When is the best time to massage a baby? Types of massage for babies and the rules for their implementation

Massage for newborns is an important routine moment in the life of the crumbs. Its implementation is not only desirable, but mandatory. That is why, when visiting a children's clinic in a healthy child's room, nurses show mom how to do massage and its elements suitable for a particular age. In this article, I would like to dwell in more detail on the types of massage, the principles of conducting and its importance for the development of the child.

Why is it important to massage a baby?

Massage is a universal way of influencing the baby's body as a whole. The newborn child is underdeveloped various systems organism, but skin analyzers are quite ready for work. Therefore, massage classes bring maximum benefits. They help the physical speech development, improve coordination of movements and contribute to the establishment of a deeper emotional connection between mother and child. Naturally, provided that she gives the baby a relaxing massage on her own, and does not use the services of a massage therapist.

Children's massage is divided into two types

Restorative or general;
Therapeutic.

A mother can do a restorative massage on her own at home. To do this, she needs to learn massage movements, properly prepare the room and table, and also purchase all the necessary tools for massage in advance. Therapeutic massage is prescribed by a pediatric orthopedist, surgeon or neurologist. It is better to entrust its implementation to specialists, although after learning and observing several procedures, the mother can master the rules and movements herself.

Principles of general strengthening massage:

When to start massage? From 2-3 weeks of life.
Movements are carried out along massage lines - from the periphery to the center.
The speed of hand movement - 2 cm per second - should coincide with the speed of the lymph flow.
Bypass the spine, lymph nodes, liver and heart area.
Gently work on the neck.
Stroking the tummy is done only in a clockwise direction.
All movements should be light, no excessive pressure should be applied.
Massage for babies with classical music or your own singing. You can also tell poems and nursery rhymes.

At what age should you start massage?

You can practice holding sessions of general strengthening massage when the child reaches the age of a crescent. Until the baby reaches 1.5 months, the only movement should be stroking. Gentle touches massage the child's legs and arms, tummy and back, fingers. Later (after 3-4 months), rubbing, patting, kneading and gymnastics elements can be introduced.

Massage movements to help deal with problems

A general strengthening massage for babies is carried out if they are healthy and develop normally. If the baby has problems, then special massage exercises or even their complexes will help to cope with them.

General massage of the tummy is good for the baby, as it improves digestion. And if the child suffers from intestinal colic, a special massage for colic will help. It is necessary to alternately lower left, then right hand along the baby's ribs. Next, grab the child’s legs with your right hand, and gently massage the tummy with your left, and then press the legs bent at the knees to the tummy.

With hypertonicity, fitball exercises help. A fitball is a large exercise ball. Lay the child on the surface of the ball with his tummy and gently rock from side to side. Also, this exercise promotes the release of gases.

Dacryocystitis is a disease in which the lacrimal sac and the lacrimal system become inflamed. In children, a very effective solution to the problem is a special massage. Massage for dacryocystitis is performed as follows. It is necessary to put pressure on the point located at the outer corner of the eye, and move towards the bridge of the nose, making pressing movements. The effective implementation of this procedure in combination with anti-inflammatory drops can replace surgery.

It can also help with constipation. However, this measure should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. He will choose the appropriate technique, and a professional massage therapist will provide the necessary pressure force.

With a small umbilical hernia, the following treatment methods are practiced: general massage, physiotherapy, laying on the stomach, massage of the anterior abdominal wall. The first two methods are carried out by a massage therapist and an exercise therapy doctor, and the last two moms can practice on their own. It involves stroking the abdomen in a clockwise direction. It is recommended to lay the baby on the stomach before each feeding for 5-10 minutes.

A neck massage can be prescribed by a neurologist if he determines that the child has torticollis. The complex consists of exercises that gradually bring the neck back to normal. It is better to entrust its implementation to a specialist.

For infants, the attention of the mother and bodily contact with her is important. Massage will allow the baby to feel the gentle mother's hands, her touch, giving care and health, freeing from health problems.

A massage complex from a practicing pediatrician that can be done at home

Articles for our site are written by different specialists who have not only knowledge, but also practical experience. A wonderful article about was written for our website by pediatrician Elena Borisova.

For better physical and emotional development, preventive massage is recommended for all babies. It can be done by any mother. But before you start, check with your doctor about the best methods to use. Massage is useful for babies from the first days of life. It strengthens muscles, develops the cardiovascular system, has a beneficial effect on the emotional background of the baby and improves digestion. It has been proven that with regular light preventive massage, babies sleep better, are less naughty, more calm and sociable. warm hands mothers, their soft and smooth movements, give the child a feeling of security and love. Massage also enables the mother to feel contact with the child, give him her care and love, and recharge with positive emotions, since everyone knows the beneficial effect of the child on the emotional state of the mother.

When can I start massaging babies?

Preventive light massage can be done almost from the first weeks of a child's life. It is recommended, without pressing, to stroke the baby on the back, legs, arms. This always has a positive effect on the overall development of the child, since he receives the first impressions of the world around him through the touch of his mother, and the warmth and tenderness that she puts into them help the baby feel his security, maternal closeness and love. Studies have shown that the earlier the mother begins to stroke the child, the faster he gains weight, his immunity increases and the level of the stress hormone decreases. Later, at 3-4 weeks of life, you can begin to apply more complex techniques with light pressure. Try not to overdo it and watch how the baby reacts to them.

Can massage help with colic in the intestines?

The cause of colic is often associated with feeding and digestion problems. But, nevertheless, it is known that light strokes on the baby's tummy clockwise help to significantly reduce the pain caused by colic, and even completely remove their manifestations.

What means to choose for massage?

Use those tools that will allow your hands to glide better on the skin of the baby, and the movements to be smooth and soft so that the baby can get only pleasant sensations from the massage. One of the best means is baby oil. When choosing it, be sure to check whether it is intended for newborns and whether it has been tested for allergic reactions. Also make sure that the product does not clog pores, which can create a pathogenic environment.

How often should a baby be massaged?

It is enough to do preventive massage once a day, but every day.

What time of day is best for a massage and how long should it last?

It is best to massage the child during his wakefulness, when he does not want to sleep or eat, is calm and feels good, somewhere in 30-40 minutes after feeding in the afternoon or evening. For those babies who cannot calm down for a long time, it is recommended to do a massage in the evening after bathing. It is better if you use products with a calming effect. This promotes additional relaxation and helps babies fall asleep faster. So that the child does not get tired, it is recommended to massage no more than 10-15 minutes.

Are there cases when massage is not recommended?

Children with acute chronic and pathological diseases should start doing massage only after consulting a pediatrician. Also, pay attention to the reaction of the child to the massage. If he starts to act up and cry, then it is necessary to establish what caused this. Because, not warmed up hands of the massage therapist, too strong pressure or intensity of pressure, and sometimes just a child’s poor health, can cause him to have a negative attitude towards the procedure itself.

