm. After that, do the following:

  • Wipe your little one's feet and hands using the thumb from the heel to the toes.
  • Wipe your little one's legs and calves from the groin in a circular motion.
  • To massage your hands, do the same movements as massaging your feet, by rubbing your palms and rubbing your arms in a circular motion.
  • Cross your arms over your little one's stomach and chest, then massage this area in a criss-cross motion.
  • Place your thumb on your little one's stomach, then rub it in a clockwise direction.
  • Massage your baby's head and face in a clockwise direction.
  • Put your baby on your stomach, then rub and give a gentle massage from the neck to the buttocks.

During a massage session, you can hum, read a story, or invite her to chat. Touch your little one gently and avoid pressing or tickling as this will make him uncomfortable.

Watch how your little one responds. If he's wagging his arms and looking happy, it means he's enjoying your massage. But if your little one seems restless or even cries, stop the massage and try again another time.

Although there are currently many baby massage tutorials, you can take baby massage classes held by certified therapists. Besides being able to better understand the benefits of baby massage and the correct massage movements, taking a baby massage class with a partner can bring you both closer to your little one.