Massage

There are many benefits to baby massage, both for you and your pēpi. 

Benefits for baby 

• Improved parent-infant interaction 
• Better sleep patterns 
• Helps calm your baby 
• Reduces crying and stress levels  
• Improves weight gain and development 
• Helps with muscle tone and bowel movements 
• More socially alert 
• Helps the brain develop through touch 

Benefits for you 

• Improved parent-infant interaction 
• Helps you better recognise your baby's communication signals  

Massage works best in a warm, peaceful environment. Here are a few tips to help: 

• find a time that works for you and your baby. Try massaging them after a bath, when they're relaxed. 
• start massaging from your baby’s head and gently stroke downwards over their body 
• use a gentle circular motion with your fingers 
• baby massage oil will help your hands slide over your baby’s body 
• avoid highly perfumed oils, which can irritate their skin 
• talk or sing to your baby as you massage them. 

The way you massage isn’t important – there is no right or wrong technique – just do whatever your baby enjoys. Follow their cues and stop when you think they’ve had enough.