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Types of massage for babies and rules for their implementation. The magical power and features of massage for infants

The first days after the birth of a child are the most exciting and touching for parents. This is the baby's introduction to the world around him. It is important at this time not to miss the moments of caring for it, which in the future can affect the formation of the body and health. Of course, in general, parents meet their newborn already prepared: they attend special courses, read books, and communicate with doctors.

One of the important moments immediately after the birth of a child is massage to the newborn.

It is believed that children who undergo this procedure develop better. It’s good if the session is also accompanied by a conversation - this contributes to faster speech development.

When do newborns begin to massage themselves?

Pediatricians and psychologists have come to the conclusion that a mother can begin to give her child the most basic massage on her own from the first days of life. The fact is that tactile touches with mother are very important for the baby. But remember that at the age of up to 1 month, its duration should not exceed 10 minutes. After this, the rate increases to 15-20 minutes. First, lubricate the body with a special cream, then warm the desired area with light strokes. Always start from the heels, gradually moving up to the head. Just don't do this procedure immediately after eating. The movements involve gentle shifting of muscles.

When do massages begin for newborns: contraindications

As mentioned above, the session should be no earlier than 30 minutes after feeding, or before it. This procedure is prohibited within 72 hours after vaccination, if the umbilical cord is not completely overgrown, as well as if you are taking medications or have any diseases. It is better to choose a time when you and the child are in a good mood, since massage is also an exchange of energies, let them only be positive.

Newborn: at what age should you massage?

First of all, ask your pediatrician: when should a newborn have a massage? He must ensure that there are no contraindications.

On the question of at what age a baby can be massaged, there is no clear opinion: some recommend starting almost from the very first days, others believe that it should not be done before two weeks of age. In any case, if you decide to carry out procedures, then in the first days it should be light stroking.

How to massage newborns

If the question of when newborns begin to receive massage is more or less clear, the technique itself still remains a mystery to us. We suggest you figure it out.

Gently knead your toes, starting from the foot, gradually moving to the groin. After this, we knead the arms, starting from the hand, moving to the chest. Next we move on to the tummy. If done carefully, this will avoid colic. The last stage is the back, and then the head. Don't forget to pay attention to the ears.

How to do a neck massage

It is necessary to carry out gentle stroking, starting from the ears towards the shoulders. Move further from the shoulders to the fingers.

When can you turn a newborn onto his tummy?

This is another point, in addition to the question of when to massage newborns, that concerns young mothers.

You can start after the umbilical cord has healed. Try placing it on your stomach first. The first times should not exceed 5 minutes; over time, you can increase the intervals. Just don't do it immediately after eating.

So, now you know when to give the first massage to a newborn, and have a little understanding of its technique.

Regular touches from mother's hands reduce the level of stress hormones in the child's body, promote weight gain and even improve immunity! This is why it is so important to carry out “massage” procedures with your baby, especially since every mother can give a relaxing massage to her baby at home!

When is the best time to massage a baby?

It is better to do baby massage 20-30 minutes before meals or 30-40 minutes after. Whatever time you choose, the child should be in a good mood, well-rested and calm. If the baby is unhappy, it is better to reschedule the massage for another time.

What should the room temperature be?

Baby massage should be carried out in a pre-ventilated room. The air temperature should correspond to t 20-22 C.

How long should you do baby massage?

Babies tolerate massage very well - regardless of age - and enjoy it, but at the same time, they get tired very quickly, therefore, massage sessions conducted by parents at home should not last more than 5-15 minutes.
The exceptions are: a soothing massage before bed - it can be long and a therapeutic massage, which sometimes lasts up to 40 minutes.

Rules of massage movements.

Massage movements should coincide with the direction of lymph flow: the arms should be stroked from the hand to the shoulder, the legs - from the foot to the groin.

There are 4 main techniques of massage movements: stroking, rubbing, kneading and patting. For kids aged from birth to three months, usually, Stroking massage recommended! It not only relaxes and calms the child, but also brings him closer to his parents, improving tactile contact between him and mom and dad.

IMPORTANT! Remember that rough movements can cause pain to the child and adversely affect the development of internal organs!

What you should pay close attention to when giving a massage to a baby at home.

1) Do not touch the armpits, groin area, navel, nipples, genitals during the massage; carefully go around the joints, otherwise, due to inexperience, you may injure these vulnerable spots.
2) When massaging the tummy, be especially gentle in the area where the liver is located (right hypochondrium), and when stroking the back, do not “overdo it” with the lower back: the kidneys are there.
3) Perform a massage only if the baby has clean and healthy skin: in case of irritation or inflammation, you can get an infection.

Basics of baby massage at home.

IMPORTANT! Before the procedure, be sure to remove rings, bracelets, and watches. Wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure your nails are trimmed short and neatly filed.

Undress your baby and place him on the changing table ( or on the bed. The main thing is that the surface on which the baby lies is flat.) on the back.

The massage starts from the head.
Gently stroke the back of the head, forehead, and the area near the “wings” of the nose. Finish with your chin.
Let's start massaging the baby's hands.
When massaging your arms, lift them one at a time; iron: from the hand, to the shoulder along the inside, then along the outside. Massage your fingers and palms.
Massage the baby's chest and tummy.
Use both palms to cup your baby's chest so that your thumbs are on his chest. Stroke the baby's chest from the sternum to the sides, along the intercostal spaces.
When massaging the tummy, bend the baby's legs slightly, place your palm on the tummy and, without lifting it from the surface of the skin, stroke it clockwise: these movements help the intestines work.
Let's move on to massaging the baby's legs.
When massaging your legs, lift them one at a time and support them with one hand in a slightly bent state. With your joint hand, stroke the outer and inner sides of the lower leg and thigh, moving from the tips of the fingers to the groin, being careful not to touch the knee joint. Then, using your thumb, massage the back of the paw from the toes to the ankle joint.
We complete the baby massage.
Finally, turn the baby over onto his tummy and stroke his back with the back of your hand, moving from the butt to the head, and then with your palm, moving in the opposite direction: from the head to the butt.

NECESSARILY! Massage, even performed by loving parents, is first and foremost a medical procedure that has its own indications and contraindications! Therefore, first ask your local pediatrician: is massage beneficial for your baby? Let the massage bring you and your baby as much pleasure as possible!

Massage for newborns is one of the important routine moments in the life of a baby. During the first visit to the pediatrician, the nurse introduces the mother to a variety of massage manipulations suitable for use at each specific age of the child.

