Baby Massage: A Beginner's Guide

The Open Book
Lay your baby face down on your lap, with her head facing to your left. Gently place your hands at her spine in a "praying" gesture, then open them up and sweep your palms across her back out towards her sides and shoulders.

The Bicycle & Butterfly
With your baby laying on her back, gently grab her feet or ankles and move them in a bicycle fashion, pumping softly so her knees move up and down against her stomach. Then do the same while grasping her wrists or hands and moving them in a butterfly motion in and out from his chest.

The I-L-U Massage
With your baby laying down in front of you, his feet pointing towards your tummy, move your hands towards you in a soft paddling fashion over your baby's belly. Repeat this gentle motion with one hand, and gently hand hold your little one's feet up (legs bent) with your other hand. Next, push your flattened thumbs in an outward motion from your baby's belly button, and spell out "I Love You" with I-L-U-shaped strokes while telling your little one how much you love her. After several spellings, end your massage by moving your hands in clockwise circles over your baby's belly. Finally, gently walk your fingertips over your infant's tummy from left to right.

Many parents notice that their babies are calm but vocal during massage. Don't be surprised if you little one cracks a smile, squeaks, coos, or falls into a fit of giggles during your massage! Also, you may find your little one is particularly relaxed right after you finish a massage session. For this reason, you may wish to incorporate baby massage into your nighttime routine, and follow up your session with a warm bath and a bedtime story. Namaste!