Safety Considerations during Infant Massage
Safety Considerations during Infant Massage
Although babies and toddlers have been massage for centuries in the East, infant massage has been a relatively new phenomenon in South Africa. More and more parents are however now been introduced to infant massage via pamphlets at hospitals and articles in baby magazines. And, for those who are still only considering joining an infant massage class….you can rest assure… – classes are fun and the benefits are endless and definitely worthwhile!
It is a wonderful way to keep your baby healthy and happy and such a powerful skill to bring you and your baby closer together. The importance of touch and the many benefits of massage have been well researched and documented over the years. A loving massage can benefit your baby’s heart, breathing, digestion and blood circulation. It helps prepare their little bodies for physical activity, improves overall mobility and massage encourages muscular coordination and flexibility. Massage also helps babies relax and fall asleep (this is particularly one benefit that most mommies are so happy about!). Although you cannot do much wrong while lovingly massaging your baby, there are a few safety considerations to take note:
Massage oils
In my massage classes I strongly advice parents to avoid using any oils with strong scents until their baby is 6 months of age. There are a few very good reasons for this:
- Babies rely to a great extend on their sense of smell to bond with their caregivers in the first few months of live. Massaging with a cold-pressed vegetable oil with no / or little scent can enhance bonding, as there is no confusing smells.
- Although a massage is very relaxing …it is also very stimulating. Be very careful to not over stimulate your little one with all the touching, singing, eye contact, music in the background and then using strong scented oils. You might just end up with a fuzzy customer that struggles to settle down!
- Opt to avoid allergies or skin reactions by sticking to basic massage oils in the beginning.
Always make sure that any baby massage oil is from a reputable brand, non-allergic and safe to use. Read labels to become familiar with the contents of essential oils – and adhere to instructions. Some massage oils will clearly indicated an age-limit or safety precautions (such as for babies with epilepsy, asthma etc.).
Babies with special needs
Babies and toddlers (even children) with special needs (Down Syndrome, Autism, developmental delays, tactile sensitivity, premature infants) can benefit greatly from being introduced to massage from a very young age. Make sure that you join classes from a qualified and registered infant massage instructor in order for you and your baby to benefit the most. Your instructor will be able to demonstrate changes to certain massage strokes and will assist you in helping your baby get use to the massage if he/she struggles to tolerate touch in the beginning.
- General safety precautions to consider
- Babies can get very slippery when they are covered in massage oil! Rather massage on a towel on the floor to prevent your precious one from rolling over and falling of the bed or table.
- Do not massage your baby when he/she is running a fever.
- Avoid massage directly after a meal.
- Rather not massage your baby if you are feeling stressed or tense or upset. Your baby will most certainly pick up on your emotional state and that will negatively influence his/her experience of the massage.
written by Jó-Marié Bothma (Clinical Psychologist / Certified infant massage instructor) from La-La Land Baby Academy and Therapy Practise
Contact 072 725 1661 or email: jvdm@jbothma.co.za
In association with / registered with:
- Assoc. for Research in Infant and Child Development (ARICD) – Griffiths Scales test user
- The Centre for Integrated Learning Therapy (ILT) – Neuro developmental practitioner
- International Assoc. of Infant Massage, BabyGym® Institute, Baby Hands SA, Dunstan Baby Language TM