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About the benefits of massage

The benefits of massage for a child’s body are as follows:

The emotional connection between mother and baby is established and deepened. Of course, if she performs the relaxing massage technique herself, and not a professional massage therapist.
It is possible to achieve improved blood circulation, elimination of nervous, hypertonic and hypotonic muscles, orthopedic disorders (poorly developed hip joint, etc.).
Elimination of residual reflexes (Moro, Babinsky, grasping, etc.), which in a 3-5 month old baby should be replaced by acquired skills and abilities.
Development of the baby’s musculoskeletal system, stimulation of the lymphatic, nervous and even digestive systems.
Regular massage leads to an increase in protective functions, the immune system begins to work, resisting diseases.

Is there any harm?

Massage can be harmful if any action causes the baby to cry. The baby may not like the actions themselves that cause him pain or the attitude of the person performing the massage towards the process. Therefore, the benefit comes only from a gentle, targeted effect on different parts of the child’s body.

But massage is also harmful when it is done inappropriately or using the wrong technique. When deciding on massage sessions, you should remember that the procedure must be carried out after the doctor's permission. “Amateur activity” here is fraught with unpredictable consequences!

At what age should the procedure be performed?

Your pediatrician will help you correctly answer the question of how many months a newborn can be massaged. It is better to start using a restorative massage at 20 days of age. Until the baby reaches one and a half months, the only movement allowed for use is stroking.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for general baby massage are the presence of:

decreased or increased tone;
increased nervous excitability;
nervous condition, neurological disease;
infantile colic;
flat feet or club feet;
diseases of a cold nature;
hernias;
disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system;
difficulty breathing.

A course of massage, as an adjuvant, can be included in a complex of therapeutic actions prescribed for patients with bronchial asthma and pneumonia.

However, you should not massage your baby:

with fever accompanied by elevated body temperature;
with a runny nose;
for diabetes mellitus;
with a disease accompanied by purulent wounds or pustular skin lesions, any types of rash;
with rickets;
a patient with tuberculosis;
with diseases of the lungs and bones;
with congenital heart disease;
with hepatitis.

Varieties

According to the degree of impact, the method of implementation and the pursued goal, massage is carried out as therapeutic, preventive and therapeutic-prophylactic:

Therapeutic massage for infants, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic massage, should be performed only by a specially trained employee of a children's clinic or a professional massage therapist. Each disease uses its own techniques, which differ significantly from each other.
The use of preventive massage is recommended for all newborns, provided there are no contraindications. Preventive massages are carried out mainly by parents, which improves the psychological state of the baby.

Massaging a newborn

You need to massage your baby with light stroking movements. The use of movements using force is unacceptable:

The process should begin with the baby's hands. We massage each finger, then unclench our fists and pay attention to relaxing our palms. Smoothly moving to the wrists, we continue to massage, rising higher. In this case, there is no need to massage the armpit.
After the handles, you need to smoothly move to the legs. First, massage each foot, without bypassing any of the toes. Then, with light massaging movements, move from the feet to the groin area. There should be no impact on the knee joints and popliteal area.
Now it’s time for the tummy. You can properly massage a newborn only with the help of stroking, starting from the navel and moving clockwise.
Next, with clasped hands, you need to walk over the baby’s body with sliding movements: with one hand up, the other down. In this case, it is not recommended to touch the genital area.
Massaging the baby's chest begins from the sternum, gradually moving towards the shoulders, then from the sternum towards the sides. No manipulations are performed in the area of the mammary glands.
After turning the baby onto her tummy, you need to perform a gentle neck massage. At moments when the baby attempts to lift or turn his head, movements should be stopped.
After the neck, the movements move to the back. Basically, the area from the lower back to the shoulders, from the spinal column to the barrels is worked out here. The spine itself should not be massaged.
It is recommended to stroke the buttocks starting from the sides of the hips and ending with the tailbone.
With the baby lying on his left side, walk along the lines near the spine. The movement should begin from the sacrum towards the head. During performance, the child should slightly bend forward. Manipulations should be done no more than three times. Repeat the same with the right side.
Returning the child to its original position, massage the head without touching the fontanel area. It is necessary to pay attention to the ears.
The session ends with stroking the baby’s entire body.

Basic conditions

You can start massage sessions when the baby reaches 20 days of age.
In children under 3 months of age, massaging the fontanel area, popliteal, elbow, axillary areas, as well as the inner thighs is prohibited.
The use of pressure, impact movements, and patting is prohibited.
Massaging a baby with long nails is not allowed. It is recommended to keep your hands free from jewelry to prevent possible damage.
The procedure should be carried out in a room with a temperature of 18–23 degrees.
The baby's body should only be massaged on a prepared changing table or other flat surface. For covering, you can use a blanket, oilcloth or diaper. The width of the surface should be sufficient for the baby to easily turn over.
Massage for infants should take from 10 to 20 minutes. In the future, it is allowed to gradually increase the complexity of the exercises with increasing time intervals.
The procedure should be carried out at the right time (1.5-2 hours after feeding).
Before starting the massage, the baby should be suspended in an upright position for some time. This will rid the body of accumulated air and the child will not regurgitate during the procedure.
When massaging the baby’s body, you definitely need to talk to him. You can use any children's songs and rhymes. This will contribute to the development of the child’s hearing and speaking abilities.
To improve the quality of massage, the use of special lubricant is allowed. Allowed to use: grape, apricot, almond oil. If you want to use other liquid products, you must first conduct a test to identify an allergic reaction.

Massage techniques

Massage for an infant is carried out using:

Stroking - involves sliding over the surface of the baby's skin, accompanied by pressure of varying strength.
Rubbing is a displacement of the skin with stretching of the underlying tissues, the formation of a skin fold.
Kneading, in which the skin is fixed with a massaging hand, followed by squeezing or squeezing, turning into rolling. This technique is mainly used by specialists.
Vibrations are the actions of a massage therapist who transmits oscillatory movements of varying amplitude to the child’s body.

Gymnastics for newborns

Gymnastics for infants is one of the ways a newborn can communicate with its parents and establish tactile contact.

During classes, the baby feels the mother’s gentle touch, which has a beneficial effect on the child’s development.

In addition, with the help of gymnastics:
the baby learns to control his body;
proper development of coordination of movements occurs;
the ability to sensory perception develops;
the baby learns to use speech abilities and hearing, because the mother voices all her actions used during gymnastics;

reflexes develop that are responsible for mastering crawling and “walking.”

Massaging a newborn baby is the main task of every mother. But it is important to remember that each age has its own massage technique.

Up to 4 weeks of age

The following massage techniques are recommended for babies under 1 month:

stroking accompanied by stretching of the body;
gentle kneading of the skin with light friction;
crossing your arms over your chest;
leg spread;
turning the body from the back to the side, then onto the tummy.

