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The massaging techniques for newborns described in the article will help babies sleep and eat well, as well as stimulate their overall development.
Massaging will make babies more comfortable, sleep better, and thus make mothers happier. Follow the steps below to apply the techniques of massaging newborns at home most accurately. Even babies who cannot crawl can safely apply techniques of massaging newborns.
Soft towels and massage oil are essential in massaging newborns.
Essential Tips for Newborn Massage
For the most effective newborn massage, avoid massaging your baby before or after meals or when they are sleepy. Choose a suitable time and place the baby on the floor or a flat surface along with a soft towel/blanket and a bottle of baby massage oil.
If your baby feels uncomfortable and starts crying during the massage, stop the massage and comfort your baby in your arms.
Steps for Newborn Massage
Pamper your soles with care
Hold one ankle gently and rotate it in various directions. Then, stroke lightly from the ankle bone to the toes. Switch feet and repeat.
The heel area
Use your index finger to massage the heel area in circular motions on each foot.
Illustration demonstrating how to massage the toes and arms of newborns
Tiny toes
To complete the foot massage for infants, gently pinch each tiny toe upwards. Repeat for all ten toes.
Little arms
Use your fingers to gently massage the area around the baby's chest, moving in circular motions. Repeat this for all 10 fingers.
Illustration demonstrating how to massage the chest of a newborn.
Gently use your index and thumb to hold the baby's toe and rotate it in a circular motion. Repeat for all 10 toes.
Focus on the chest area.
Place both of your hands on your baby's chest (over the heart) and gradually open them outward. Use the palm of your hand to gently massage the baby's chest. Repeat this several times.
Position one hand horizontally at the top of the baby's chest. Gently stroke downward to the navel. Alternate between hands and stroke repeatedly.
Illustration demonstrating how to massage the back of a newborn.
Focus on the back area.
Lay your baby down, use your fingertips to gently stroke in circular motions from the top of the spine to the buttocks. After massaging the back, also use your fingertips to stroke from the shoulders to the baby's feet.
After completing the massage for newborns
After massaging the baby, put a diaper on them and then you can hold them close and breastfeed.
Source of newborn massage techniques: babycentre
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