What are the benefits of giving an oil massage to a baby?
What are the benefits of giving an oil massage to a baby? As parents we naturally share feelings of touch with our
babies and children with loving hugs throughout the day or a soothing rub to
make things better after they hurt themselves. Increasing this instinctive
touch by offering a more structured body massage is a wonderful way to bond and
has numerous physical and psychological benefits for both you and your child.
What are the benefits of giving an oil massage to a baby summarised
as follows:
- Improves a child's immune system
- Helps regulate digestive, respiratory, and circulatory
systems
- Relieves discomfort from gas, colic, congestion, and
teething
- Decreases production of stress hormones
- Children who receive massage are more sociable,
co-operative, happier and less likely to be aggressive
- Promotes deeper and uninterrupted sleep
- Creates a stronger bond with caregiver
The benefits of massage are also extended to the giver as
well as the receiver. Giving a massage is often just as relaxing and stress
relieving for parents and provides a genuine period of quality time, in what
can be busy days of other parenting and work duties.
The extra benefit for parents who offer their children
regular massage is that they often want to return the favour. Having your four-year-old
give you a back and shoulder rub is definitely a treat not to be missed!
So when can you start giving massage to babies? Well most experts
agree that massage can be given from the new-born stage although they caution
to keep it short (5 minutes or less) and very light to avoid over-stimulating
their delicate system. Even premature babies can be given massage and various
studies have shown the benefits of greater weight gain and a faster release
from hospital.
What are the benefits of giving an oil massage to a baby?
Massage can be continued for children of all ages according
to their needs and desires. If they request you stop or are extra fidgety it is
best to wait for another time when they are more receptive rather than force
the issue. In most cases they will look forward to their special treatment and
their ability to relax and be still will improve every time.
There are many courses and books on baby and infant massage
and you may feel happier to start after a little training. However, the
intuition of a parent is often all the experience you need.
The basic points to
remember for a massage session are as follows:
- Choose a quiet time when you and your child can relax. After
an evening bath is often an ideal time when the child is clean, comfortable and
winding down for sleep.
- Use an unscented vegetable-based oil such as sweet almond
oil, grapeseed oil or coconut oil. Do not use commercial 'Baby oil' as this is
a mineral oil and clogs pores.
- Ensure the room is a warm temperature and your baby or child
is well covered and comfortable.
- Uncover one body part at a time, rub a little oil in your
hands and then onto their the skin, softly stroking and gently kneading the
entire area.
- You can use your fingers, thumbs and palms to glide across
the muscles yet be mindful of your pressure and aim to be soft and rhythmic in
your movements. Watch your young baby carefully for any signs of discomfort and
ask older children to give you verbal feedback on the pressure and speed.
- Keep the main pressure flow of the massage in the direction
of the heart.
- Never work directly on the spine or on any recent injures or
operations.
Massaging your baby or child is a great gift that they will
enjoy and prepares them for greater body awareness and health in later life.
Hardworking parents should also ensure they receive regular massage sessions
with their partner or a qualified therapist in order to stay healthy and
balanced.
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