How to massage a newborn baby to strengthen your muscles yourself

Benefits for kids

The benefits of massage for newborns worry young parents of a newly born child.
This procedure is certainly important for the baby; the pediatrician often prescribes it as mandatory.

You should not neglect massage for newborns, especially since it can be done at home.

Due to the effect on the baby’s skin, nerve endings are irritated and nerve impulses are created that affect the development of the child’s brain and nervous system.

Also, tactile sensations are very important for the baby to develop his psycho-emotional state.

Massage in the first month of life replaces physical therapy gymnastics, which develops internal organs, musculoskeletal, nervous, digestive, and circulatory systems.

The procedure can improve restless sleep and enhance the newborn’s immunity.

Is it possible for a newborn to have a massage before bed?

With the help of different massage movements you can achieve completely different results. Some manipulations treat children, others activate the work of organs and systems, and others, on the contrary, calm them down. Pediatricians recommend that parents use relaxing movements to massage their baby to sleep. Experts attach great importance to such procedures, because they allow:

Calm the baby down and reduce his activity level.
Stabilize the emotional state of the baby.
Relax various muscle groups, relieve existing spasms.
Normalize the functioning of the circulatory, nervous, digestive systems, as well as the gastrointestinal tract.
Set your baby up for a healthy, restful sleep.

Features of baby massage performed before bedtime and preparation for it

The main rule for quickly calming children down and falling asleep is to perform movements confidently, slowly and smoothly. After all, a massage before bedtime for a child should have a relaxing effect.

If you do the manipulations too sharply, quickly or strongly, then you can achieve the opposite result - have a tonic effect on the baby’s body, which will stimulate his activity and bring the baby into a state of complete wakefulness.

It should be remembered that massage procedures for children performed before bed are not only a set of correct movements. A mother should be very affectionate and attentive to her child. It’s great if your child takes a bath with soothing herbs before class.

Before the session, you should also follow simple rules to increase its effectiveness and avoid creating discomfort:

Monitor the condition of your hands. They should be clean, washed with soap, and nails should be cut short and without hangnails. Under no circumstances should you leave any jewelry: watches, bracelets, rings.
Ventilate the room before starting the massage. After this, measure the air temperature in the room; it should not be lower than 22 degrees.
Cover the hard surface on which the child will lie with oilcloth, a blanket and a diaper.
Prepare neutral massage oil or cream and the necessary clothes that the baby will wear for sleep.
Immediately before touching the toddler’s body, you need to rub your palms against each other so that they are not cold.

After all the preparatory steps have been completed, you can begin the main part of the relaxation procedure. The following simple relaxing massage actions have an excellent relaxing effect on babies before bedtime:

Stroke the baby's face with your fingertips: eyebrows - from the nose to the temples, wings of the nose, cheeks - towards the ears, chin, ears.
Put the baby on his back and easily stroke the baby's chest and tummy (massage of which must be done in a circular motion clockwise).
Take his hand by the wrist. Make strokes from hand to shoulder.
Go to the legs. Lightly stretch your feet and toes, and then lift them with stroking movements towards your thighs.
Turn the baby over onto his tummy. Give a light massage of the buttocks.
Rise from the lower back to the shoulders.
Stroke the legs from ankles to hips.
Caress the baby's head.
While performing the massage, you can hum a gentle song or turn on soft, pleasant music. The light should be dim so as not to interfere with the baby's relaxation. The manipulations themselves last several minutes.

Indications and contraindications

Massage for newborns (video at the end) is prescribed by a specialist after diagnosing and identifying the following diagnoses:

rickets;
hypertonicity;
malnutrition;
valgus;
residual reflexes of the newborn;
tremor;
damage to the nervous system;
paralysis, paresis;
umbilical hernia in a newborn;
hip dysplasia;
torticollis;
flat feet, ankle deformity;
scoliosis;
chest deformation (kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis);
bronchial asthma;
pneumonia;
fracture;
increased tone of the limbs;
disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

If your child, fortunately, does not have diagnostic indications for massage, it can be used as a preventive measure and additional stimulation of metabolic processes in a small body.

