The benefits to your baby are endless when it comes to massage from helping you to bond, to settling upset tummies, soothing them to sleep, the list goes on. Using calming music and a tranquil environ with dim lighting will also help aid in settling your baby.

Most importantly you need to make sure the baby does not have any allergy to massage oil. We recommend using Virgin Coconut Oil as it does not contain any perfume or added chemicals. Safety of your baby is paramount so do make sure they are placed on a comfortable flat bed and are protected from rolling. The best time to massage your baby is after their bath when they are warm and nude. 

STEP ONE

Rub the oil between the palms of your hands until it is warm then place both hands gently on your baby’s stomach and hold for 5 seconds.

STEP TWO 

Effleurage (circle stroke movement) from the chest to the stomach, then move to hands and to the feet. Repeat this movement for 2 minutes.

STEP THREE

Foot & leg massage: Rub the oil between the palms of your hands until its warm then gently massage all over the baby’s foot.

STEP FOUR

Stomach massage: Rub the oil between the palms of your hands until it is warm then place both hands gently on baby’s stomach and hold for 5 secs.

Movement 1 - Using a gentle palm stroke leading with your index fingers, massage from the stomach up towards the chest then out towards the shoulders. Repeat this movement 8 times.

Movement 2 - Using thumbs starting from the top of the ribcage, gently slide these down and out towards the side of the ribs. Repeat this movement 4 times.

Movement 3 - Using palms of both hands gently rub the stomach from left to right in a sweeping movement clockwise. Repeat this movement 3 times.

STEP FIVE 

Arm & hand massage: Rub the oil between the palms of your hands until it is warm then lightly rub on the baby’s hands and arms.

Movement 1 - Use alternating strokes from the wrist towards the upper arm with you hand lightly closing around baby’s arm. Repeat this movement 5 times.

Movement 2 - Using your thumb, lightly slide this on the inside palm of the baby’s hand towards the tips of each finger. Repeat this movement for each finger.

Movement 3 - Using longer alternating strokes lightly from upper arm down towards the wrist then finish at the palm. Repeat this movement 5 times.

STEP SIX 

Back massage: Rub the oil between the palms of your hands until it’s warm, turn baby over on its stomach and place one hand under chest area for support then rub the oil gently over the baby’s back.

Movement 1 - Using the palm of one hand, gently massage from the lower back up towards the shoulders. Repeat this movement 6 times.

Movement 2 - Placing both hands on either side of the baby, use thumbs and slide these from the base of the back upwards towards the shoulder. Repeat this movement 5 times.

Movement 3 - Using the tips of your fingers, run these down baby’s back in an ‘S’ movement from the shoulders down the back. Repeat this movement 3 times.

STEP SEVEN

Head Massage: Rub the oil between the palms of your hands until it’s warm then lightly rub over baby’s head and ears.

Movement 1 - Using thumbs, with gentle alternating movements, slide these across the forehead from the middle down towards the ear. Repeat this movement 4 times.

Movement 2 - Using index finger, gently run this down from the forehead to the tip of the nose. Repeat this movement 4 times.

Movement 3 - Using your palm, use gentle alternating strokes across the baby’s head.

Movement 4 - To finish, hold both hands over you baby’s ears and hold in place for 5 minutes.

Model: Naila Masseuse: Ngurah, Head of Training

*Baby massages are intuitive, if your baby appears uncomfortable or distressed then save the massage session for another time. Never apply too much pressure and always stroke away from the heart.