BABY MASSAGE

LEGS AND FEET

Start by greeting your baby’s legs with Resting Hands.

1. INDIAN MILKING 2. HUG AND GLIDE

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3. THUMB OVER THUMB 4. TOE ROLL

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5. UNDER TOES AND BALL 6. THUMB PRESS

1 OF FOOT 1

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 7. TOP OF FOOT 8. ANKLE CIRCLES
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9. SWEDISH MILKING 10. ROLLING

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11. BOTTOM RELAXER 12. INTEGRATION

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Move both hands with a sweeping

stroke from buttocks to feet.

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STOMACH

1. RESTING HANDS 2. WATER WHEEL PART A

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3. WATER WHEEL PART B 4. THUMBS TO SIDE

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5. SUN MOON 6. I LOVE YOU

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7. WALKING LOVE YOU

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CHEST

1. RESTING HANDS 2. OPEN BOOK

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3. BUTTERFLY 4. INTEGRATION
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Sweep both hands from chest, to

tummy all the way to the feet.
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ARMS AND HANDS

1. RESTING HANDS 2. PIT STOP

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3. INDIAN MILKING 4. HUG AND GLIDE

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5. PALM STROKE AND 6. TOP OF HAND

1 FINGER ROLL 1

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 7. WRIST CIRCLES 8. SWEDISH MILKING
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9. ROLLING 10. INTEGRATION

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Sweep your hands from baby’s

shoulders, to chest, to tummy,
to legs, to feet in a single stroke
integrating the whole body.

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FACE

1. OPEN BOOK 2. RELAX YOUR EYES

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3. TOWARDS BRIDGE OF 4a. SMILE ABOVE UPPER

NOSE,1 UNDER CHEEKBONE 1 LIP

4b. SMILE BELOW LOWER 5. RELAX THE JAW

1 LIP 1

6. EARS, NECK AND ALL OF

1 THOSE CHINS 1

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BACK

1. RESTING HANDS 2. BACK AND FORTH

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3. SWOOPING PART A 4. SWOOPING PART B

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5. BACK CIRCLES 6. COMBING

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GENTLE MOVEMENTS MASSAGE FOR THE RELIEF OF COLIC/GAS

These movements gently stretch baby’s arms and This massage routine can be used when problems
legs, massage the stomach and pelvis and align the like tummy pain, wind, constipation or colic occur.
spine. Repeat this series of strokes 3 times, 2-3 times a
day, for at least 2 weeks.
Be gentle and have fun with them, incorporating
rhymes and games. Some alternative methods which can also help
are: Resting Hands, Touch Relaxation and Hand
• CROSS ARMS Cradling.
Cross your baby’s arms at the chest three times,
alternating which arm is over and under. Then • RESTING HANDS
gently stretch the arms out to the sides. Begin by taking a few deep breaths to relax.

The rhythm is: cross - cross - cross - open. Rest your hands on baby’s tummy.
Repeat.
• WATER WHEEL PART A
• CROSS ARM AND LEG Do 6 times with each hand.
Hold one arm at the wrist and the opposite leg
at the ankle. Gently bring the arm down to the Stroke with alternating hands from rib cage
ribcage and the foot up toward the shoulder to legs.
(allow the knee to bend), crossing the leg and
arm so that the arm goes to the outside of the • KNEES UP
leg, and cross again so the arm is under the leg, Knees together and push them gently into
then cross once more with the arm over the leg. tummy. Hold for a slow count of 6.
Now stretch them out in opposite directions.
• TOUCH RELAXATION
The rhythm is: cross - cross - cross - open. Use your voice, hand and rhythmic rocking,
Repeat with the opposite arm and leg. patting and light bouncing to help baby relax.

• CROSS LEGS • SUN MOON

Cross the legs over the tummy three times, Do 6 times.
alternating which leg is over and under. Then
gently stretch the legs out straight, toward you. One hand draws a clockwise full circle.

The rhythm is: cross - cross - cross - straighten. The other draws a partial clockwise circle
Repeat. (from approximately 10 to 5 on a clock).