For a 1 month old baby

Massaging movements are supplemented by vibrating and kneading techniques. The impact of massage manipulations is carried out on the arms, legs, back, gluteal areas, feet and fingers.

Massage procedure for 2-month-old babies

The techniques are complemented by neck massage, which helps strengthen the cervical vertebrae:

stroking movements;
exposure to vibration;
working out the spine by lightly massaging the back so that it leads to flexion and arching of the baby’s spine;
massaging the tummy in a circular motion;
stroking the breasts;
rocking the baby in the fetal position.

For 3 month old babies

At this age, a restorative massage for infants helps eliminate muscle tension. The technique consists of stroking, shaking, vibrating, rubbing (without pressure) movements. The usefulness of massage increases by adding gymnastic exercises.

You can clearly see how to massage children 1-3 months old in the video. Channel "House of Massage MM".

Massage for 4 month old babies

The impact of passive manipulation is replaced by the use of energetic techniques.

You can build your baby’s muscles with:

pinches;
twisting;
felting, when the body is transferred from a lying position to a sitting position and vice versa;
techniques for massaging the legs are complemented by bending and leveling;
You can develop motor skills in your baby by allowing him to grasp small objects.

The massage can be supplemented with gymnastic elements.

For 5 month old babies

The massage technique is similar to the techniques used in the previous month. Only movements that work the facial area and techniques that develop fine motor skills are added. Increased stimulation of the massaged areas is allowed, the result of which is manifested by the correct formation of phasomotor functions, stabilization of the condition of muscle tissue and general improvement.

Turning the baby's body over and changing posture should be accompanied by support for the arms. In order for a child to learn to sit in the prescribed time frame, you can practice the exercise: take the hands of a baby who is in a lying position, slightly pull them up, thereby inviting him to sit down.

For 6 month olds

The use of movements that massage the arms and legs becomes an optional technique. Now attention should be focused on working the back, chest and tummy. The impact of finger massage should occur in a playful way, accompanied by the telling of rhymes. The technique used in finger massage has a positive effect on the development of intelligence, fine motor skills, and the speech apparatus.

Features of the procedure after six months

When the child reaches six months of age, a change in massage technique occurs. The number of massage techniques is reduced, and the physical activities used become more varied.

Now the use of massage techniques and exercises is aimed at developing the child’s ability to:

raise the body;
pick up objects of different sizes;
crawl to get to the toys.

Massage technique for infants after six months consists of the following movements and exercises:

Slowly and quickly crossing the arms.
Tummy rolls. The baby can do this exercise on his own, but he needs a little help in the form of a push.
A variety of actions that work the back and gluteal areas.
Learning to crawl on knees with straight arms, forming muscles in the back, limbs and shoulders. At the age of 8 months, these exercises are available for the baby to perform independently. At a younger age, you cannot do without support.
Massaging the breasts.
Abdominal massage.
Training the muscles that support the abdominal cavity with squats. At 7 months of age - with support from two handles, at 8 months - with support from one handle.
Bending and straightening the legs.
Raising and lowering straight legs.
Stroking the feet.

Ball

The fitball can be used when the baby reaches the age of 1 month. You should start getting acquainted with the ball by simply lying on it so that the baby can get used to it. Rocking on a fitball has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the vestibular apparatus.

After your baby gets used to the ball, you can start doing other exercises:

At 2 months of age, raising the baby’s legs above the ball, you can swing them in weight. At the same time, the child can come into contact with the fitball with both his stomach and back. To strengthen the muscles of the spine, neck, and limbs, the head should be lowered.
It is very useful for the baby to be on a vibrating ball. The main thing is that the legs are straight and the spine is straightened. A more complicated option is swinging on a ball with arms crossed on the chest.
At 3 months of age, it is allowed to bend the baby’s legs and press them to the stomach. Rocking has a positive effect on the development of the hip joints.

Rocking on your tummy Rocking on your side Rocking on your back Leg curl while lying on your back

Before applying the above manipulations, a short massage session is recommended. The use of fitball exercises is especially useful for children with complicated orthopedic and neurological diseases. You can carry out the procedures in the mornings and evenings, devoting 15 minutes to them.

When to contact professional massage therapists?

Unlike a general restorative massage, which a mother can perform on her own, it is better to entrust the use of therapeutic massage techniques to a doctor who has undergone special training. You can contact a massage therapist with a secondary or higher medical education who is trained to work with children. But when contacting a massage therapist, do not hesitate to ask about his qualifications. It’s better to clarify this issue before starting work, it’s important!

Indications and contraindications for therapeutic massage

The need to undergo one or more courses of therapeutic massage is due to:

malnutrition;
rickets;
muscle hypertonicity;
hallux valgus and flat valgus deformity of the feet;
residual reflex of the newborn;
tremor in various parts of the body;
lesions of the central nervous system;
Cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy).
umbilical hernia;
hip dysplasia;
torticollis;
clubfoot, flat feet, leg deformities;
scoliosis;
deformation of the thoracic region;
deformation of the legs (X- or O-shaped).

The use of massage manipulations is prohibited:

in children with osteomyelitis, phlegmon, abscess - this will provoke the spread of purulent processes;
with enlarged lymph nodes for unknown reasons;
with exacerbation of arthritis, tuberculosis damage to bone tissue and joints;
children suffering from bleeding (for example, caused by hemophilia);
with acute forms of kidney diseases, hepatitis, heart defects, which are in the stage of decompensation (in unstable condition);
babies with low body weight with very large hernias in the umbilical, inguinal, scrotal and femoral areas.

Massage for colic

Since a colic session usually ends with a bowel movement, you need to be prepared for this moment in advance. You can cover the area under the baby's buttocks with a diaper or use a disposable diaper.

Gas massage has its own characteristics:

It begins with placing the palm of an adult on the baby’s tummy. There should not be strong pressure on the baby's stomach. After several minutes of resting your hands, the abdominal muscles will relax, there will be fewer spasms in the intestines, which will lead to the baby stopping crying.
The movements consist of stroking, periodically replaced by light pressure in the abdominal area.
Touching a newborn should be done using the edge of the hand, which has a semi-bent state.
You can apply pressure only with the pads of your fingers in the lateral areas and under the ribs.
Impact with sharper movements is replaced by stroking techniques.
The use of point or intense movements is prohibited. This can provoke an increase in spasm, which will not benefit the baby. Movements should consist of the simultaneous use of several fingers.
After the muscle warm-up, abdominal work begins. Such actions are aimed at activating the work of the small intestine. The palms should be placed on the tummy, across. Movements performed in both directions begin from the ribs and stop upon contact with the pubic symphysis.
The previous exercise should be replaced by stroking the area with the oblique abdominal muscles with one hand. At this moment, the second hand should be placed on the umbilical area.
As an alternative or additional way to work the abdominals, you can use light pinching or drawing the contours of imaginary flower petals, with the navel in the center.
Further actions are aimed at strengthening the reflexes of the abdominal muscles as a result of normalizing the functioning of the internal organs.

