Baby massage ?

[Sumi76]

When is the best time to start massage for a newborn baby ?

I first did baby massage when dd was about 8 weeks, but she didn't seem to enjoy it much, I'm trying it again now she's 4 months and she loves it, far more interested in watching the other babies and less bothered about being 'messed around with'.

I take my 6 month old DD to baby massage but I think she's a bit too old. She didn't want to sit still or lie flat, and was far more interested in what was going on than relaxing into the massage.

I wish I had taken her a bit sooner. Most of the babies in the group are about 3 months old, I think this is probably the ideal age, dependant on the baby of course.

DS has always hated massage. He's 7 months now. Strangely enough, he doesn't mind me massaging his legs, but screams the house down if I try and massage his chest or, even worse, his neck or face. He's always been like this, also hated baby yoga, I think he just doesn't like to me messed around with.

I think it's best to do a massage class before they're mobile, maybe 2-3 months, when they are happy to lie on their backs.

I would say 3 months is the best age (pre-rolling). My DD was starting to roll by the end of the 6wk course and was a little difficult to keep hold of.

She has never liked having her arms and face massaged though!! In fact now at 8mo she won't tolerate massage at all cos wants to be on the move!!

I started massaging baby at about 6 weeks old. She really likes it and it is now part of our evening routine. I've not yet massaged her face, but she really likes the massage, particularly her legs. Try to avoid synthetic massage oils like johnsons. I made my own from sweet almond oil and a couple of drops of lavender.

Within my Lazy Daisy Classes we massage from 6weeks old, 4 weeks if given the all clear from hv (ie straight forward birth, no known problems etc)

But you can both benefit from making massage part of your routine from whenever you are ready. (If having any immunisatons, do avoid the area ie leg/arm for at least 48hrs)

Use an edible oil, so if it transfers into mouth it's harmless and avoiding nut based oil at this stage too incase of any allergies.

Enjoy!

We started a class at 6 weeks but we'd been doing gentle massage (just rubbing oil into skin really) from a couple of days after birth. I do a bit every day and find it's a lovely, calm activity, where we can look into each other's eyes and I can check out what's going on with his skin & body. He's 15 weeks now.

You are able to start massaging you baby from birth. As long as you are using a natural organic oil (such as organic sun flower oil) then you can gain the benefits of baby massage very early.