What techniques can be used for soothing massage?

With a soothing massage, you can use the same techniques as with a regular preventive massage, namely, light, smooth, stroking movements. You can start with the face, stroking the eyebrows, wings of the nose, then move on to the tummy, arms, legs. Finish the massage by stroking the back.

During the massage, it is best to tell him a story or sing a lullaby. Try to put tenderness and calmness into your voice, this will help the baby quickly fall asleep.

Massage for newborns is one of the important routine moments in the life of a baby. During the first visit to the pediatrician, the nurse introduces the mother to a variety of massage manipulations suitable for use at each specific age of the child.

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About the benefits of massage

The benefits of massage for a child's body are as follows:

Established and deepened emotional connection between mother and baby. Of course, if she conducts the relaxing massage technique herself, and not a professional massage therapist.
It is possible to achieve an improvement in blood circulation, elimination of nervous, expressed by hypertonicity and hypotonicity of muscles, orthopedic disorders (poorly developed hip joint, etc.).
Elimination of residual reflexes (Moro, Babinsky, grasping, etc.), which in a 3–5-month-old baby should be replaced by acquired skills and abilities.
Development of the baby's musculoskeletal system, stimulation of the lymphatic, nervous and even digestive systems.
The regularity of massage leads to an increase in protective functions, the immune system begins to work, resisting diseases.

Is there any harm?

Massage can harm when any action leads to a cry in the baby. The baby may not like the actions themselves, causing him pain or the attitude towards the process of the one who conducts this massage. Therefore, the benefit comes only from a gentle, point impact on different parts of the child's body.

But also massage is harmful when it is not done according to age or the wrong technique is used. When deciding on massage sessions, it should be remembered that the procedure should be carried out after the permission of the doctor. "Amateur" here is fraught with unpredictable consequences!

At what age should the procedure be carried out?

Correctly answering the question of how many months you can massage a newborn, a pediatrician will help you. It is better to start the effect of general strengthening massage from the age of 20 days. Until the baby reaches one and a half months, the only movement allowed for use is stroking.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for general children's massage is the presence of:

decreased or increased tone;
increased nervous excitability;
nervous condition, neurological disease;
baby colic;
flat feet or clubfoot;
diseases of a catarrhal nature;
hernia;
disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system;
labored breathing.

A course of massage, as an aid, can be included in the complex of therapeutic actions prescribed for patients with bronchial asthma, pneumonia.

However, you should not massage the baby:

with fever associated elevated temperature body;
with a runny nose;
with diabetes;
with a disease accompanied by purulent wounds or pustular skin lesions, any kind of rash;
with rickets;
a patient with tuberculosis;
with diseases of the lungs and bones;
With congenital defect hearts;
with hepatitis.

Varieties

According to the degree of impact, the method of implementation and the goal pursued, massage is carried out as a therapeutic, prophylactic and treatment-and-prophylactic:

Therapeutic massage for infants, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic massage, should be performed only by a specially trained employee of a children's clinic or a professional massage therapist. For each of the diseases, their own techniques are used, which differ significantly from each other.
The use of preventive massage is recommended for all newborns, with no contraindications. Preventive massages are carried out mainly by parents, which affects the improvement of the psychological state of the baby.

Giving a massage to a newborn

You need to massage the baby with light stroking movements. The use of movements with the use of force is unacceptable:

The process should begin with the hands of the baby. We massage each finger, then open the fists and pay attention to the relaxation of the palms. Smoothly moving to the wrists, we continue to massage, rising higher. In this case, the armpit does not need to be massaged.
After the handles, you need to smoothly move to the legs. First, massaging each foot, not bypassing any of the fingers. Then, with light massaging movements, go from the feet to the inguinal region. There should be no impact on the knee joints and popliteal region.
Now it's time for the belly. It is possible to properly massage a newborn only with the help of strokes starting from the navel and performed in a clockwise direction.
Next, with closed hands, you need to walk through the baby's body with sliding movements: with one hand - up, the second - down. In this case, the genital area is not recommended to be affected.
Massaging the baby's chest begins with the sternum, gradually moving towards the shoulders, then from the sternum towards the sides. In the area of mammary glands manipulations are not carried out.
Turning the baby on the tummy, you need to conduct a gentle massage of the neck. At the moments when the baby's attempts to raise or turn the head will be observed, the movements should be stopped.
After the neck, the movements move to the back. Basically, the area from the lower back to the shoulders, from the spinal column to the barrels is worked out here. The spine itself should not be massaged.
It is recommended to stroke the buttocks starting from the sides of the hips and ending with the coccyx.
For a crumb lying on its left side, walk along the lines near the spine. Start the movement from the sacrum towards the head. During the performance, a slight arching of the child forward should be observed. Manipulations should be done no more than three times. Repeat the same with the right side.
Returning the child to its original position, massage the head without touching the fontanel area. It is necessary to pay attention to the ears.
The session ends with stroking the entire body of the crumbs.

Basic conditions

You can start massage sessions when the baby reaches 20 days of age.
In children under 3 months, it is forbidden to massage the area of the fontanel, popliteal, elbow, axillary zones, as well as the inner thighs.
It is forbidden to use pressing and shock movements, patting.
It is not allowed to massage a baby with long nails. It is recommended to keep your hands free of jewelry to prevent possible damage.
The procedure should be carried out in a room with a temperature of 18-23 degrees.
Massage the body of the baby should only be on a prepared changing table or other flat surface. To cover, you can use a blanket, oilcloth or diaper. The width of the surface must be sufficient for the unhindered coup of the baby.
In time, massage for babies should take from 10 to 20 minutes. In the future, a gradual complication of exercises is allowed with an increase in the time period.
The procedure should be carried out in right time(1.5-2 hours after feeding).
Before starting the massage, the baby should be on weight in an upright position for some time. This will relieve the body of accumulated air and the child will not regurgitate during the procedure.
Massaging the baby's body, you definitely need to talk to him. You can use any children's songs and rhymes. This will contribute to the development of the auditory and speaking abilities of the child.
To improve the quality of massage, the use of special lubricants is allowed. Allowed use: grape, apricot, almond oil. If you want to use other liquid products, you must first conduct a test to identify an allergic reaction.

Massage techniques

Massage for an infant is carried out using:

Stroking - involves sliding over the surface of the baby's skin, accompanied by pressure of various strengths.
Rubbing - displacement of the skin with stretching of the underlying tissues, the formation of a skin fold.
Kneading, in which the skin is fixed with a massaging hand, replaced by squeezing or compression, turning into rolling. Basically, this technique is used by specialists.
Vibrations are the actions of a massage therapist who transmits oscillatory movements of various amplitudes to the body of a child.

Gymnastics for newborns

Gymnastics for babies is one of the ways a newborn communicates with parents and establishes tactile contact. During classes, the baby feels gentle mother's touch, which has a beneficial effect on the development of the child.