The main movement in a massage that eliminates colic is stroking with moderate force. It promotes the release of excess gases from the baby's body. With your hands you need to influence the area in the abdomen, where the large intestine is located. If the procedure occurs at the time of the onset of colic, the implementation should be gradual.

Procedure for dacryocystitis

According to the famous pediatrician Komarovsky, the procedure for dacryocystitis should be carried out using gentle and careful vibrating movements. In this case, light pressure on the tear ducts is necessary.

It is important to follow the direction of movement! They should be done in the area of the corner of the eyes. The movements should begin from the top with the direction down. Regular use of the procedure will save the baby from the disease.

For dacryocystitis, the session should be carried out in accordance with the instructions:

Carefully squeeze out the liquid formed in the lacrimal sac.
Under the lower eyelid of the affected eye, drop a warm furatsilin solution at a rate of 1:5000. Using a sterile cotton swab, remove the pus.
Having completed the manipulations, you can proceed to massage the lacrimal sac. The purpose of the action is to provoke a breakthrough of the elements that make up the embryonic tissue.
Movements begin from the inner corner towards the bottom of the eye. Under pressure, the embryonic film breaks through.

For best effect, the course should be carried out over two weeks. It is better to start it when the baby is crying heartbreakingly. At this time, due to the tension of the baby, breaking through the gelatin film will be easier. The procedure must be performed carefully, since the bone separating the sinuses has not yet formed, and strong pressure can easily cause damage to the delicate cartilage.

Massage for umbilical hernia

The use of a tonic massage for a child with an umbilical hernia increases the benefits of general treatment. It is allowed to begin the procedure after three weeks, once the umbilical wound has healed. Sessions can be supplemented with a general massage.

Newborn navel massage:

Using your full palm, you need to stroke the baby's tummy in the navel area. All manipulations with the abdomen should be performed in a clockwise direction. In the opposite direction, the direction of the arrow, the skin can be stroked only directly near the navel and only with the help of the index finger. Otherwise, the risk of interference with the digestive process and its disruption increases.
Using an open palm, grab the oblique abdominal muscles starting from the barrels towards the center. Finish the technique by stroking in the opposite direction.
Place the right palm above the navel, the left palm below the umbilical area. Moving your palms towards each other, stroke the skin around the navel.
Using the pads of your index fingers, begin rubbing the oblique muscles, moving from the barrels to the area with the umbilical cavity. The movements made along the oblique muscles should be done in a spiral.
Visually highlighting the line dividing the stomach in half, make indentations on it using the pad of the index finger. This technique will produce an immediate impact: the work of the abdominal muscles will begin, caused by its tension. The regularity of performing these actions will result in strengthening the baby’s muscular frame.
Use your index finger to press the hernia. Movements should be light, effortless. Repeat - 20 times.

Instructions for DTS

Massage for hip dysplasia should be performed once a day. The course consists of 10–15 sessions. To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to complete 2-3 courses. Since such a massage is a big burden for a baby, the rest between courses should be at least 1–1.5 months.

Massage for DTS, covering the entire joint, should be done with the baby in a supine position. But you can lay him on his back and massage the front surface of the thighs, and turn the baby over onto his stomach and work on the back surface.

Massage of the hip joint in newborns consists of the following techniques:

Stroking, when movements are carried out with hands tightly adjacent to the hip joint. Moderate pressure is allowed, at which the skin under the hands does not shift, but slides under them.
Use your thumb and index finger, or your entire palm, to make spiral movements. It is prohibited to touch the inner thighs (in close proximity to the genitals). Stroking should be carried out for 3-5 minutes, which should be completed by rubbing. The pressure should be stronger than when stroking; the hands do not slide over the skin, but displace it.
For affected joints, rubbing is especially useful. It is best to do it using your fingertips for deep penetration into the muscles. The duration of use of the technique is 10 minutes.
In addition, movements that rub the lumbar region, buttocks and feet are also useful for better blood circulation.

Procedure for tone in infants

Massage is beneficial in the treatment of increased, decreased or asymmetrical tone.

The purpose of the technique intended for use in complex massage is due to:

degree of violations;
the child’s health status;
level of development of a small organism;
existing contraindications.

Massage for newborns with hypertonicity

Spreading the baby's arms in different directions, followed by crossing them on the chest.
Alternating raising of handles, imitation of a mill.
Moving the baby's hips to the sides.
Rotation of the baby's hips along a semicircle trajectory, with their further return to their place.
Performing the “little book” exercise, when the child’s legs are bent and held, from the inside with the thumb, and from the outside with the remaining fingers. Next comes the simultaneous spreading of the legs to the sides, imitating the opening and closing of a book.
The gymnastics continues by lightly massaging the baby’s palms, for which, opening the fist, you need to stroke the inside of the handle.
Then the baby’s feet are massaged: using the thumb, the number 8 is drawn, starting from the toes to the heel, and in the opposite direction. The correctness of the massage will be indicated by the toddler’s fingers squeezing and unclenching.
After this, the baby should be placed on his tummy to stroke his back, starting from the base of his neck.
Having turned the child onto his tummy, stroke his back in a clockwise direction.
The session ends with stroking the baby's arms and legs, starting from the outside of the fingers and going up.

The duration of the course is 10–15 sessions, which should be carried out monthly.

Massage for a baby with hypotension

For a child with hypotension, massage helps to activate and stimulate the muscles. The main feature of the technique is the movements performed: from the periphery, directed to the central part of the body.

The session contains the following manipulations:

The child lies with his back down. Place your finger in the baby's palm. Holding it, walk along the handle with stroking movements, starting from the wrist and ending with the shoulder. Using kneading movements, massage the skin without touching the joint area. Repeat - 3 times.
Supporting the back of the baby's head, try to push his head with your palm so that it leans toward the chest. Repeat – 10 times.
Using your fingers in circular movements, massage the baby's upper body. The procedure should begin from the shoulder area and end by reaching the middle of the chest. Repeat - 3 times.
Using your thumbs, press on the back of the toddler lying on his stomach, while moving from the gluteal area to the neck. Holding the back of the baby, bend one leg at the knee so that the angle is 90 degrees. Massage using kneading movements. Repeat - 3 times.
To combat hypotension in the baby’s back, bend one of his legs at the knee, hug the other with your hand, and stretch the muscles in the lower leg. Using kneading movements, starting from the heels and moving to the tips of the fingers, work out the baby’s feet.

