CREATING THE BEST ENVIRONMENT

It’s important both you and baby are comfortable. There are a few factors you should take into consideration before you start:

As we are undressing babies it’s important to make sure the room in which we are using is warm (about 24 degrees).  Some babies do not like to take their clothes  off regardless of the room temperature.  This is fine and the massage can be done without oil over the clothes.  Baby massage is baby led and if the baby is not enjoying something we should not force or continue. 

Lighting – As babies will be lying on their backs looking up at the ceiling its important to make sure there are no bright spotlights/ florescent lighting above them.

The best time to massage a baby is when you are not stressed, baby is awake, not tiered, stressed, fretful, hungry or upset.  Baby massage should not be rushed, it’s a time for quality bonding, a time free from distractions. 

There is no need to buy any scented candles etc, your baby will be more than happy being close to you and being able to smell you.

AVOID BABY MASSAGE IF YOUR BABY HAS

• Acute infections or fever
• Sickness and/or diarrhoea
• Undiagnosed lumps and bumps
• Serious skin complaints or inflammation
• Jaundice
• Meningitis
• Childhood leukaemia 
• Brittle bones
• Recent haemorrhage 
• Contagious disease

Please remember to consult your Dr/ nurse/ midwife if your baby has any medical conditions BEFORE starting to massage your baby. This includes heart and circulation problems.

WHICH OIL SHOULD I USE?

The oils that are best for infant massage are pure, cold pressed, non scented vegetable, nut (but not if any nut allergies) and fruit oils.    Sunflower oil is very popular as it is light, easily absorbed into the skin (better for redressing) and doesn’t overpower the baby with a scent.  Cooking oil is not suitable neither is mineral oils such as baby oil as it blocks the pores and dries out the skin. 

GET YOURSELF READY

Wash and dry your hands before you begin. Take off any rings, long necklaces or scarves and make sure your nails are trimmed.

GET YOUR BABY READY

Before you start to massage your baby its important that you ask for permission. We do this by rubbing our hands together and singing our song.

OUR SPECIAL BABY MASSAGE WELCOME SONG

We sing this to our babies at the start of every baby massage routine, it signals to our babies what is about to happen. Remember we would never massage an upset baby, we want this to be an enjoyable experience for both you and baby.

‘If you’re ready for some massage rub your hands,

If you’re ready for some massage rub your hands,

If you’re ready for some fun with your really lovely mum,

If you’re ready for some massage rub your hands.’