If the following contraindications are present in a small patient, the procedure should not be performed:

skin diseases or mechanical damage;
ARVI, acute respiratory infections, influenza;
high body temperature;
acute stages of inflammatory diseases;
strangulated hernia;
heart disease (with caution);
increased nervous excitability.

Types of techniques

How to massage a newborn depends on many factors: the purpose of the massage, the presence of limiting factors (physiological features), the child’s health status, doctor’s testimony and the chosen technique.

Massage for a newborn from 0 can be therapeutic, preventive, therapeutic-prophylactic, corrective.

The most popular were:

massage for a newborn with an umbilical hernia;
for children from 1 to 2 months;
Komarovsky method;
with intestinal colic;
for constipation.

Treatment procedures are carried out exclusively by neurologists in the presence of ailments of the musculoskeletal system or nervous system.

Preventive massage for children can be performed independently, having previously studied the implementation technology and consulted with a doctor.

A specialist will tell you how to massage a newborn. See video instructions below.

Relaxing massage - performed on infants

A relaxing, soothing massage for newborn babies and infants should relieve not only muscle tension, but also excessive emotional arousal, which is necessary for the development of the most important body functions.

Benefits of a relaxing massage

The ability to provide a relaxing massage for infants is a valuable skill for parents. It has virtually no contraindications and can be carried out at home, in an environment familiar to the child, which does not cause him anxiety. A set of simple and painless exercises aimed at eliminating muscle hypertonicity:

will help the child quickly master his own body during a period of intensive development;
will have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart, digestive and respiratory systems;
improves blood circulation;
stimulates epithelial renewal.

The effect of the procedure will be enhanced by using special oils that soften and moisturize the baby’s skin. Regular long walks in the fresh air and sleep patterns will help to consolidate the results.

Indications and contraindications

A relaxing massage for infants is indicated even for completely healthy children. This is a good way for an infant to interact with a significant adult and become aware of the boundaries of their body. But there are a number of direct indications, including:

a lag in physical and emotional development of more than a month from the recommended norms;
problems with the digestive tract, weak peristalsis;
chronic respiratory diseases outside the period of exacerbation, incl. chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma.

Before deciding on a course of procedures, it is necessary to take into account contraindications. You should refrain from massage in the following cases:

acute respiratory diseases;
three to four days after vaccination and one to two days before it;
any diseases accompanied by purulent processes;
severe diseases: heart defects in the stage of decompensation, tuberculosis of the lungs or bones, acute arthritis, hemophilia;
increased body temperature and enlarged lymph nodes of any origin;
low body weight;
congenital or acquired hernias;
age up to 1 month. For newborn babies, it is better to replace a relaxing massage with simple strokes.

It is also recommended to postpone the course if the baby has recently experienced a significant change of environment - moving), separation from a significant adult, introduction of complementary foods or cessation of breastfeeding, even if he does not show anxiety.

Relaxing massage

For hypertonicity of the muscles of the legs and arms, a massage complex is indicated even in the first month of life, but its implementation should be entrusted to a specialist familiar with the techniques and features of working with the youngest patients.

The rules for massage for newborns with severe hypertonicity include working with each muscle, taking into account its location and functions, as well as dynamic monitoring by the attending physician with possible course correction.

If hypertension occurs due to neurological problems, massage is combined with drug treatment, electrophoresis, paraffin wraps, therapeutic swimming and relaxing baths.

In other cases, any careful and attentive person can cope with a relaxing massage.

Preparation

Recommendations and rules for massage also apply to preparation. For the complex to be effective, you need to take care not only of the correct algorithm of movements, but also of creating a peaceful environment for a relaxing massage:

Doctors recommend carrying out the procedure every day at the same hours; it is best to schedule the time during daylight hours, half an hour after meals and half an hour to an hour before bedtime.
The surface on which the massage is performed should be spacious enough, warm and pleasant to the touch. The table should be covered with a blanket folded several times, an oilcloth and a large soft diaper should be placed on top of it.
The room should be well ventilated, without drafts, air temperature – 21-25, humidity – 50-70%.
Play calm classical music quietly and, if possible, remove sources of bright light and annoying noise.

Massage should be done with warm hands lubricated with massage oil. It is best to use olive oil, petroleum jelly, or grapeseed oil to reduce the risk of allergies.