Massage for infants with low tone should last 15 minutes. It should be started and completed with stroking movements. There is no need to allow the toddler to become overtired, otherwise you may end up with the exact opposite result.

Massage for children with uneven tone

Massage for children suffering from both increased and decreased tone should be done asymmetrically: different areas are treated with relaxing and stimulating techniques.

To do this you need:

Identify the area suffering from increased and decreased muscle tension.
In certain areas with hypotonicity, you should use relaxing manipulations: stroking, light rubbing, rocking movements.
Areas with weak muscles are worked out using: clapping, chopping movements, rolls made by the phalanges of the fingers.

Massage for children whose muscles are susceptible to both hypertonicity and hypotonicity is prescribed individually, after determining which areas are in a relaxed state and where there is tension.

If the child is healthy, then, starting from 1.5 months, every mother can include infant massage in her baby’s daily routine. In addition to the fact that massage for infants is important for a child’s harmonious physical development, at an early age it is one of the ways a baby can communicate with its mother. Body contact during this procedure contributes to the development of the sense of touch, with the help of which a child learns about the world at an early age; in addition, an atmosphere of mutual understanding and emotional communication is created between mother and baby. The smooth movements of the mother's hands during a massage for infants give the child a feeling of security, love and psychological satisfaction. This, in turn, reduces the excitability of the central nervous system, helping the baby calm down and relax.

Massage for infants is also important for the timely harmonious motor development of the child, as it has a general strengthening effect on the muscular system, normalizing its tone and muscle contractility.

A tummy massage helps normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and helps eliminate colic, which is one of the main causes of anxiety for a child in the first months of life.

The local effect of massage is expressed in improving metabolism and skin nutrition by expanding its capillaries and accelerating blood circulation.

Possible contraindications to massage for infants

There are a number of simple massage techniques for infants that a mother can perform independently every day, ensuring her baby’s harmonious physical and neuropsychic development. This restorative massage can be started for a child from 1.5 months after consultation with a pediatrician and a neurologist in the absence of contraindications.

The main contraindications for giving a massage to a child are:

Acute febrile conditions accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Massage promotes blood flow, which can cause the temperature to rise even more.
Pustular, infectious-inflammatory or fungal skin diseases are a strict contraindication to massage, since open areas of purulent areas, as well as vesicular elements (rashes) in some infectious diseases, can be injured during a massage, and the infectious agent will spread throughout the skin.
Dermatitis, allergic skin reactions, which are often accompanied by the formation of oozing, which is an open wound surface. Massage, as a rule, requires the use of creams and oils, which is unacceptable on areas of affected skin. In addition, additional friction of such areas during massage can cause pain in the child and contribute to the deterioration of the local condition of the skin.
Severe congenital heart defects with insufficient blood supply, which is manifested by shortness of breath, swelling, cough. With these diseases, signs of circulatory disorders occur in the child even at rest, and since massage is, albeit small, but still a load on the body, it will contribute to the deterioration of the baby’s general condition.
Blood diseases(hemophilia, hemorrhagic diathesis), tendency to bleeding. Pressing on the skin during a massage can cause internal subcutaneous hemorrhages.
Convulsive syndrome, epilepsy. In these conditions, massage is contraindicated, as it can provoke new attacks.
Rickets during exacerbation. At this stage of the disease, children are especially restless and excitable; massage as an additional stressful effect is not recommended, since a gentle regime is necessary.
Large hernias when internal organs (umbilical, inguinal, etc.) fall into the hernial protrusion. Massage can cause strangulation of the hernia, which will cause severe pain and may require immediate surgery.

Prematurity and malnutrition (low body weight) are not a contraindication to massage, but exercises with such babies should be delayed and must be agreed with a doctor.

Therapeutic children's massage is prescribed by a doctor to treat a particular disease and can only be performed by a qualified specialist.

Where and how to learn massage for infants?

During patronage visits to the nurse and pediatrician from the children's clinic, the mother may ask to show her the basic techniques of massage for infants, which she will give to the baby. A nurse in a healthy baby’s room can also advise parents on massage and gymnastics during the baby’s first visit to the children’s clinic at 1 month.

It is advisable that the first massage session performed by the mother on her own should be under the supervision of a pediatrician or nurse.

General rules of massage for infants

In order for the massage to bring pleasure to the baby and be as effective as possible, you need to create certain conditions. The temperature in the room where the massage is performed should be comfortable for the child and be 20-22°C.

It is advisable to ventilate the room in advance, which will introduce an element of hardening into this procedure. In the warm season, massage can be performed with the window open, in the absence of drafts.

The massage should be performed on a hard, warm and non-slip surface. To do this, you can use a changing table or a regular table. It should be covered with a clean diaper, under which it is recommended to put an oilcloth and a double-folded flannelette blanket. Massage on a bed will be ineffective, since it will not be possible to create the necessary support and elasticity on a soft surface. A surface that is too hard will be uncomfortable for the baby.

It is important to choose the right time for a massage. First of all, the child must be in a good mood, well-rested and not hungry. It is recommended to start the procedure 30 minutes before feeding and no earlier than 30-45 minutes after eating, so as not to provoke regurgitation.

Before starting the massage, the mother should remove rings, watches and bracelets from her hands so as not to accidentally injure the baby’s skin. Her hands should be clean, dry and warm.

The duration of one massage session can be from 5 to 20 minutes a day, depending on the age of the child and his reaction to the procedure.

It is important to remember that baby massage should not give the child unpleasant, painful sensations. Therefore, during the session, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the baby, the expression on his face, and the reaction of his body. The main criterion for the correctness of actions is the child’s positive emotional mood. If the baby is capricious, it is better to postpone the massage for a while or postpone it to the next day.

It is important to know a few basic rules of massage:

When performing a massage, it is recommended to follow the order of the massaged areas. First, the legs are massaged, then the arms, tummy, chest and back.
All movements should be carried out from the periphery to the center in the direction of blood circulation in the veins and lymph flow in the body.
You should not massage the inner thighs, as many nerve endings are concentrated there and it is very sensitive.
Due to the risk of injury, impact impacts on the knee joints are limited.
It is not recommended to massage the front surface of the shin, because there is practically no muscle tissue in this place and the skin is very thin.
When massaging the abdomen, it is undesirable to touch the liver area (right hypochondrium). This limitation is due to the fact that this organ is located quite close to the surface of the body and direct exposure to it can harm the baby’s health.
When massaging the back, you should avoid the area of the spinous processes of the spine, as the impact on them can be painful in small children.
The massage should not affect the baby's genitals and nipples.