In addition, with the help of gymnastics:

the baby learns to control his body;
going on proper development coordination of movements;
develops the ability to sensory perception;
the baby learns to use speech abilities, hearing, because the mother voices all her actions used during gymnastics;
reflexes responsible for the development of crawling and "walking" develop.

Equipment by month

Massage a newborn baby the main task every mom. But it is important to remember that each age has its own massage technique.

Up to 4 weeks of age

Babies up to 1 month old are shown the following massage techniques:

stroking, accompanied by sipping the body;
gentle kneading of the skin with light friction;
crossing the arms on the chest;
leg extension;
flips of the body from the back to the side, then to the tummy.

For 1 month old baby

Massaging movements are supplemented by vibrating and kneading techniques. The impact of massage manipulations is carried out on the arms, legs, back, buttocks, feet and fingers.

Massage treatment for 2 month old babies

Receptions are complemented by massaging the neck, which helps to strengthen the cervical vertebrae:

stroking movements;
vibration impact;
working out the spine with the help of light massaging of the back so that it leads to flexion and arching of the baby's spine;
massaging the tummy with circular movements;
breast stroking;
rocking the crumbs in the fetal position.

For 3 month old babies

At this age, a general strengthening massage for babies helps to eliminate muscle tension. The technique consists of stroking, shaking, vibrating, rubbing (without pressure) movements. The usefulness of massage increases from the addition of gymnastic exercises.

You can clearly see how to massage for children 1-3 months old on the video. Channel "House of Massage MM".

Massage for 4 month old babies

The impact of passive manipulation is replaced by the use of energetic techniques.

You can shape the muscles of the baby with the help of:

tweaks;
twists;
wallowing, when the body is transferred from a lying position to a sitting position and vice versa;
techniques for massaging the legs are complemented by flexion and alignment;
It is possible to form motor skills in a crumb by allowing him to capture objects of small sizes.

Massage can be supplemented with gymnastic elements.

For 5 month old babies

The massage technique is similar to the techniques used in the previous month. Only movements that work on the facial area and techniques that develop fine motor skills are added. Increased stimulation of massaged areas is allowed, the result of which is manifested by the correct formation of phase-motor functions, stabilization of the state of muscle tissues and general recovery.

Coups of the baby's body, a change in posture should be accompanied by support for the handles. In order for the child to learn to sit within the time limits set for this, you can practice the exercise: take the crumbs in the supine position by the handles, slightly pull them up, thereby offering to sit down.

For 6 months

The use of movements that massage the arms and legs becomes an optional technique. Now attention should be focused on the study of the back, chest and tummy. The impact of finger massage should take place in a playful way, accompanied by the recitation of rhymes. The technique used in finger massage has a positive effect on the development of intelligence, fine motor skills, speech apparatus.

Features of the procedure after six months

When a child reaches the age of six months, the massage technique changes. The number of massage techniques is reduced, and the physical activities used are becoming more diverse.

Now the use of massage techniques and exercises is aimed at developing the child's ability to:

lift the body
pick up objects of different sizes;
crawling to get to the toys.

Massage technique for babies after six months consists of the following movements and exercises:

Slow and fast crossing of handles.
Flips on the tummy. The kid can do this exercise on his own, but he needs a little help in the form of a push.
A variety of actions that work out the back and gluteal zones.
Learning to crawl on knees with straight handles, forming muscles in the back, limbs and shoulders. At the age of 8 months, these exercises are available to the baby for self-fulfillment. At a younger age, you can not do without support.
Breast massaging.
Belly massage.
Training the muscles that support the abdominal cavity with the help of squats. At the age of 7 months - with the support of two handles, at 8 months of age - with the support of one handle.
Flexion and alignment of the legs.
Raising and lowering straight legs.
Foot stroking.

Ball

Fitball is allowed for use when the baby reaches the age of 1 month. You should start acquaintance with the ball by simply lying on it, so that the baby can get used to it. Swinging on a fitball has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the vestibular apparatus.

After the baby gets used to the ball, you can start performing other exercises:

At 2 months of age, by lifting the baby's legs above the ball, you can swing them on weight. At the same time, the child can come into contact with the fitball both with the stomach and with the back. To strengthen the muscles of the spine and neck, limbs, the head should be lowered.
It is very useful for the baby to be on a vibrating ball. The main thing is that the legs are straight and the spine is straightened. A more complicated option is swaying on a ball with arms crossed on the chest.
At 3 months of age, it is allowed to bend the baby's legs and press them to the stomach. wiggle render positive influence on the development of the hip joints.

Rocking on the tummy Side swing Swinging on the back Bending the legs, lying on your back

Before applying the above manipulations, a short massage session is recommended. It is especially useful to use fitball exercises for children with complicated orthopedic and neurological diseases. You can carry out procedures in the mornings and evenings, devoting them to 15 minutes.

When to contact professional massage therapists?

Unlike a general strengthening massage, which a mother can do on her own, it is better to entrust the use of therapeutic massage techniques to a doctor who has undergone special training. You can contact a massage therapist, with a secondary or higher medical education, prepared to work with children. But when contacting a massage therapist, do not hesitate to ask about his qualifications. It is better to clarify this issue before starting work, this is important!

Indications and contraindications for therapeutic massage

The need for one or more courses of therapeutic massage is due to:

hypotrophy;
rickets;
muscle hypertonicity;
valgus and flat valgus deformity of the feet;
residual reflex of the newborn;
tremor in various parts of the body;
CNS lesions;
cerebral palsy (children cerebral palsy).
umbilical hernia;
hip dysplasia;
torticollis;
clubfoot, flat feet, deformity of the legs;
scoliosis;
deformation of the thoracic region;
deformation of the legs (X- or O-shaped).

The use of massage manipulations is prohibited:

in children with osteomyelitis, phlegmon, abscess - this will provoke the spread of purulent processes;
with enlarged, for unknown reasons, lymph nodes;
with exacerbation of arthritis, tuberculous lesions of bone tissues and joints;
children suffering from bleeding (for example, caused by hemophilia);
with acute forms of renal diseases, hepatitis, heart defects that are in the stage of decompensation (in an unstable state);
crumbs with low body weight at very large sizes hernias in the umbilical, inguinal, scrotal and femoral regions.

Massage for colic

Since a colic session usually ends with a bowel movement, you need to be prepared in advance for this moment. The place under the gluteal areas of the crumbs can be covered with a diaper or use a disposable diaper.

