Learn about the benefits of newborn baby massage, like better blood flow, improved bonding with parents, better sleep, and relief from colic. This gentle process promotes your baby's physical and emotional development.

For generations, grandmothers and grandfathers have been massaging small children with oil. This traditional method has been considered beneficial for newborn babies. From the sixth day after birth till 3-4 years, children are massaged. Usually olive, almond, coconut or pure mustard oil is used. It is also necessary to adopt the right procedure for massage along with selection of right oil. Know the rules of massaging and also the benefits of massaging a baby.

First of all let us know what is massage (What is massage)

Massage is a process in which the muscles of the body are pressed with hands. It is used to relieve stress, relaxation and reduce strain. Massage can be done in different ways, such as Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy.

Why is massage important for a newborn? (Benefits of massaging a baby)

Along with the physical development of the baby, many emotional aspects are also associated with massage. Research published in 2021 in the National Library of Medicine suggests that massage in babies has the following benefits:

Baby massage is a traditional way to strengthen children. Image: Shutterstock

•Massage strengthens children's muscles and bones.
•It helps in increasing flexibility in hands and legs.
•Blood flow improves
•This also helps children sleep better.
•Trust and communication between the parents and the newborn is established.
•Protects the skin by covering it with a layer.
•Can increase oxygen and vital nutrition flow and improve breathing patterns and lung health.
•This can cure problems like gas, cramps, colic, constipation in children.

Massage contributes to the overall development of the baby.

Through these benefits, massage can prove to be helpful in the overall development of babies (Baby massaging benefits for overall growth). According to a Science Direct study published in 2023, it promotes a sense of parental attachment. And also their desire to care for and nurture their child.

This gives them confidence in themselves that they can handle their child better and are ready for the responsibility of a life. According to studies, the bond you develop with your child in the early years keeps you connected to him and him to you throughout his life.

The bonding between mother and child improves

If you are healthy and in a position to handle the baby, then you should massage your baby yourself. Although the mother becomes attached to the baby before birth, massage helps in strengthening this bond. It builds trust and security which helps in healthy development.

Baby massage has some relaxing points. It is important to know them. Image: AdobeStock

Renowned pediatrician of Kanpur, Dr. Piyush Tripathi says that “Anything is beneficial only when it is done properly and the same is the case with massage. One has to be very careful while massaging the delicate parts of the child.

Be careful (The right way to massaging a newborn baby)

• Light oil should be used instead of thick oil because it is easily absorbed by the skin.
•The baby should be calm and alert at the time of massage.
• While massaging, talk to the child or sing a lullaby.
• Before massaging the baby, cut the nails and also remove the jewelery from the hands.
•Heat the oil very slightly and then start massaging with it.
• Never massage in a hurry.
•Avoid artificial oils and lotions.
• Bathe the child after about two hours of massage.
•Keep bathing water lukewarm.

Also read – If you are a new mother, then keep these 5 things in mind while breastfeeding your baby.