Baby Massages

This week for group night we welcomed Karie Gerke. She is a licensed physical therapist who is certified in infant massage. We had an awesome time with her as she showed us how mothers can bond with their little ones as young as one month old. Since we have no babies with us at this time, we used dolls that she brought with her. Shawna got to use “Miranda,” a very lifelike doll.

​The most important rule to follow when starting massages with a baby is to get his or her permission. Obviously young infants cannot yet speak but there are several physical cues to look for. These include giving nice eye contact, a smile, or simply a certain way that he or she turns their head. To turn massages or anything else into a routine, words and actions help the baby understand what is going to happen next. The baby should be in his or her alert stage but also calm. The massager should also be in a calm state and be ready to take her time. Babies can be massaged on a wide variety of surfaces, such as the floor, a table, a lap, or against a shoulder. Younger babies tend to feel more secure on the lap.

​To begin, start with the baby’s legs. Babies tend to be more protective of their bodies the closer you get to their faces, so this is a good start. Feel free to take off clothes but mind the temperature of the room. Also, the massager should make sure her hands are not too cold. Lotions and oils are optional, but scented ones are highly discouraged. One of the ways that babies use to identify their caregivers is through scent. Babies tend to not like strangers. Lastly, the massage pressure should obviously not be too hard, but make sure to not tickle the baby.

Here are some sample massages: make a twisting motion on the baby’s leg. To do this, use both hands above the knee cap first; shape hands in the form of a C and massage the thigh by rotating the hands in opposite rotations. Repeat this under the knee cap once finished so as not to harm the knee joint. Use your fingers to hug each little toe. Some babies don’t like the bottoms of their feet touched, but if they do try making thumb presses. Next go to the tummy. Because intestines empty on the left side of the baby's tummy, make sure to always press the baby's tummy from his/her right to left. Leg massages can also be used for the hands and arms. For back massages, various positions can be used if the baby is happy. These include the mother’s lap, shoulder, or on a flat surface with the support of a blanket. Finally, if the baby is comfortable enough and gives permission, move on to the face. Stroke from cheek to behind ears, from bridge of nose to cheekbones, upper jaw up to the sides, or even make little cheek circles.

Even though it is an optional activity for caregivers to participate with their babies, infant massage has a wide range of benefits. Infants take a while to gain sensory awareness. With the help of massages, they gain a greater understanding of where their body parts are and how to use them. It sometimes takes a little bit of time for some babies to know they have feet! Massages can reduce stress and anxiety for the babies. It also helps to relieve tense muscles, especially if a baby spends a lot of time in one place such as a carrier or bouncy seat. The more a mother is in tune with her baby, the better she can determine if her baby is sick or has another ailment. Tummy strokes specifically help digestion for a fussy baby. Lastly, massages create a special bond between the mother and the baby. They are an excellent way for some one-on-one time and a fun activity.

Group Night is held at New Beginnings.  Every Thursday, we meet as a group to discuss important life skills and educational topics.  Discussions are led by community volunteers and can cover a broad range of topics.