Definition
There is no clear definition of what exactly is meant by a baby massage. The type of massage varies from baby to baby. However, the aims of a baby massage can be more clearly defined.
The aim of a baby massage is to strengthen the relationship with the child, build trust and provide the child with relaxation. However, as the body of a small child is much more fragile, a baby massage does not consist of a classic firm kneading or stroking of the muscles, but rather of tender touches, loose pressing and circular movements, for example on feet or fingers. As a rule, you can see which movements the child likes. These can then be repeated and, if necessary, intensified during the next sessions.
Why should you get a baby massage?
There are many reasons for a baby massage and many parents probably even do one without being aware of it. So on the one hand, it is a natural intuition of most parents to physically approach their baby. Furthermore it can be assumed that a baby massage intensifies the relationship between masseur and child.
The “communication” takes place not only verbally, but also in a tactile way. In addition, important stimuli are set, which should give the baby a better body feeling. It is assumed that senses are more pronounced the more often they are activated during childhood.
Depending on the type of massage, however, the massage can also have a relaxing effect on a small child. Children become noticeably more relaxed and calmer with the appropriate massage technique. However, it is necessary for the masseur to be in a relaxed state of mind, as the own mind is often – consciously or unconsciously – transferred to the baby.
This also ensures that the massage can help to solve the child’s problems falling asleep, provided that the person giving the massage also spreads a relaxed basic mood from which the baby can benefit. Furthermore, the baby massage is said to have a positive effect on so-called postpartum depression. In this context, the baby massage has both a preventive and a positive effect during treatment.
Procedure of a baby massage
As already indicated, there is no strict schedule that a baby massage must follow, but there are a few principles that should be followed to create the most pleasant and stress-free atmosphere for the baby. Firstly, the room where the massage takes place should be at a temperature that is comfortable for the baby. A higher temperature is, in case of doubt, better than a room that is too cold.
Since the massage lives from the physical contact between masseur and baby, the child has to be undressed for the most part anyway. It should not be too cold for the baby, who cools down faster than an adult. There is also no patent solution for the sequence, number or sequence of the massage exercises.
For most people, however, it is easier to start the massage on the hands or feet and then work towards the middle of the body. You can find out the right pressure and speed on the distal parts of the body before continuing with the more fragile-looking trunk of the baby’s body. Also, the masseur’s hands should be warm, soft and as smooth as possible to ensure a pleasant skin contact.