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One of the key challenges you’ll meet as a parent in the early days is learning to take care of your cranky baby. Most newborns find it hard to sleep from time to time in the first couple of months, which can be a specifically stressful period for the parents. After all, you can’t communicate with your little one, and that can leave you feeling helpless and frustrated. But did you know that massaging certain pressure points can help calm your little one when they are uncomfortable and cranky? Just like adults, massages help calm babies down when they are restless. At six weeks, your baby becomes responsive to touch, so a massage may be your best course of action to soothe them slowly. Consult your pediatrician to find out if a little massage will alleviate your baby’s discomfort. This can also be a great addition to their daily routine in order to keep them happy and healthy.
Here are 5 massages you can perform on your baby to help them relax when they are crying or anxious.
1. Hand Massage
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There are different regions in the hand that you can press gently or massage in order to combat different issues your baby might be facing. Keep these simple procedures in mind:
- If you’d like to relieve stress from your baby’s eyes, simply press the top of their index finger.
- If they are experiencing discomfort due to a fever, press the top of their middle finger gently in regular intervals.
- You can press the top of your baby’s ring finger in order to alleviate coughing and aid the upper respiratory system.
- Pressing the top of their little finger will help if their discomfort is linked to teething.
- Gently massage the thumb in slow up and down motion when your baby is vomiting or has a serious case of hiccups.
- Massage the palm of their hand in a slow circular motion if they experience stomach issues or coughing.
2. Foot Massage
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There are different areas of the feet and toes that you can massage or press related to specific ailments that may be the cause of discomfort for your baby. Doing basic movements on your baby’s feet will work wonders for them.
- You can gently press down on the tip of their toes in case of problems related to the sinuses.
- Massaging right below the toes is great for your baby’s chest.
- If you want to make their upper abdomen happy, massaging the center of your baby’s feet. Shift slightly lower to activate their lower abdomen as well.
- Massaging the soles of your baby’s feet will benefit their pelvis area.
- The end of their heel is what is known as the mother earth area. Stimulating it will give your baby a sense of grounding, safety, and comfort, helping them relax immediately.
3. Face Massage
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Don’t forget the face while you’re giving your little one the royal treatment. You can use your finger pads to very gently massage your baby’s face. Slide them from the middle of your baby’s forehead, through their cheeks and finish around their mouth. You can also throw in a nice scalp massage if you are oiling or shampooing your baby’s hair. These motions will soothe them and promptly put them to sleep.
4. Chest Massage
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This is probably the most popular massage for babies. Simply let your baby lie on their back and start the massage at their upper body. You can do this by gently massaging your baby’s shoulders and then slowly moving downwards by making gentle strokes towards their chest. It is important to pay attention to your baby. See what they like and dislike and figure out how much pressure to use. The goal is to calm them down, not irritate them further. While you are massaging your baby, talk to them and try to engage them. This can be a great bonding experience for the both of you.
5. Belly Massage
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Before you give your baby a tummy massage, be sure to check it. If their tummy is soft then you can carry on. However, if your baby is bloated or has other stomach issues, then it’s best not to touch it. Once you get the all-clear, you can perform the massage by making circular, clockwise strokes. Avoid the belly button area and make sure not to put any pressure on the area between your baby’s nipple and tummy. Keep your touch light and gentle. Your baby should feel relaxed in no time.
Sometimes all your baby needs in order to calm down is to feel their parent’s touch. They draw comfort from the nearness of your presence. Giving them a massage will help soothe them all the more. So, the next time your baby is anxious or can’t stop crying, try out a massage to alleviate their discomfort. Have you ever given your baby a massage? Let us know in the comments section!