Basic massage techniques for infants

It is enough for mom to use 1-2 massage techniques, but try to do them regularly. It is not recommended to use complex massage techniques so as not to accidentally harm the child.

Stroking

The main massage technique that a mother should learn is stroking. It activates blood circulation, and thereby improves blood supply to tissues and organs. In addition, stroking movements help relax muscles and have a calming effect. This technique is performed using the palmar surface of the hand. Movements should be very smooth and gentle. The hand should not displace the child’s skin; it seems to glide over it.

Trituration

The next technique that parents can use is rubbing, which can begin to be used when the child is 3-4 months old.

Rubbing is a more intense and deep stroking that also helps relax muscles and reduces the excitability of the central nervous system. Rubbing is done with two or three fingers of the hand in circular or spiral movements, while the massaging hand should move, displace the skin, and not slide over it.

Foot massage

Foot massage is carried out from the bottom up, starting with stroking the dorsal, lateral and plantar surfaces of the feet, and then each of the child’s toes.
After the feet, the entire leg is massaged. In order to achieve the greatest muscle relaxation, the child’s limbs must be placed in a position of slight flexion at the knee and hip joints. With the palm of the hand of the same name, you need to clasp the ankle joint from below, and with the palm of the other, superficial stroking is carried out in the direction from the foot to the groin area along the outer and back surfaces of the lower leg and thigh.
Rubbing is carried out in the same order and direction as stroking with slight displacement of the skin.

Hand massage

The arm massage is carried out from the hand to the shoulder, while the baby’s limb should be in a position of slight flexion at the elbow joint.
Stroking the hand is carried out first along the back and then along the palmar surface in the direction from the fingers to the wrist joint.
When massaging the hand, the baby's hand is held in such a way that the baby covers the mother's thumb. Stroking movements are carried out along the inner and then outer surfaces of the forearm and shoulder.
Next, the palmar surface of the hand is lightly rubbed with the pads of the fingers, then each finger is used in turn, and then the muscles of the baby’s forearm and shoulder are massaged.

Abdominal massage

Superficial stroking is carried out around the navel in a clockwise direction. This technique causes relaxation of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and reflexively stimulates intestinal peristalsis.
Stroking the oblique muscles of the abdomen is carried out with the palms of both hands from the posterolateral surface of the chest and then obliquely down to the junction of the hands above the child’s navel.
Massage of the rectus abdominis muscles involves sliding the hands in a counter motion. To do this, the mother should place the palms of her hands parallel to the midline of the abdomen: her right hand at the costal edge, her left hand in the groin area above the pubic symphysis. Then the right hand goes from top to bottom, and the left hand goes from bottom to top.

Chest massage

Chest massage is performed with light stroking movements along the intercostal spaces from the sternum to the armpit.

Back massage

It consists of stroking the child’s back with the back of your hands on both sides of the spine from the buttocks to the head. Then they turn their hands and stroke the back from the head to the buttocks with the palmar surface.

The main signal to stop the procedure is the child’s restless behavior when he begins to whine or cry. Some babies may initially have a negative attitude towards massage, so they need to be accustomed to this procedure gradually. To do this, you can break the lesson into several parts and perform them throughout the day. When the baby gets used to it, the mother will be able to do the entire massage complex at one time.

It is important to remember that for harmonious physical development, a child needs not only passive, but also active movements. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement the massage with special gymnastics. A pediatrician or nurse can show the mother simple gymnastics exercises for babies that she can do independently.

One of the important moments immediately after the birth of a child is massage to the newborn.

It is believed that children who undergo this procedure develop better. It’s good if the session is also accompanied by a conversation - this contributes to faster speech development.

When do newborns begin to massage themselves?

When do massages begin for newborns: contraindications

Newborn: at what age should you massage?

First of all, ask your pediatrician: when should a newborn have a massage? He must ensure that there are no contraindications.

How to massage newborns

If the question of when newborns begin to receive massage is more or less clear, the technique itself still remains a mystery to us. We suggest you figure it out.

How to do a neck massage

It is necessary to carry out gentle stroking, starting from the ears towards the shoulders. Move further from the shoulders to the fingers.

When can you turn a newborn onto his tummy?

This is another point, in addition to the question of when to massage newborns, that concerns young mothers.

So, now you know when to give the first massage to a newborn, and have a little understanding of its technique.

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Home massage for newborns: conditions, technique

Home / Newborn / Home massage for newborns: benefits, rules and technique

Home massage for newborn babies and their parents is an important way of communication, but it has many other benefits. Just 5-10 minutes of daily exercise stimulates digestion, improves immunity, and calms the nervous system for deep, restful sleep. Pediatricians note that babies who are regularly massaged gain weight faster and are more energetic and sociable.

In order to avoid overstimulation, understanding the correct movements, ideal timing and duration of massage is important. Like any other form of therapy, it requires specific techniques and a careful approach.

When should you start massaging your newborn?

Long before a child begins to speak, he communicates with the world through tactile sensations. A mother instinctively touches her newborn to comfort him. Massage is an extension of this natural impulse.

Russian pediatricians recommend giving massage to newborns at home starting from 2-3 weeks of life, however, among foreign doctors there is a widespread opinion that the procedure is necessary from the moment of birth. The exception is premature babies: they are medically unstable, and massage may be overly stimulating for them. It is also not recommended for fever, skin lesions (pyoderma and atopic dermatitis), and bleeding disorders.

Benefits of the procedure

Massage has many physical and psychological benefits for children and their parents:

It supports a healthy immune system and the full development of the child by promoting the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. This stimulation allows you to effectively deliver nutrients to tissues and organs, and then remove metabolic products.
Massage activates the production of certain hormones that are responsible for a good mood and relieve pain. In particular, these are endorphins and oxytocin, which help minimize suffering due to colic or other problems.
It helps to find a balance between increased and decreased muscle tone. A full body massage stimulates the muscles, but at the same time relaxes them if they are overly tense.
Supports a child's ability to realize their individual developmental potential by helping the maturation of the nervous system and stimulating brain-body connections.
Increases the child's awareness of the capabilities of his own body, the size and location of its parts.
Massage is a great way to communicate. It makes the child aware that he is loved and cherished. Purposeful, continuous exchanges of touch and eye contact promote mutual understanding and trust.
For parents, this is an effective way to take a “time out” and escape from everyday stress.