• UP AND DOWN • KNEES UP

Push the knees together up into the tummy, Knees together and push them gently
then stretch them out straight. If the baby resists into tummy. Hold for a slow count of 6.
bending and/or straightening the legs, bounce
them gently and encourage baby to relax. • TOUCH RELAXATION
Use your voice, hand and rhythmic rocking,
Repeat several times. patting and light bouncing to help baby relax.

• BICYCLE
Gently push the knees into the tummy, one after
the other, then bounce them out straight to relax.

The rhythm is: push - push - push - straighten.

Repeat.

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BEHAVIORAL STATES CHART

As a parent you have an important role in helping SLEEP STATES

your baby to manage sleep and awake states. As DEEP SLEEP (QUIET SLEEP)
your baby matures, you will notice s/he will be able • Baby breathes slowly, deeply and regularly
to move through these states more easily. The world • No rapid eye movement under the closed eyelids
around your baby will also shape the way s/he (non-REM sleep)
copes. One baby’s temperament may allow them • Generally motionless
to move gradually from one state to another and • Low body activity level with very occasional
maintain their quiet alert or sleep state for a period movements or startles
of time but another baby may need more help to do
this. Your baby uses this state for growth and
development.
AWAKE STATE
QUIET ALERT LIGHT SLEEP (ACTIVE SLEEP)
• Face is bright-eyed and receptive • Breathing is faster, more irregular or shallow
• Focused attention, taking in the surroundings • Rapid eye movement under the lids (REM sleep)
• Calm and relaxed movements • Eye opening may occur briefly
• Regular breathing • Sucking movements, sighs and smiles can be
• Conveys interest and concentration seen from time to time
• May turn away from overwhelming stimulation to • Occasional startles and brief, fleeting jerky
maintain this quiet alert state movements

Your baby responds and learns best in this state. In this state your baby’s brain is very active,
This is the ideal time for massage. busily storing and organising experiences and
information.
ACTIVE ALERT/FUSSY
• Considerable body activity
• Variable breathing TRANSITIONAL STATE
• Whimpering DROWSY
• Difficulty in paying attention or focusing • Eyes may be heavy lidded, dazed or closed with
fluttering lids
This state often follows an alert state and may be • Body activity and breathing variable
a sign of overstimulation, boredom or a need for a • May whimper
change of some kind. When responded to you may • Delayed responsiveness
help your baby return to a calmer state.
In this state your baby may be trying to
CRYING settle themself back into sleep or may
• High body activity be trying to wake up.
• Different degrees of intensity and tones indicate
the meaning behind the cry
• Grimaces, often with closed eyes
• Skin colour changes may be seen

This state demands your attention to hear your

baby’s need for something to stop or change.
Crying can also be an emotional release that require
sensitive acknowledgement.

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OILS SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR
GROWING CHILD

The use of oils is a complex subject which continues Remember to always ask permission.
to be researched. The type of oil to use depends on
many factors such as cultural preferences, family ACTIVE CRAWLER
traditions, skin types, availability and cost. • Keep in mind the behavioral states and consider
the best time (preferably quiet alert)
VEGETABLE OILS • Massage the body part that your child likes best
The International Association of Infant Massage • Use songs or rhymes
recommends that babies be massaged with a • Adapt the massage to accommodate your child’s
high-quality (preferably organic), unscented, position
coldpressed vegetable oil. • Have your child sit up in your lap so they can see
what is going on
Cold-pressed oil is produced by mechanically • Massage may be playful and fun
pressing vegetables, fruits, seeds or nuts with • Offer soft toys and cloth books to maintain
low temperature. attention
• Try massaging in the bath
Some advantages for use in infant massage:
• Contain beneficial ingredients, e.g. vitamins and TODDLER
minerals • Use relaxing strokes before your child goes to
• Have no added scents as it may mask parent/ sleep
baby natural body odor (an important element of • Change the name ‘infant massage’ to ‘big girl/big
bonding) boy massage’
• Are edible and therefore recognized as digestible • Be aware that your child may reject certain areas
food by the body • Use songs, rhymes and games during massage
• Nourishes the skin time
• Change your way of asking permission by offering
Some disadvantages for use in infant massage: a choice of which area to be massaged to avoid a
• The oil will become rancid over time due to typical ‘no’ response
oxidation. This is recognized by the change of
odor, therefore smell the oil before massage PRESCHOOL
• Can vary in quality due to the crop and processing • Tell stories and engage their imagination
method • ‘Hero/Heroine massage’
• Sing songs or use rhymes
Recommendations: • Let your child choose which area is to be
• Preferably keep in a dark container and store in a massaged
cool dark place
• For babies with broken skin, a skin infection SCHOOL-AGE
or open eczema, oil should be avoided on the • Let your child tell a story while you do the
affected area massage
• The stroke may need to be adjusted for longer
MINERAL AND SYNTHETIC OILS arms and legs
A mineral oil is derived from petroleum while • Relate to their hobbies and interests.
synthetic oil is produced in the laboratory.
TEENAGE
Some disadvantages for use in infant massage: • Respect modesty
• Leaves the infant’s skin slippery and therefore • Let your teenager choose the music to be played
may feel unsafe when handling the baby during massage
• It can be greasy for dressing the baby afterwards • Consider hand/foot massage or massage of
• Most mineral and synthetic oils have an added shoulders whilst watching a film
scent which has the potential to cause sensitivity • Shoulder massage can be offered as a break from
• Mineral and synthetic oils have no nutritional value homework
• Ask open-ended questions to prompt sharing of
ESSENTIAL OILS thoughts
The International Association of Infant Massage • Give positive comments to help boost their self-
strongly recommends avoiding the use of confidence
essential oils in infant massage oil.