Massage from gaziki has its own characteristics:

It begins with the application of the palm of an adult to the baby's tummy. Strong pressure on the baby's stomach should not be. After a few minutes of lying hands, there will be a relaxation of the abdominal muscles, there will be less spasms in the intestines, which will lead to the cessation of the crying of the baby.
Movements consist of stroking, periodically replaced by light pressure in the abdomen.
Touching the newborn should be carried out using the edge of the hand, which has a half-bent state.
You can press only with the help of fingertips in the lateral areas and under the ribs.
The impact of sharper movements is replaced by stroking techniques.
It is forbidden to use point or intensive movements. This can provoke an increase in spasm, which will not benefit the baby. Movements should consist of the simultaneous use of several fingers.
After muscle warm-up, work begins abdominals. Such actions are aimed at activating the work of the small intestine. The palms should be placed on the tummy, across. Movements made in both directions begin with the ribs and stop when they come into contact with the pubic joint.
The previous exercise should be changed by stroking the area with the oblique abdominal muscles with one hand. At this point, the second hand should be placed on the umbilical region.
As an alternative or additional way to work out the abdominals, you can use light pinching or drawing the contours of imaginary flower petals, with the navel in the center.
Further actions are aimed at strengthening the reflexes of the abdominal muscles as a result of normalizing the work of internal organs.

The main movement in the massage that eliminates colic is stroking with moderate strength. It promotes the release of excess gases from the body of the baby. Hands need to act on the area in the abdomen, where the large intestine is located. If the procedure occurs at the time of the onset of colic, the execution should be phased.

Procedure for dacryocystitis

According to the famous pediatrician Komarovsky, the procedure for dacryocystitis should be carried out using gentle and accurate vibrating movements. In this case, light pressure on the tear ducts is necessary.

It is important to follow the direction of movement! They should be made in the corner of the eyes. Movement should start from the top with a downward direction. Regular use of the procedure will save the baby from the disease.

With dacryocystitis, the session should be carried out in accordance with the instructions:

Carry out a gentle extrusion of the fluid formed in the lacrimal sac.
Under the lower eyelid of the diseased eye, drip a warm furatsilin solution at the rate of 1:5000. Remove pus using a sterile cotton swab.
Having finished the manipulations, you can proceed to the massage of the lacrimal sac. The purpose of the action is to provoke a breakthrough of the elements that make up the embryonic tissue.
Movements begin from the inner corner towards the bottom of the eye. Under pressure, the embryonic membrane breaks.

For the best effect, the course should be carried out for two weeks. It is better to start it during the hysterical crying of the baby. At this time, due to the tension of the crumbs, breaking through the gelatinous film will be easier. The procedure must be performed carefully, since the bone separating the sinuses has not yet formed, and strong pressure can easily cause damage to the delicate cartilage.

Massage for umbilical hernia

The use of tonic massage for a child with an umbilical hernia increases the benefit of the overall treatment. It is allowed to start the procedure after three weeks, as the umbilical wound heals. Sessions can be supplemented with a general massage.

Newborn navel massage:

Using a full palm, you need to stroke the tummy of the crumbs in the navel. All manipulations with the abdomen should be done in a clockwise direction. In the opposite direction to the direction of the arrow, the skin can be stroked only directly near the navel and only with the help of the index finger. Otherwise, the risk of interference with the digestive process and its violation increases.
Using an open palm, capture the oblique abdominal muscles starting from the barrels towards the center. Finish the reception by stroking in the opposite direction.
Place the right hand above the navel, the left hand below the umbilical region. Moving palms towards each other, stroke the skin around the navel.
Using the pads of your index fingers, start rubbing the oblique muscles, heading from the barrels to the area with the umbilical cavity. Movements made along the oblique muscles should be done in a spiral.
Having visually highlighted the line dividing the stomach in half, make indentations on it using the pad of the index finger. This technique will produce an instant return: the work of the abdominal muscles will begin, caused by its tension. The regularity of performing these actions will end with the strengthening of the muscular frame of the baby.
Use the index finger to indent the hernia. Movement should be easy, effortless. Repetition - 20 times.

Instructions for DTS

Massage for hip dysplasia should be done once a day. The course consists of 10-15 sessions. To achieve the best effect, it is necessary to complete 2-3 courses. Since such a massage for a baby is a big load, the rest between courses should be at least 1–1.5 months.

Massage for DTS, with a girth of the entire joint, should be done when the baby is in the supine position. But you can, laying on your back, massaging the front surface of the thighs, and turning the crumbs on your stomach, work out the back surface.

Massage of the hip joint in newborns consists of the following techniques:

Stroking, when the movements are carried out with hands tightly adjacent to the hip joint. Moderate pressure is allowed, at which the skin under the arms does not move, but slides under them.
Using the thumb and forefinger, or the entire palm, make spiral movements. It is forbidden to touch the inner surface of the thighs (in close proximity to the genitals). Stroking should be carried out for 3-5 minutes, which must be completed by rubbing. The pressure should be stronger than when stroking, the hands do not slide over the skin, but shift it.
For affected joints, rubbing is especially beneficial. It is best done using the pads of the fingers for deep penetration into the muscles. The duration of the reception is 10 minutes.
In addition, movements that rub the lumbar region, buttocks and foot are also useful for better blood circulation.

Procedure for tone in infants

Massage is beneficial in the treatment of increased, decreased or asymmetric tone.

The purpose of the technique intended for use in complex massage is due to:

degree of violations;
the health status of the child;
the level of development of a small organism;
existing contraindications.

Massage for newborns with hypertension

Breeding the arms of the crumbs in different directions, followed by crossing them on the chest.
Alternate raising of handles, imitation of a mill.
Breeding the hips of the crumbs to the sides.
Rotation of the baby's hips along the trajectory of a semicircle, with their further return to their place.
Performing the “booklet” exercise, when the child’s legs are bent and held, from the inside with a large one, and from the outside with the rest of the fingers. This is followed by a simultaneous extension of the legs to the sides, imitating an opening and closing book.
Gymnastics continues by lightly massaging the palms of the crumbs, for which, having opened the fist, you need to stroke the inside of the handle.
Then the baby's feet are massaged: with the help of the thumb, the number 8 is drawn starting from the fingers to the heel, and in the opposite direction. The correctness of the massage will be indicated by the fingers squeezed and unclenched by the little one.
This is followed by shifting the crumbs to the tummy to stroke it on the back, starting from the base of the neck.
Having turned the child on his tummy, stroke his back should be worked out in a clockwise direction.
The session ends with stroking the arms and legs of the baby, starting with outside fingers and going up.

The duration of the course is 10-15 sessions, which should be carried out monthly.

Baby massage with hypotension

For a child with hypotension, massage helps to activate and stimulate the muscles. The main feature of the technique is the movements performed: from the periphery, directed to the central part of the body.

