5 Types of Baby Massages

/ 25 January, 2023

Whether it’s to soothe your little one to dreamland or to ease his gassy belly, a gentle massage can work wonders for your baby — and the power is in your tender touch. Here are some tips on how to ease your baby into the calm state suitable for the parent-child bonding time.

Before you begin, make sure the room is warm and quiet. Remove jewelry that could get in the way. Grab some baby oil, and strip your baby down to his diaper. Lay him facing up on a soft towel or blanket, with a pillow under his head. Begin by holding your baby’s hands and gently rubbing his palms with your thumbs a few times.

Leg Massage

Gently but firmly wrap your hands around your baby’s leg and glide your hands down from thigh to ankle. Do this a few times; then repeat on the other leg.

Belly Massage

Place your hands at the level of your baby’s navel. In a clockwise motion, rub your fingertips firmly and gently over her tummy in a circular motion. Repeat.

Arm Massage

Gently roll your baby’s arm between your hands, starting at his shoulder and moving down to his wrist. Repeat two to three times, and then switch to his other arm.

Neck Massage

Support your infant’s head and upper body with one hand. Place the thumb of your other hand on one side of her neck and your first two fingers on the other side. Then use your fingertips to gently rub your baby’s neck in a circular motion. Repeat these circles a few times.

Colic-Relief Massage

First give your baby a belly massage. Then bend his knees up to his tummy and hold for about 30 seconds before releasing. Repeat a few times. Then place the edge of one hand on your baby’s belly, gliding from the belly button down in a rhythmic pattern, to help release pent-up gas. Repeat if needed.

Massage Techniques from Elaine Fogel Schneider, PhD, author of Massaging Your Baby:
The Joy of Touch Time.

If you are looking to learn baby massage, take a look at our Baby Massage Workshop!
Click here to learn more.