© International Association of Infant Massage 2013 • www.iaim.net

LISTENING TO BABIES

IN THE ARTICLE LISTENING TO BABIES VIMALA

MCCLURE WRITES:

‘Imagine you have just been through a very 1. Take a long, slow, deep breath and relax.
traumatic experience, something that really 2. Clear all thoughts.
disturbed you deeply. You feel yourself on the 3. Connect with the baby, eye to eye if possible.
verge of tears and unable to relax or concentrate,
and you go to your spouse or a friend for help. You If baby avoids eye contact, place your hands
begin to talk about what happened to you and how gently but firmly on your baby’s body and make
you’re feeling about it. a connection through your hands saying that you
would like to hear what they have to say.
After a moment of sympathy your friend begins
to shush you, saying, “There, there, never mind. Stay with your baby, be relaxed and receptive whilst
Please don’t cry. I can’t stand it when you cry. listening and observing their body language. Watch
Come on, smile for me now. Let me get you your baby’s mouth and eyes. When you are sure
something to eat. Maybe you should go to a that your baby feels heard and has said most
doctor.” You will probably dry your tears and of what was needed to be said then offer your
internalize your pain in order to preserve this comfort by rocking, walking, or patting to help get
relationship and because your friend’s responses organized again. Invariably, a baby who feels heard
have told you it is not safe to be yourself in will sleep more deeply afterward and will trust.
her presence.
When we truly listen to our infants we are fulfilling
Now imagine yourself in the same situation, with a all of their psychological needs. The underlying
different response from your friend. You begin to message is, “You are worthy of respect. You are
talk about what happened to you and how you’re valuable just the way you are.” The baby is driven
feeling about it. Your friend looks at you eye-toeye. to agree and grows in confidence, feeling a place in
She leans forward and holds your hand. “I’m the world. The baby’s sensory receptors take this
here for you, tell me all about it. I can see you’re message in and the whole body relaxes. Vimala
really hurting, and I want you to know that I love ends with:
you and I want to help you through this.”

She puts her arms around you and you relax into
deep sobs in the safety of her presence. You
ramble on, sometimes incoherently, and she’s
there, saying, “Tell me more. And then what
‘ The chalice of this infant’s heart is filled to
overflowing, and as she grows she will seek
opportunities to share her love with others. And
happened? That must have been so painful for how will she do this? By following the model she
you.” You feel her genuine support and that trust has been given. She will be there for others in the
enables you to really unload and, finally, come
‘
way her caregivers have been there for her. What a
back to your center again. Your relationship with lovely, healthy cycle!
her is stronger; she feels good for having been
there for you, and you are better able to go on
toward healthy functioning.’

When a baby cries for a physical reason

something needs to be actively done about the
cry. If the cry is for an emotional reason there are
different ways to approach this. Within her article
Vimala suggests a three-step process which is only
one of several approaches.

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