The session contains manipulations:

The child lies on its back. Place your finger in the baby's hand. While holding it, walk with stroking movements along the handle starting from the wrist and ending with the shoulder. Using kneading movements, massage the skin without touching the area of \u200b\u200bthe joints. Repeat - 3 times.
Supporting the back of the baby's head, with your palm try to push his head so that it leans towards the chest. Repeat - 10 times.
Making circular movements with your fingers, massage the upper body of the baby. The procedure should begin from the shoulder area, and end when it reaches the middle of the breast. Repeat - 3 times.
With the help of your thumbs, press on the back of the peanut lying on the stomach, while moving from the gluteal zone to the neck. Holding the back of the crumbs, bend one leg at the knee so that the angle is 90 degrees. Massage with kneading movements. Repeat - 3 times.
To combat hypotonicity in the back of the baby, bend one of his legs at the knee, hug the other with his arm, stretch the muscles in the lower leg. With kneading movements, starting from the heels, going to the fingertips, work out the crumbs' feet.

Massage in infants with reduced tone should last 15 minutes. It should be started and completed with stroking movements. There is no need to allow overwork of the little one, otherwise you can come to a completely opposite result.

Massage for children with uneven tone

Massage for children suffering from both increased and decreased tone should be done asymmetrically: different areas are worked out with relaxing and stimulating techniques.

For this you need:

Determine the area suffering from increased and decreased muscle tension.
In separate zones with hypotonicity, relaxing manipulations should be used: stroking, light rubbing, swaying movements.
Areas with weak muscles are worked out using: claps, chopping movements, rolls made by the phalanges of the fingers.

Massage for children whose muscles are subject to both hypertonicity and hypotonicity is prescribed on an individual basis, after determining which areas are in a relaxed state and where there is tension.

The first days after the birth of a child are the most exciting and touching for parents. This is an acquaintance of the baby with the outside world. It is important at this time not to miss the moments of caring for him, which in the future may affect the formation of the body and health. Of course, mostly parents meet with a newborn already prepared: they attend special courses, read books, communicate with doctors.

One of important points immediately after the birth of the child is a massage to the newborn.

It is believed that children who undergo this procedure develop better. It is good if the session is also accompanied by a conversation - this contributes to a faster development of speech.

When newborns begin to massage themselves

Pediatricians and psychologists came to the conclusion that the mother can start doing the most elementary massage to the child on her own from the first days of life. The fact is that tactile touches with mom are very important for the baby. But remember that under the age of 1 month, its duration should not exceed 10 minutes. After that, the rate increases to 15-20 minutes. First, lubricate the body with a special cream, then warm up the desired area with light strokes. Always start from the heels, gradually rising to the head. Just do not do this procedure immediately after eating. The movements are gentle shifting of the muscles.

When newborns begin to massage: contraindications

As mentioned above, the session should be no earlier than 30 minutes after feeding, or before it. This procedure is prohibited within 72 hours after vaccination, if the umbilical cord is not completely overgrown, as well as when taking medication or some kind of disease. It is better to choose a time when you and your child are in a good mood, because massage is also an exchange of energies, let them be only positive.

Newborn: at what age to massage

First of all, ask your pediatrician the question: when should a newborn be massaged? He must ensure that there are no contraindications.

When asked at what age it is possible to massage a baby, there is no unequivocal opinion: some recommend starting almost from the first days, others believe that it should not be done before two weeks of age. In any case, if you decide to carry out the procedure, then in the first days it should be light strokes.

How to massage newborns

If everything is more or less clear with the question of when newborns begin to receive massage, then the technique itself remains a mystery to us. We propose to understand.

Gently knead your toes, starting with the foot, gradually moving to the groin. After that, we knead the handles, starting from the brush, moving to the chest. Next, we move on to the belly. If done carefully, this will avoid colic. The last stage is the back, and then the head. Don't forget to pay attention to the ears.

How to do a neck massage

It is necessary to carry out soft strokes, starting from the ears in the direction of the shoulders. Further from the shoulders, move to the fingers.

When can you roll your newborn onto your tummy?

This is another point, in addition to the question of when to give massages to newborns, that excites young mothers.

You can start after the umbilical cord heals. Try putting it on your stomach first. The first times should not exceed 5 minutes, over time, you can increase the intervals. Just don't do it right after a meal.

So, now you know when to give the first massage to a newborn, and figured out a little about his technique.

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Home massage for newborns: conditions, technique

home / Newborn / Home massage for newborns: benefits, rules and techniques

Home massage for newborns and their parents is an important way to communicate, but it has many other benefits. Just 5-10 minutes of daily exercise stimulate digestion, increase immunity, soothe nervous system for deep restful sleep. Pediatricians note that babies who are regularly massaged gain weight faster, are more energetic and sociable.

In order to avoid overstimulation, it is important to understand the correct movements, the ideal timing and duration of the massage. Like any other form of therapy, it requires specific methods and a careful approach.

When to start massaging a newborn?

Long before the child begins to speak, he communicates with the world through tactile sensations. The mother instinctively touches the newborn to soothe him. Massage is an extension of this natural impulse.

Russian pediatricians recommend doing massage for newborns at home starting from 2-3 weeks of life, however, among foreign doctors it is widely believed that the procedure is necessary from the moment of birth. Premature babies are an exception: they are medically unstable and massage can become overly stimulating for them. It is also not recommended for fever, skin lesions (pyoderma and atopic dermatitis), and bleeding disorders.

Benefits of the procedure

Massage has many physical and psychological benefits for children and their parents:

It supports healthy immune system and the full development of the child by promoting the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. Such stimulation allows you to effectively deliver nutrients to tissues and organs, and then remove metabolic products.
Massage activates the production of certain hormones that are responsible for a good mood and relieve pain. In particular, these are endorphins and oxytocin, which help to minimize suffering due to colic or other problems.
It helps to find a balance between increased and decreased muscle tone. Full body massage stimulates the muscles, but at the same time relaxes them with excessive tension.
Supports a child's ability to realize their individual developmental potential by helping the maturation of the nervous system and stimulating brain-body connections.
Increases the child's awareness of the capabilities of his own body, the size and location of its parts.
Massage is a great way to communicate. It gives the child the realization that he is loved and cherished. Purposeful, continuous exchanges of touch and eye contact promote rapport and trust.
For parents this effective way take a "time out" and escape from everyday stress.

Although massage is beneficial for all babies, it is very valuable for children with special needs - with Down's syndrome or cerebral palsy, as it provides unique way communication and promotion.

Conditions for a massage

When preparing and conducting a massage procedure at home for a newborn child, it is advisable to follow some recommendations regarding the time, space and technique of movements.

Time

Before the massage, choose a time that is comfortable for all participants in the process. You should not rush anywhere, calmness and slowness will help to make the movements as soft and measured as possible. Do not start massage when the child has just eaten or is hungry, sleepy or naughty. The most suitable time is one and a half hours after feeding in the morning.

You can often find recommendations for 10-15 minutes of massage per day. In fact, the main indicator of the procedure time is the child himself. As soon as he showed displeasure, stop, no matter how long the massage continues.

For children under 5 months of age, try to space a few hours between the massage and the bath. This can lead to overstimulation of the nervous system. Never massage your baby when he is crying, the only exception is motions to relieve colic, constipation and gas.

