For better physical and emotional development, preventive massage is recommended to all babies. He can do any mom. But before you begin, talk to your doctor about the best methods to use. Massage is useful to kids from the first days of life. It strengthens the muscles, develops the cardiovascular system, has a beneficial effect on the emotional background of the baby and improves digestion. It is proved that with regular performance of a light prophylactic massage, babies sleep better, are less capricious, more calm and sociable. The warm hands of the mother, their soft and smooth movements, give the child a sense of security and love. Massage also allows mothers to feel contact with the child, give him their care and love, as well as recharge positive emotions, because everyone knows the beneficial effects of the child on the emotional state of the mother.
When can I start doing massage for kids?
Prophylactic light massage can be done almost from the first weeks of a child's life. It is recommended, without pressing, to stroke the baby on the back, legs, pens. This always has a positive effect on the overall development of the child, as he receives the first impressions of the world through the mother's touch, and the warmth and tenderness that she puts into them help the child to feel secure, motherly and loving. As research has shown, the earlier the mother starts stroking the child, the faster he gains weight, he increases immunity and reduces the level of the stress hormone. Later, at 3-4 weeks of life, you can begin to apply more complex techniques with light pressure. Try not to overdo it and watch how the baby reacts to them.
Can massage help with colic in the intestine?
The cause of colic is often associated with problems of feeding and digestion. But, nevertheless, it is known that easy stroking on the tummy of the baby clockwise, help to significantly reduce the pain caused by colic, and even completely remove their manifestations.
What means to choose for massage?
Use those tools that will allow your hands to slide on the baby's skin better, and the movements should be smooth and soft, so that the baby can only get a pleasant sensation from the massage. One of the best means is baby oil. When choosing it, be sure to check whether it is intended for newborns and whether it is tested for allergic reactions. Also, make sure that the agent does not help blocking the pores, which can create a pathogenic environment.
How often should I massage my baby?
It is enough to do preventive massage once a day, but daily.
What time of the day is best to do the massage and how long should it last?
It is best to massage a child during his waking hours, when he does not want to sleep or eat, is calm and feels well, somewhere 30-40 minutes after feeding in the afternoon or evening. Those kids who can not calm down for a long time are recommended to massage in the evening after bathing. It is better, if it uses funds with a soothing effect. This contributes to additional relaxation and helps babies to fall asleep more quickly. That the child is not tired, it is recommended to do massage no more than 10-15 minutes.
Are there any cases when massage is not recommended?
Children with acute chronic and pathological diseases begin to do the massage only after consulting with the pediatrician. Also, pay attention to the child's reaction to massage. If he begins to be capricious and cry, it means that we must establish what was the cause. Because, not the warmed hands of the masseur, too strong pressure or intensity of pressure, and sometimes just a poor state of health of the child, can cause him to have a negative attitude to the procedure itself.
What techniques can be used with a soothing massage?
With a soothing massage, you can use the same techniques as with a conventional preventive massage, namely, light, smooth, stroking movements. You can start with the face, stroking the crooks, wings of the nose, then go to the tummy, pens, legs. Stroke the backrest and finish the massage.
During the massage, it is best to tell him a fairy tale or sing a lullaby. Try to put tenderness and calmness in your voice, this will help your baby quickly to plunge into sleep.