Baby Massage 

Baby massage therapy has been practiced in the countries of the east for centuries.



In ancient India this technique was considered essential to the baby’s health and rich households employed the services of an ‘ayah’ to look after the baby and ensure that he or she got massaged daily. Modern research has confirmed the benefits of baby massage therapy, and it is now rapidly gaining popularity all over the West.

Ideally, baby massage therapy should be carried out for thirty minutes every day. There are many baby oils available in the market and any of them can be used.



The massage oil should not contain harmful chemicals, be gentle to your baby’s skin, and not have a very strong smell. A natural alternative to packaged baby oils is grape seed oil. Do note that aromatherapy oils for adults may not be suitable for your baby’s skin.

Prior Baby Massage

Ensure that you have all the necessary equipment at hand prior starting the massage.



You will require massage oil, a change of diapers, baby powder, towels, clothes and a suitable room. Ensure that the room is warm enough so that your baby cannot catch a chill; yet it should not be so hot that the little one becomes uncomfortable. You can even play some soft, soothing music to lull your child. Do ensure that your fingernails are trimmed and that you do not wear any rings or bracelets. Baby skin is very soft and such hard objects might hurt him or her. Spread a washable quilt or a soft towel on the massaging area and ensure that there are other towels around to clean up any mess.

Baby Massaging techniques

Place your baby on the massaging area face up. Rub about half a teaspoon of oil between your pals. Rubbing the oil between your palms ensures that your hands, and the oil, are warm. Massage your baby with smooth and gentle strokes. Use light circular movements on the chest and stomach, and downward strokes on the arms and legs. Upward strokes may be used on your baby’s back. Apply more oil on your palms as necessary.

Don’ts

Avoid putting excessive pressure around the spine, as the bones of the spinal column have not yet hardened. Oil should not be put on your baby’s hands and fingers as infants have a tendency to put them in their mouths or rub their eyes: the oil may cause irritation. Also avoid oiling rashes, wounds, or areas where injections have just been given. Baby massage therapy should not be administered immediately prior or post feeding, or when your little one is unwell.