Hetal Goswami
- Apr 24, 2020
- 2 min read

How to Massage a Newborn Baby (part-4)

Updated: Dec 26, 2020

Creating the Perfect Massage Experience

Set aside at least 30 minutes for your massage session.

Choose a time when you know you won’t be rushed. This will make it a calm and relaxed experience for both you and your baby. Since the massage may relax your baby and make them sleepy, consider making it part of your bedtime routine. If you massage your baby before their bath, for example, you’ll be able to rinse off any oils you use during the session.

Wait until your baby is alert and no longer full.

Wait at least an hour after a feeding to give your baby a massage. This will help them fully digest. The massage will also likely work best if your baby is wide-eyed and awake.

Warm up the room to about 75 °F (24 °C) and set out a blanket.

Since you’ll be undressing your baby down to their diaper, it’s best if the room is on the warmer side. This will keep your baby from getting chilled during the session. Lay out a thick and soft blanket to lay the baby on during the massage

Use edible, unscented oils to enhance the benefits of massage.

Natural oils like coconut and safflower are best, as these won’t clog the baby’s pores. While you don’t have to use oil, it’s been shown to have some benefits. It should keep your baby’s skin nice and moist, and it might also lead to some extra weight gain. Warm up the oils by rubbing a small amount in between your fingers.

Sing to your baby or play soothing lullabies.

Use the sound of your voice to help your baby relax. Speak to them in a sing-song tone while you play some instrumental music in the background. Or sing the songs yourself to provide the music on your own!

Learn your baby’s positive and negative responses.

Over time, you’ll learn your baby’s individual signs. In general, expect a happy baby to be cooing, passing gas, making eye contact with you, and breathing easily and evenly. A stressed-out baby might get the hiccups, have patches of red or pale skin, avoid focusing on you, and/or cry