Learn how to massage your baby

By Alice Noman

Massage allows the parent to develop a deeper understanding of the child's non-verbal communication and behavioural cues and fathers gets opportunity to spend quality time with their children.

Tips on baby massage

* Make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. Keep all things such as massage oil, clean diapers, clothes and tissues at hand before you start rubbing oil on baby's body.

* Do ask your baby, May I massage you now? and show your palms to your baby. Though it seems silly, but don't we ask older before touching their body.

* Remove all jewelery (bangles, rings, anklets) before massage as babies skin is soft and they can get hurt by them. Keep fingernails short and trimmed.

* Make sure the room and your hands are warm.

* Don't allow many people in the massaging room to safeguard the baby from getting infected

* Before undressing your baby, pick up a soft towel and spread it in a flat surface. Now put the baby down with his or her face up.

* Pour a generous amount of oil on your hands and rub them together, before touching your baby, to warm the oil.

* Avoid massaging baby for more than twenty to 30 minutes.

* Pressure should not be applied on the body while massaging, and avoid the spine area.

* Do not massage on the soft spots at the top of the head and the temples.

* Use smooth, gentle but firm strokes with your palm or fingers. Start with light circular movements on chest and stomach, stroking across the shoulders, downward movement on the arms and legs and upward movements on the back.

* Don’t use baby oil on infant's face.

* After massage, hurriedly wrap the baby in a clean and warm towel.

* Baby should neither be massaged immediately after he or she is fed nor when hungry as it may cause adverse affects.