Board Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor. Stroke along the jaw line with your fingers until they meet at the chin. Part your hands and bring them to the sides of his face. You can take some oil and pat it on the head of your baby. As the baby grows, you can apply a little more pressure. Moving your hands simultaneously, stroke backwards over the crown of the head until you reach the base of his skull. it enhances the blood circulation in the head and neck area Do this each time you massage him until he is ready for a head massage. Move directly on to step two. Lightly massage the crown of your baby’s head using a circular motion. Dr. Rudominer has over 15 years of medical care experience and specializes in preventive health care, obesity, adolescent care, ADHD, and culturally competent care. The baby may kick and squirm, having fun as you massage their legs and feet. This step-by-step guide on how to massage your baby will relax your baby and stimulate their senses. it conditions the scalp well. Finally, gently massage your baby using your fingers by rubbing them in soft, circular motions, being careful not to press hard. The soft spot on your baby’s head, known as the fontanelle, will remain soft till your baby is around 18 months old. By using our site, you agree to our. Dr. Andrea Rudominer is a board certified Pediatrician and Integrative Medicine Doctor based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Babies spit up quite easily, and any sort of massaging motion has the potential to make them lose their last meal. Infant torticollis is a muscular condition that can restrict movement of the head… Benefits of head massage. [1] Repeat steps 1 and 2 several times. To learn how to choose a good time to massage your baby, scroll down! Start the massage when the baby is alert, sitting in a diamond shape by putting the soles of your foot together.Drape the blanket over your feet and knee. If you have long nails, be careful you do not scratch the baby. Continue until you've massaged all their limbs. Step 1, Wash your hands. If it's playtime, a stimulating massage might make them feel like having some fun. Once your baby's head hardens, you can gently press with your fingers in small circular movements as you move around your baby's head. Massaging babies boosts their immune systems, helps foster muscle development and reduces their stress. In babies with infant torticollis, doctors sometimes suggest massage. Make a single sweeping stroke with each thumb from this position along the lower part of the cheek bone and out to the sides of the face. Use your fingers to gently rub your baby's body, never pushing too hard or kneading. Then, apply some edible oil, like olive or avocado oil, to your hands. As well, massaging your baby helps the two of you bond. If your baby is relaxed, and is happy to be on their front, turn them over to massage their back. Focus on using firm, gentle strokes. Step 5 – Repeat Steps 1 through 3 approximately 2 to 4 times. It can help your baby feel loved and nurtured, and promote relaxation. This is the safest position -- if you fall asleep, you won't roll on top of your baby. Try this lovely full-body baby massage routine on your baby. In other cases, head shape changes after birth as a result of pressure on the back of the head when the baby lies on his or her back. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Glide each thumb outwards a little and repeat. Yes. Position your thumbs at the centre of your baby’s forehead, just below the hairline. They won't enjoy the massage as much if they haven't yet had dinner. 1)Head massage increases the blood circulation. Board Certified Pediatrician & Integrative Medicine Doctor. Slowly stroke and knead each part of your baby's body. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Massage-a-Baby-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Massage-a-Baby-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Massage-a-Baby-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1442911-v4-728px-Massage-a-Baby-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"