Step-by-step instruction

We begin the massage with wide, slow stroking of the child’s legs and arms. Remember that a relaxing massage for a baby is necessary not only for physical, but also for mental development, therefore, while touching, you can and should talk to him, name parts of the body, if possible, look him in the eyes and smile.

After stroking, proceed to the following elements:

Using gentle stroking movements, massage the child's face, moving from the forehead through the cheekbones to the chin. Lightly rub your earlobes;
Stroke your belly clockwise;
Cross your baby's arms over your chest, then spread them apart. Repeat 5-7 times;
Pull the baby's legs towards the stomach, bending them at the knees, then straighten them. This exercise must be repeated 5-7 times, overcoming resistance smoothly, with minimal pressure;
Turn the baby onto his tummy. Tap your fingertips over the entire surface of your back and buttocks, trying to ensure that the muscles are in a relaxed state by the time you begin performing the next element;
Using your thumbs, massage the areas along the spine, moving up and down several times. Avoid applying strong pressure during this procedure;
Do light vibrating shaking, placing your palms first on your shoulders, then on your back, buttocks and arms;
Stretch your foot, then lightly massage your baby's legs one at a time, grasping them with both hands.

The entire soothing massage procedure before bed should take no more than 15 minutes for children in the first months of life and no more than half an hour for toddlers older than six months. After finishing the exercises, let your child play for a few minutes.

Sleep after massage

Throughout the course, you need to monitor the state of the baby’s nervous system: if the child does not sleep well at night after a massage, the intensity of the exercises should be reduced.

In this case, it is useful to bathe the baby in a bath with the addition of chamomile decoction before going to bed. If, in your opinion, the child sleeps for too long after the procedure, you need to consult a pediatrician.

Most likely, this is a variant of the norm - the baby needs not only to recover from stress, but also to absorb new impressions in his mind.

Giving a massage to a newborn is one of those pleasant chores that fill the life of parents of a baby. Considering all the features of a relaxing massage for various problems, you can help your child overcome them, enjoying not only the result, but also the process itself. Relaxing massage - performed on infants Link to main publication

Source: https://FiguraDoma.ru/massazh/dlya-mam-i-detej/rasslablyayushchij-massazh-dlya-grudnichkov.html

Rules and tips

In order not to harm the child, it is important to study all the factors influencing the quality of the massage:

It is allowed to resort to procedures no earlier than the baby is three weeks old.

Until the age of three months, the baby should not massage the fontanel area, knee bend, armpits, or inner thigh.

Movements should be light and smooth. Sharp pats, hits, and pressure are prohibited.

The temperature in the room should be no more than 23 and no less than 18 degrees Celsius.

The surface for massage should be comfortable, level, and covered.

A massage table with a diaper or changing table will do.

Take care of the accompanying accessories in advance by placing them near the table.

There is a risk of injuring the child's delicate skin with long nails or jewelry on the hands. Make sure this doesn't happen.

The massage should be postponed two hours after the last meal.

During the procedure, it is important to provide maximum attention and care to the small child so that the massage is associated only with positive impressions.

The duration and complexity of the movements performed should be gradually increased.

Massage movements follow from bottom to top, to the center from the periphery.

Duration - 10-20 minutes.

How to massage your child before bed | Massage for baby to sleep

A baby usually sleeps from 14 to 20 hours a day. To help him sleep better, give preference to a light massage, hug without pressure. Here are a few tricks to promote deep, refreshing sleep.

Let's learn how to properly massage your child before bed.

How to massage your child before bed?

Clean all the folds on the baby's body

One of the reasons that prevents a child from sleeping well may be itching, especially in the numerous folds of his skin. Pay attention to this in the evening, when going to bed, in the morning, when waking up, and before and after bathing.

Having warmed your hands and lubricated them with oil, run your fingers along the neck (from the sides, then in front and under the back of the head, without pressing), behind the ears, under the arms, in the bend of the elbow, around the wrist and between the fingers.

Don't forget the navel, the numerous folds in the groin, under the knees, around the ankles and between the toes. This will relieve your child of anxiety.

In the first weeks of life, the skin often peels off in different places (ankles, feet, palms, ears), the oil will help to easily remove exfoliated skin particles; they do not have to be peeled off or washed off with soap. The oil will also protect and soften the skin.