Although massage is beneficial for all infants, it is very valuable for children with special needs such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, as it provides a unique way of communication and stimulation of development.

Conditions for massage

When preparing and conducting a massage procedure for a newborn baby at home, it is advisable to adhere to some recommendations regarding time, space and movement technique.

Time

Before performing a massage, choose a time that is comfortable for all participants in the process. You should not rush anywhere; calmness and leisure will help make your movements as soft and measured as possible. Do not start massage when the child has just eaten or is hungry, sleepy or fussy. The most appropriate time is an hour and a half after feeding in the morning.

You can often find recommendations for 10-15 minutes of massage per day. In fact, the main indicator of the procedure time is the child himself. As soon as he shows dissatisfaction, stop, no matter how long the massage continues.

For babies under 5 months, try to leave a few hours between massage and bath. This can lead to overstimulation of the nervous system. Never massage your baby when he is crying, the only exception being movements to relieve colic, constipation and gas.

Place

Find a place and position that is comfortable for you and your baby. The basic requirements are the ability to maintain eye contact, a comfortable temperature (standard recommendation is about 24°C) and a ventilated room. Many people prefer to place the baby on a changing table, but massage can be done while sitting on the floor, bed or sofa, holding the baby on your lap, but not forgetting about his safety. In this case, it is worth protecting your clothes with a diaper, especially if you use oil.

Massage oil

Oil is not necessary for massage, but its use makes the effect on delicate skin softer and helps moisturize it. There are many excellent baby oils on the market, but vegetable oil (mostly cold pressed) is sufficient. You can use lavender, chamomile, rose or cedar oil, supplementing them with vitamins A and E, solutions of which are sold at the pharmacy. Before first use, it is worth doing a sensitivity test so that your child’s skin does not suffer from unexpected allergies.

As for ready-made oils, carefully study the composition. The product must be hypoallergenic and contain a minimum of chemical additives.

Types of massage for newborns

At home, a newborn is usually given a restorative (also known as preventive) massage - it is useful for general development in the absence of special health and development problems.

There are also special therapeutic massages - it is aimed at problem areas, and therapeutic and preventive massage, which covers the whole body with special attention to disorders. These procedures are prescribed by a doctor (neurologist, pediatrician, orthopedist) according to indications and performed by a specialist, however, you can also perform them yourself, but only after training.

Basic massage techniques

When performing a massage, remember the following general principles:

Always start by massaging your feet - this is the least intrusive way to start a massage, since your feet will be touched constantly during diaper or diaper changes.
Patting stimulates the nervous system, and stroking soothes.
Use long and soft movements with light pressure and a speed of approximately 2 cm per second (lymph flow speed), jerky, fast and too light touches can irritate the child.
Repeat each movement at least 3 times.
Massage of the limbs and body is performed mainly from the periphery to the center, and the abdomen - clockwise and only in its lower half, without affecting the areas of the liver and heart.
Before starting the procedure, warn your child about the massage. Over time, he will get used to it, remember and know what they are going to do with him.
Play soothing background music or hum to yourself.
It is not necessary to do a full body massage every time; if after rubbing the feet the child does not want to continue, you should not force him.
Follow the wishes of the child, when he turns away, cries or is capricious, postpone the procedure, if he does not like any movements, do not insist. Massage should be enjoyable.

You can use the following techniques:

stroking, this is the movement recommended for newborns;
rubbing – for children from 6 weeks;
kneading, this technique is used mainly by specialists;
vibration or tapping - on the feet and palms can be used from the very beginning, on the body only after 1.5 months of life.

Features of massage for babies of different ages and a set of exercises

Until one and a half months, pediatricians recommend using gentle stroking as a massage. This is due to the fact that the skin of a newborn is too thin and delicate, and patting can lead to hyperstimulation of the nervous system. In the future, the remaining techniques are gradually introduced, and by 3-4 months, some gymnastic elements are introduced.

The actual home massage procedure for newborns may look like this:

Legs and feet. Stroke your feet, make a few circular movements over them and pay attention to each toe. You can gently pick them up with your thumb and forefinger and roll them gently. Then take the baby's heel in one hand and stroke it with the other, starting from the hip to the ankle, squeezing lightly - this is similar to milking a cow. Make a few reverse movements from ankle to hip and switch legs.
Hands. Start with your palms, massaging each finger and then using gentle, gentle pressure, stroke from the armpits to the hands and then back again. You can slightly turn your wrists to one side or the other.
Head. Place your hands on either side of your baby's head and then down to their toes. Then draw small circles on the head with your fingertips.
Face. Place your hands (as if you are praying) on the child's forehead, and then gently move them towards the temples. Use your thumb to create a smile on your baby's face by stroking from one cheek through the upper lip to the other. Repeat on your lower lip.
Breast. Place your hands over your baby's chest and then spread them out to the sides, as if you were smoothing out the pages of an open book.
Stomach. Using your fingertips, draw an oval below your baby's belly button (clockwise to follow the natural path of digestion).
Back. Swipe it from side to side, and then up and down. Make also circular movements.

A restorative massage for newborn children, performed at home, can accelerate the psychological and physical development of the child, alleviate digestive problems, and provide deep sleep. But its most valuable advantage is the possibility of mutual communication. Many pediatricians argue that the main thing is not so much the technique, but the pleasure that parents and children receive from touch, smell and eye contact. A restorative massage should be performed only after consultation with a doctor, and a therapeutic massage should be performed according to strict indications.

Useful video about baby massage

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Massage for newborns: techniques and rules

No matter how much is said about the benefits of massage, you yourself must be sure that massage for newborns will be useful.

Rules of massage for a newborn

1. When should I start giving a newborn a massage? Until the newborn reaches the second month, massage cannot be done! The little one was just born and is getting used to the outside world. He doesn't need any additional stress right now. However, mother's very light stroking of the baby is welcome.

2. At the very beginning of your training, you do not need to perform the entire set of exercises. It is enough to start with some individual parts of the body. For example, with light stroking of the legs and buttocks, which toddlers love so much. After a few days, you can move on to massaging the tummy, back and chest.

3. Not all babies like newborn hand exercises. However, it is in these limbs that increased tone is common. Therefore, it is necessary to do such exercises. It's very simple:

Place the baby on a horizontal surface, spread the baby's arms to the sides, then press them to the chest again. This needs to be done 4-5 times.

Alternately raise the newborn's arms to his head, then lower them again along his body.

4. Massage for newborns should be done daily. The toddler will get used to the activities and will not show dissatisfaction. You need to start the procedure with a minimum duration (5-10 minutes). By the end of the second month it will be 30 minutes. Everything should be increased smoothly.