Place

Find a place and position that is comfortable for you and your baby. The main requirements are the ability to maintain eye contact, a comfortable temperature (the standard recommendation is about 24 ° C) and a ventilated room. Many prefer to put the baby on the changing table, but massage can be done while sitting on the floor, bed or sofa, holding the baby on your lap, but not forgetting about his safety. In this case, it is worth protecting the clothes with a diaper, especially if you use oil.

Massage oil

Oil is not necessary for massage, but its use allows you to make the effect on delicate skin softer and helps to moisturize it. There are many excellent baby oils on the market, but vegetable oil (mostly cold-pressed) is sufficient. You can use lavender, chamomile, rose or cedar oil, supplementing them with vitamins A and E, solutions of which are sold in pharmacies. Before the first use, it is worth doing a sensitivity test so that the child's skin does not suffer from unexpected allergies.

As for finished oils, carefully study the composition. The product should be hypoallergenic and contain a minimum of chemical additives.

Types of massage for newborns

At home, a newborn, as a rule, is given a general strengthening (aka preventive) massage - it is useful for overall development in the absence of special health and developmental problems.

There is also a special therapeutic massage - it is aimed at problem areas, and therapeutic and prophylactic, which covers the whole body with special attention to disorders. These procedures are prescribed by a doctor (neurologist, pediatrician, orthopedist) according to indications and performed by a specialist, however, you can also perform them yourself, but only after training.

Basic massage techniques

When performing a massage, remember the following general principles:

Always start by massaging the legs - this is the least intrusive way to start the massage, as you constantly touch the legs during a diaper or diaper change.
Patting stimulates the nervous system, and stroking calms.
Use long and soft movements with light pressure and a speed of about 2 cm per second (lymph flow speed), jerky, fast and too light touches can irritate the child.
Repeat each movement at least 3 times.
Massage of the limbs and body is performed mainly from the periphery to the center, and the abdomen - clockwise and only in its lower half, without affecting the liver and heart.
Before starting the procedure, warn the child about the massage. Over time, he will get used to, remember and will know what they are going to do with him.
Play soothing background music or sing along.
It is not necessary to do a full body massage every time, if after rubbing the feet the child does not want to continue, you should not force him.
Follow the child's wishes when he turns away, cries or is naughty, postpone the procedure, if he does not like any movements, do not insist. Massage should be enjoyable.

You can use the following methods:

stroking, just such a movement is recommended for newborns;
rubbing - for children from 6 weeks;
kneading, this technique is used mainly by specialists;
vibration or patting - on the feet and hands can be used from the very beginning, on the body only after 1.5 months of life.

Features of massage for babies of different ages and a set of exercises

Up to a month and a half, pediatricians recommend using gentle strokes as a massage. This is due to the fact that the skin of a newborn is too thin and delicate, and patting can lead to hyperstimulation of the nervous system. In the future, other techniques are gradually introduced, and by 3-4 months, some gymnastic elements.

The actual procedure for home massage for newborns may look like this:

Legs and feet. Stroke your feet, make a few circular movements on them and pay attention to each toe. They can be gently grasped with the thumb and forefinger and gently rolled. Then take the child's heel in one hand, and with the other stroke from the hip to the ankle, squeezing lightly - this is like milking a cow. Do a few reverse movements from the ankle to the thigh and change legs.
Arms. Start with the palms, massaging each finger, and then gently and lightly squeezing, stroke from the armpits to the hands, and then back. You can turn your wrists slightly to one side and the other.
Head. Place your hands on either side of the child's head and then lower down to the toes. Then draw small circles on the head with your fingertips.
Face. Place your hands (as if you are praying) on the child's forehead, and then gently spread them to the temples. Use your thumb to draw a smile on the baby's face, stroking it from one cheek through the upper lip to the other. Repeat on the bottom lip.
Breast. Fold your arms across your child's chest and then spread them out to the sides, as if you were smoothing the pages of an open book.
Stomach. With your fingertips, draw an oval below your baby's navel (clockwise to follow the natural path of digestion).
Back. Swipe it from side to side and then up and down. Do also circular motions.

General strengthening massage for newborns, carried out at home, can accelerate the psychological and physical development of the child, alleviate digestive problems, give deep sleep. But its most valuable advantage is the possibility of mutual communication. Many pediatricians argue that the main thing is not so much technology as the pleasure that parents and the child receive from touch, smell and eye contact. General strengthening massage should be performed only after consultation with a doctor, and therapeutic massage - according to strict indications.

Useful video about baby massage

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Massage for newborns: techniques and rules

No matter how much is said about the benefits of massage, but you yourself must be sure that massage for newborns will be useful.

Massage rules for a newborn

1. When should a newborn be massaged? Until the newborn goes to the second month, massage cannot be done! The peanut has just been born and is getting used to the outside world. He doesn't need any extra work now. However, mother's very light strokes of the baby are only welcome.

2. At the very beginning of your classes, you do not need to perform the entire set of exercises. It is enough to start with some individual parts of the body. For example, with light strokes of the legs and buttocks, which the little ones love so much. After a few days, you can already move on to massage the tummy, back and breast.

3. Not all babies like charging for a newborn for pens. However, it is in these limbs that increased tone is common. Therefore, it is necessary to do such a charge. It is very simple:

Lay the baby on a horizontal surface, spread the arms of the crumbs to the sides, then press again to the breast. So you need to do 4-5 times.

Alternately raise the arms of the newborn to the head, then lower them again along his torso.

4. Massage for newborns should be done daily. The peanut will get used to the classes and will not show discontent. You need to start the procedure with a minimum duration (5-10 minutes). By the end of the second month, it will be 30 minutes. Everything should be scaled up slowly.

5. The massage course lasts 20 days. Then there is a break for 2-3 weeks.

6. Your very first classes are best done under the supervision of a specialist.

7. Distract the baby from such difficult work for him: sing songs, coo, tell nursery rhymes, smile.

When is massage contraindicated?

Any febrile conditions in an infant - diseases associated with hypersensitivity of the skin - hernias prone to infringement - pyelonephritis, hepatitis, tuberculosis - diseases characterized by fragility of bones and blood vessels

Purulent and acute inflammation of the skin, lymph nodes, bones and muscles

Massage techniques for a newborn

Stroking - gentle and uniform sliding movements with the palm of your hand over the skin of the child

Rubbing - putting more effort into the movement of the palm than when stroking. The impact on the skin of the child occurs in various directions.

Kneading is a deep muscle massage in which the muscle itself is captured, which is kneaded by rhythmic spiral movements of the fingers.

Tapping is light, but very rhythmic strokes with the fingertips or palms. It is used for very well-fed newborns.

