infant massages: calming and soothing for mom and baby!

Man, I forgot how wonderful and therapeutic it can be to give your infant a massage. Technically, GG is still an infant until she turns 1 this month. The other day she was cranky and fussy because she is getting a new set of teeth up top. It was a rough afternoon when I recalled how wonderful INFANT MASSAGES are for baby and mom. I did my old ritual and that worked to calm her down and get her back sleeping.

For my first born, who I admit got the benefit of getting the most massages, my ritual was the same:

First, if it was shampoo time, I'd give him a nice wash and a gentle scalp massage for over three minutes using a calming baby shampoo infused with soothing ingredients lavender, jojoba oil and lemongrass.

Second, I'd slip on a diaper and put him in one of those cute baby robes.(and you thought it was just cute for the baby shower. nope, it has real functional properties)

Third, I'd start with his legs, and use either Burt's Bees baby bee apricot massage oil or Johnson and Johnson's Lavender Bedtime lotion. I'd pour a small amount in my hands and rub vigorously so the lotion or oil wouldn't be cold. Then I slowly massage one leg, kneading it repeatedly. I'd start with the top of his tiny thigh then using both hands wring downwards until I got to his ankles. Then repeat with the other leg.

He'd coo when I'd get to his teenie tiny feet because I would put gentle pressure at the heal and press upwards several times. Sometimes, he'd close his eyes. His tiny toes would curl around my fingers. Other times, he smiled. It made me feel good to bond and know that he was doing okay.

Fourth, I'd move to his arms next and repeat the leg procedure with his arms, ending on his palms. Sometimes the palm massage tickled and he'd giggle a little, but remain at ease all the while.

Then, I'd turn him over, peel back the robe and massage some oil or lotion on his back.

Seventh, turning him back to his tummy, we'd start the healing aspect of the massage. Using my right hand, Id cup my hand like a backward "C" and then motion like I'm making an upside down U, and turning back as if I am turning a knob. That was/is the best remedy for relieving Gas bubbles which often gets trapped in tiny tummies not used to releasing gas on their own. Whenever my babies would cry uncontrollable and have a really hard tummy, I'd do that maneuver to break up some gas or encourage them to poop! It is also a must do treatmeant for a baby with an upset tummy, especially those that are exclusively breast fed and who's mothers don't give them water. I think those babies are more gassy and collicky than others. But I digress.

Finally, we usually ended the massage with a light temple and forehead stroke.

By the time I'm done, I have a much more relaxed and calm baby, ready for a long long nap or for bedtime!

That stuff works wonders! All natural, BABY!!

While searching for an image for this post, I discovered this company, Liddle Kidz, that has a school, teacher certification and parent classes all about infant massages! Imagine that!?!