5. The massage course lasts 20 days. Then there is a break for 2-3 weeks.

6. It is better to conduct your very first classes under the supervision of a specialist.

7. Distract your baby from such difficult work for him: sing songs, coo, tell nursery rhymes, smile.

When is massage contraindicated?

Any febrile conditions in an infant - diseases associated with increased sensitivity of the skin - hernias prone to strangulation - pyelonephritis, hepatitis, tuberculosis - diseases characterized by fragility of bones and blood vessels

Purulent and acute inflammation of the skin, lymph nodes, bones and muscles

Massage techniques for a newborn

Stroking – gentle and uniform sliding movements of the palm over the baby’s skin

Rubbing is putting more effort into the movement of the palm than stroking. The impact on the child's skin occurs in various directions.

Kneading is a deep muscle massage in which the muscle itself is grasped and kneaded with rhythmic spiral movements of the fingers.

Effleurage is light but very rhythmic blows with the tips of the fingers or palms. Used for very well-fed newborns.

All these techniques must be carried out in a special sequence:

stroking – rubbing – stroking – kneading – stroking – effleurage – stroking

Massage for newborns should always begin with gentle movements. Stroking is repeated 4-6 times, other techniques – 8-12 times. The pressure should be increased only after the child's muscles have relaxed.

Movements from top to bottom should always be easier than movements from bottom to top.

Full body massage

The principles of rubbing and kneading are suitable for massaging the hands and feet.

The buttocks, arms, legs, back and chest will welcome stroking and light tapping (baby is 2-3 months old). All these manipulations will reduce muscle tone, relax and improve blood and lymph circulation.

The tummy is massaged in a circular motion with the palm in a clockwise direction (if a newborn has diarrhea, then counterclockwise)

The chest is massaged, starting from the middle of the sternum to the shoulders, and again from the middle to the lateral surfaces.

Buttocks – move your palm from the hip joints to the anus.

Handles – we start with the hand and lead to the axillary lymph nodes.

Back – from the spine we move to the sides, from the lower back – to the shoulder.

Legs - move your palm from the foot to the lymph nodes of the groin.

It is always better to start a massage for newborns with the hands and feet. The child's limbs should be slightly bent. Your hands should be in a relaxed state.

Never massage your newborn's kneecap or inner thigh.

Do not pat the area where the kidneys are located

During the massage, do not touch the baby’s genitals.

Massage for a newborn in pictures

Let's get started.

1. Your child should be in a good mood. Before you start massaging your legs and feet, make sure your baby is ready for it. To do this, take him by the leg and bend it a little, show the limb to the little one. Everything is fine? Is the child still smiling? Then you can undress him and begin the procedures.

2. For massage, use special baby oil. We used the Bubchen company.

3. Take the child’s leg and bend it so that the gas comes out. Continue to hold your hand under the baby's knee, move your palm from the ankle, continuing past the knee, then along the outer surface of the thigh (do not touch the inner one!)

Upper body massage.

1. Stroking from the shoulders to the middle of the chest

2. Light strokes from shoulders to wrists

3. Very gently make circular movements over the tummy. We DO NOT massage the navel and the area around it.

Face and back massage

1. For the face we use fingertips

2. Long strokes from the cervical vertebrae to the anus

3. If the child begins to cry and resist, stop the massage immediately

Especially for My LYALYA

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How to massage a child correctly?

Children's massage is often not a whim of parents, but a real necessity: thanks to its sessions, it is possible to significantly improve the overall nervous activity of children, reduce stress levels, and contribute to the accelerated physical development of the child. It has been scientifically proven that massage therapy, performed regularly, has a healing effect.

When should you start giving massage to children?

Parents of any gender can learn how to perform massage. It is best to start his sessions when the child reaches the age of one and a half to two months: until then, the skin of newborn children is too delicate. The most suitable time for a massage is right before eating. It is not recommended to massage immediately after eating; it is better to wait an hour or an hour and a half so that the food is better absorbed.

Pay special attention to ensuring that the massage sessions are as comfortable as possible for the child: the room should be warm enough, and there should be no strangers or objects nearby that could frighten the baby. You should not use special oils, liquids and creams that are so popular with most adults. Your hands should be dry and warm.

Preparing for a baby massage

It is recommended to start the massage when the child is in a calm, friendly mood. If he is excited, very playful or unhappy, you should postpone the planned session a little. If you have a capricious child, try not to start rubbing him when he is in a bad mood, upset or crying: otherwise, you can permanently associate his idea of a massage with thoughts of something unpleasant and disgusting.

During the massage, the child should not tense up, cry or scream - in general, express his dissatisfaction. Otherwise, you are doing something wrong. Take care of his comfort in advance: place the baby on a flat surface covered with soft, dry material. Linen and cotton are ideal for this.

What baby massage techniques are popular today?

If for older children you can use specialized sets of massage movements and even entire complexes, then in the case of newborn babies you should limit yourself to four basic movements: patting, rubbing, stroking the body and kneading the muscles.

You need to start a massage session with as gentle actions as possible so that the baby gets a little used to touching and relaxes. When massaging a newborn baby, you should touch his body only with the tips and pads of your fingers: with this approach, the risk of causing damage to the baby’s skin is much less.

By the way, you can get lessons in massaging a newborn baby from your local pediatrician: the doctor will teach you the basics, basic movements and massage options, which you can refine “at home” on your own.

How often should massage sessions be performed?

As with everything related to raising children, moderation should be exercised here. One or two massage sessions a day are more than enough. Please pay special attention that massage can excite your baby, which means it should not be done an hour or two before the expected bedtime.

When should you not massage newborns?

There are several contraindications when it is highly recommended not to massage a child:

In case of identified acute respiratory and infectious diseases, especially if they are in the acute stage.
If a child is diagnosed with rickets.
In cases of skin inflammation, rashes, pustular formations, diathesis.
When a baby has an inguinal, femoral, umbilical or other types of hernia.
Hemophilia, tuberculosis, and malignant tumors are also contraindications for children's massage.
Hepatitis, arthritis and increased fragility of the child’s bone tissue require refusal of massage.
Congenital heart disease, compensation disorders and some other diseases also prevent the baby from massaging.

Before the age of two months, it is recommended to start the session with flexion and extension of the joints, placing the baby on his back. Then they move on to gentle rubbing of the limbs. The newborn's head should be protected from sudden twitching and other careless actions that may accompany an inexperienced parent during the first massage sessions. After rubbing the legs and arms, turn the baby onto his tummy and knead his back, buttocks and feet. After this, you need to turn the baby on his back again and lightly stroke his stomach: this action will help improve the digestion of your son or daughter.

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