All these techniques must be carried out in a special sequence:

stroking - rubbing - stroking - kneading - stroking - tapping - stroking

Massage for newborns should always begin with gentle movements. Stroking is repeated 4-6 times, other techniques - 8-12 times. The pressure should increase only after the relaxation of the child's muscles has occurred.

Movements from top to bottom should always be easier than movements from bottom to top.

Full body massage

The principles of rubbing and kneading are suitable for massaging the hands and feet.

Buttocks, arms, legs, back and chest will be happy to be stroked and lightly tapped (the baby is 2-3 months old). All these manipulations will reduce muscle tone, relax and improve blood and lymph circulation.

The tummy is massaged in a circular motion with the palm clockwise (if the newborn has diarrhea, then counterclockwise)

The chest is massaged, starting from the middle of the sternum to the shoulders, and again from the middle to the side surfaces.

Buttocks - we lead the palm from the hip joints to the anus.

Handles - we start with a brush and lead to the axillary lymph nodes.

Back - from the spine we move to the sides, from the lower back - to the shoulder.

Legs - we lead the palm from the foot to the lymph nodes of the groin.

Massage for newborns is always better to start with the arms and legs. The limbs of the child should be slightly bent. Your hands should be relaxed.

Never massage the patella of a newborn, as well as the inner surface of the thigh

Do not pat at the location of the kidneys

During the massage, do not touch the genitals of the baby

Massage for a newborn in pictures

Let's get started.

1. Your child should be in a good mood. Before starting a massage of the legs and feet, make sure that the baby is ready for this. To do this, take it by the leg and bend it a little, show the limb to the little one. Everything is fine? Is the child still smiling? Then you can undress him and begin the procedure.

2. Use special baby oil for massage. We used the Bübchen company.

3. Take the child's leg, bend it so that the gas comes out. Continue to hold your hand under the baby’s knee, move your palm from the ankle, continuing to move past the knee, then along the outer surface of the thigh (do not touch the inner one!)

Upper body massage.

1. Strokes from the shoulders to the middle of the chest

2. Light strokes from shoulders to wrists

3. Very gently we carry out circular movements on the tummy. The navel and the area around it are NOT massaged.

Face and back massage

1. For the face, use fingertips

2. Long strokes from the cervical vertebrae to the anus

3. If the child began to cry and resist, then stop the massage immediately

Specially for My LYALA

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How to properly massage a child?

Children's massage is often not a whim of parents, but a real necessity: thanks to its sessions, it is possible to significantly improve the overall nervous activity of babies, reduce stress levels, and contribute to the accelerated physical development of the child. It has been scientifically proven that regular massage therapy has a healing effect.

When should you start massaging children?

A parent of any gender can learn how to perform massage. It is best to start his sessions when the child reaches the age of one and a half to two months: until then, the skin of newborns is too tender. The most suitable time for a massage is right before eating. Massaging immediately after eating is not recommended, it is better to wait an hour or an hour and a half so that the food is better absorbed.

Pay special attention to the fact that the massage sessions are as comfortable as possible for the child: the room should be warm enough, there should not be strangers and objects nearby that can scare the baby. You should not use special oils, liquids and creams, so popular with most adults. Your hands should be dry and warm.

Preparing for baby massage

It is recommended to start massage when the child is in a calm, friendly mood. If he is agitated, very playful or dissatisfied, it is worth postponing the scheduled session a little. If you have a capricious child, try not to start rubbing during his bad mood, frustration or crying: otherwise, you can permanently associate his idea of massage with thoughts about something unpleasant, otherwise.

During the massage, the child should not strain, cry or scream - in general, express his displeasure. V otherwise you are doing something wrong. Take care of its convenience in advance: put the baby on a flat surface covered with soft, dry material. Linen and cotton are ideal for this.

What methods of baby massage are popular today?

If for older children you can use specialized sets of massage movements and even whole complexes, then in the case of newborn babies, you should limit yourself to four basic movements: patting, rubbing, stroking the body and kneading the muscles.

You need to start a massage session with as gentle actions as possible so that the baby gets a little used to touching and relaxes. When massaging a newborn baby, you should touch his body only with the tips, fingertips: with this approach, the risk of damaging the baby's skin is much less.

By the way, you can get massage lessons for a newborn baby from a local pediatrician: the doctor will teach you the basics, basic movements and massage options that you can refine “at home” on your own.

How often should massage sessions be performed?

As with everything related to the upbringing of children, moderation should be exercised here. One or two massage sessions per day are more than enough. Pay special attention to the fact that massage can provoke your baby, which means that it should not be done an hour or two before the intended sleep.

When should you not massage a newborn?

There are several contraindications when it is highly recommended not to massage a child:

When acute respiratory and infectious diseases, especially if they are in the acute stage.
If the child has rickets.
In cases of skin inflammation, rashes, pustular formations, diathesis.
When a baby has an inguinal, femoral, umbilical or other types of hernia.
Hemophilia, tuberculosis, malignant tumors are also contraindications to baby massage.
Hepatitis, arthritis and increased fragility of the child's bone tissue require the refusal of a massage.
Congenital heart disease, compensation disorders and some other diseases also prevent massaging the baby.

At the age of up to two months, it is recommended to start the session with flexion and extension of the joints, placing the child on his back. Then they move on to smooth rubbing of the limbs. The head of a newborn should be protected from sudden jerks and other inaccurate actions that may accompany an inexperienced parent during the first massage sessions. Having rubbed the legs and arms, turn the child on his tummy and stretch his back, buttocks and feet. After that, you need to turn the baby back on his back again and gently stroke his stomach: this action will help improve the digestion of your son or daughter.

Many mothers are faced with the fact that pediatricians prescribe or strongly recommend taking a course of massage procedures. Since this procedure is not cheap, besides, most often the little ones react to other people's touches and tantrums, parents question the appropriateness for the baby. Some prefer to learn elementary massage skills in order to avoid stress in the crumbs and maintain it on their own. Do I need a baby massage, at what age can it be done, and how to do it correctly - you will find answers to these and other questions in our article.

Why do and what is useful massage for babies

Massage is indicated for all newborns because it:

promotes proper physical;
reduces the excitation of the nervous system;
soothes and relaxes;
has a strengthening effect on the muscles;
normalizes muscle tone and muscle contractility;
develops motor skills;
able to eliminate and improve the activity of the digestive tract;
improves metabolism;
improves blood circulation in the skin.

If the massage is carried out by the mother, then the procedure is also a great way for her to communicate with the baby.

Did you know? Massage is one of the most ancient medical procedures. The process of massaging was captured on images in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian dignitary and great sage Ptahhotep, who lived in the XXV-XXIV centuries BC. e.

He may not like touching the baby with other people's hands and provoke stressful situations. When a baby is stressed, cortisol levels rise at times. This hormone can significantly slow down all processes in the child's body, have a detrimental effect on the immune system and nervous system. Therefore, it is important that the massage is carried out by a loved one.