You can also do this with a damp cotton swab and a drop of soap, then rinse with water.

Straighten your legs

A foot massage before bed can be done while changing clothes or at any other time.

Place your hands at groin level (photo 2), thumbs on top (photo 3), smoothing out wrinkles, move your hands down the back of your legs, knees (photo 4) to your ankles (photo 5) with a slight twisting motion and end on your feet, doing everything very careful. Take your feet in your hand and apply light pressure (photo 6).

Slowly repeat these movements 2-3 times. This will improve the circulation of energy, blood and lymph, release toxins and help you sleep well.

Massage your baby's back before bed

Such movements are tonic if you want to wake the child, but in this case they should be light, slow and repetitive, straighten the spine and be performed with the entire palm. To avoid putting your baby on his tummy, which requires too much effort from him, turn him on his side (photo 7). If he is naked, use oil (or massage directly through clothing or scarf).

Alternately run your hands along the entire back (photos 8 and 9), hold the legs with your free hand so that the back does not bend. Finish at the crease at the base of the neck (photo 10).

The spine, even in newborns, is the main place of circulation (nerves, lymph, blood). Massaging your baby's back promotes good sleep and digestion.

Smooth your face

The head under the hair and the face are very rich in tactile receptors, which is very important for the baby, and their massage also promotes sleep.

After warming your hands with oil, carefully lift the baby's head with one hand, and with the other lightly stroke the entire head under the hair in a circle (photos 11 and 12).

There is often some milk left behind, which dries and causes itching, and the oil will soften and remove it. You can run your hand over your entire forehead.

Hypnotizing a baby

Repeated “hypnotic” touches (top-bottom, right-left and in a circle) to certain points of the body - from the middle of the forehead to the base of the nose, on the head (photos 13 and 14), on the knees, shoulders, feet and tummy - contribute to falling asleep. Find such “magic” points in your child... You can act with only one thumb, and the whole hand will remain motionless on the body.

Massage for baby to sleep

You can use massage techniques for babies, or you can add a few more techniques, not forgetting bathing, which will perfectly complete the massage and guarantee the baby deep sleep.

Massage-hug for a child to sleep

Place your arms on different parts of the body so that you hug the whole body - two arms, two legs (photo 1) ... or just hug the child completely. Do not change position for several minutes, this will stop the baby's uncontrollable movements and calm him down, as if he were swaddled.

If this does not help and the child is restless, trying to get free, do not hold him.

Massage for baby to sleep – face and head

To massage before bed, generously lubricate your hands with oil. Support the baby's head with one hand and use the other hand to rub your fingers or the entire palm over the entire surface of the head (photo 2) and across the forehead. Massage the earlobes and inner surface of the ears, paying attention to the indentations.

The soft and “hypnotizing” movement of the fingers along the scalp and the warm touch of the palms around the circumference of the face provide deep relaxation. Relaxation of the facial muscles, skin under the hair and neck gives the “facial expression” of relaxation characteristic of sleepers and puts the child to sleep.

Massage baby's arms and legs for sleep

By placing your thumbs in the middle of the soles (photo 3) or palms (photo 4), you will give the child the opportunity to relieve all internal tensions that are numerous during this period. When a child begins to move, but does not yet know how to speak to be understood.

This point is connected to the solar plexus, a very important nerve center, traditionally considered the center of emotions. Massage your palms and feet; this is the best way for children and adults to fall asleep.

Massage of small folds

You can also massage the lymphatic areas on your baby's body before bed, as removing toxins promotes quality sleep.

Source: https://www.medmoon.ru/rebenok/massazh_rebenku_pered_snom.html

Result of therapy

During a session at home, emotional contact is established between mother and child; this fact has an especially positive effect on the child’s development if the baby likes the procedure and experiences joy during it.

Neurologists say that thanks to massage techniques for babies, they tend to quickly begin to walk, talk and perform basic functions independently.

Moreover, the auditory, visual, emotional and nerve centers in the brain are formed faster.

An even greater effect from massage can be achieved by supplementing it with physical therapy exercises.

Simple recommendations will help you achieve full health and excellent well-being for your child in the future.