Important! If parents plan to carry out massage procedures on their own, then they should first of all familiarize themselves with the contraindications to their conduct. It is also necessary to master correct technique massaging.

When to start massage

Of course, every parent of a newly born baby is interested in how many months you can massage a newborn. For a healthy, timely born baby, massage procedures can begin when he reaches five to six weeks. However, it is important to ask the pediatrician if your child is already ready for stroking and kneading during the next scheduled appointment.
The same applies to premature babies. Usually, massage is recommended for such a baby when he reaches a body weight of 2.5 kg. Permission to conduct massaging must be given by a pediatrician, neuropathologist and orthopedist.

Speaking of the first massage for a child who has not yet reached the age, we mean simple strokes. As for the more intensive techniques included in the complex of classic baby massage, they are not recommended to start before the age 1,5- .

When not to do: contraindications

So, any mother, after the permission of a pediatrician and a neuropathologist, can give her newborn child a massage consisting of the simplest techniques, if not contraindications. The latter include:

fever - massage increases blood circulation, which can provoke an additional increase in body temperature;
diseases of the skin caused by infections, fungi, accompanied by the release of pus - massaging the body can cause pustules and vesicles to burst and thus provoke the spread of infection;
rashes on the skin - additional exposure to the affected areas with hands can lead to pain and further damage to the skin;
congenital heart disease (CHD) - a massage procedure, which is an additional burden on a small body, can worsen the patient's condition;
blood diseases - massaging can provoke internal hemorrhages under the skin;
convulsions, - exposure to the body can provoke seizures;
acute stage - for the baby at this time, rest is recommended, and massage will excite him;
large - infringement may occur.

Important! Parents can independently conduct only a general strengthening massage. If the baby is shown therapeutic massage procedures, then they can only be carried out by a qualified medical professional..

How to prepare for the procedure

The massage procedure is best done in morning time, between the first and second . Since the thermoregulation of infants is not yet fully established, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions for the session, because you will have to massage a completely naked body. Therefore, the room should be warm enough, but not stuffy and hot. It is important to ensure that the baby does not sweat, as there is a risk that he will develop. The optimum air temperature in the room is considered to be + 20-22 ° С. Some time before the session, the room must be ventilated.

It is good to carry out the procedure on. In the absence of it any will do, which needs to be covered with soft and warm, under which to put a blanket.
In advance, you should worry about buying a special massage oil for babies.

The procedure should be started only in a good mood. Remember that even unintelligent babies clearly read the mood of their parents, especially their mothers. So, if she is annoyed, or her head is filled with thoughts about any problem, the baby will be uncomfortable, and he will let you know about it with crying and discontent.

You can pick up some fun quiet music. During the session, turn it on and sing along.

Before the procedure, wash your hands thoroughly and then warm them. The first session should last no more than five minutes. In the future, the time can be gradually increased, bringing up to 15-20 minutes.

How to do massage: technique

In order to learn how to independently massage, parents can contact a visiting nurse or a pediatrician during an examination of the baby to show how to do it correctly.
It would be nice if the first procedure took place under the supervision of a medical professional.

There is two doses which all parents can use without difficulty and special knowledge:

stroking;
trituration.

Backs

Back massage should begin with vertical strokes from the neck area to the buttocks. Then move on to horizontal strokes from the spine to the sides. With your middle and index fingers in a slightly bent position, walk along the spine. Movements should be smooth, light. Each technique should be repeated five to six times.

When massaging the back, be especially careful in the area of the kidneys.

belly

The kid will surely like light circular strokes around. It is important to know that this manipulation should be carried out strictly clockwise. It is performed to relax the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and improve intestinal motility. In this case, strong pressure should be avoided.

If the child has, then massaging from the ribs down will help first. Then the simultaneous lifting of the legs clasped by the right hand, and massaging the abdomen with the left hand. Next, you need to press the legs bent at the knees to the tummy. It is advisable to repeat these techniques three to four times a day.

Also on the abdomen, oblique strokes can be made downward from the posterolateral region of the chest to the junction of the hands above the navel. These manipulations are carried out with both palms.

Heads and necks

The neck massage is performed during the back massage. The neck is gently stroked inside brushes, moving from the head to the buttocks. In no case should you press on the neck or make sharp jerks.

The baby will love light strokes of the face. Mom can gently touch her eyebrows, temples, forehead with her fingertips. Then stroke the cheeks in the direction of the ears. Rub your ears lightly.

You can gently stroke, but avoid touching the area.

Hand

When massaging the upper limbs, they must be slightly bent. The massage begins with the hand, first the back is stroked, and then the palm. Stroking is carried out from the fingers to the wrist joint.

After the brush, you need to start massaging the hand, while the mother puts her thumb in the hand of the baby, which he grasps with force. The strokes run along the inside of the forearm and then along the outside.

From the hands it is necessary to return to the palms again. This time, rub them. Then do the rubbing of each finger. Finish the massage by rubbing the forearms and shoulders.

Legs and feet

The foot is taken into the palm. With the index finger of the other hand, a figure eight is drawn on it in the direction from the fingers to the heel.

Foot massage is carried out by stroking from the foot to inguinal zone. The knee joints are bypassed. The legs are in a slightly bent state.

After stroking, you can move on to rubbing. They are held in the same direction - from the foot to the groin.

Both the first and second techniques are repeated four to five times on each leg and foot.

Parents who have decided to independently carry out massage procedures are offered to use several useful tipshow to massage babies:

The procedure must be carried out only on a flat, hard surface, preferably on a table that is covered with something soft, such as a blanket or blanket. , sofa, chair for this purpose will not work. On a soft, springy surface, it will not be possible to achieve the necessary emphasis and pressure.
In order for the child to be comfortable and in a good mood, it is necessary that he does not experience hunger, he is not cold, he does not want to sleep. So optimum time for the massage will be 50-60 minutes after and half an hour before the next appointment.
Do not forget to remove all jewelry from your hands before the session. This applies to both rings and bracelets, which can injure or hurt the baby.
If the baby is not in the spirit and is naughty, then it is better to transfer the procedure to another time or another day.
If the baby has a negative attitude to the manipulation of his body, you can try to gradually accustom him, conducting various techniques during the day.
During massaging, it is necessary to constantly talk with the baby, praise him, sing songs to him, etc.
Experts advise starting the massage from the legs, then moving to the arms, then to the stomach, chest and finishing with the back.
All techniques are done from the periphery to the center. Massaging the upper limbs is carried out from the hand to the shoulder, the lower - from the foot to the groin.
Up to three months, massaging is carried out with only one hand. Upon reaching this age, you can connect the second hand.
You should not massage the inner part of the thigh, since there are many nerve endings in this area, as well as the front surface of the lower leg due to too thin skin.
Jog movements are prohibited in the area of the knee joints.
In the abdominal area, the taboo for touching is the right hypochondrium. Here is the liver, touching it can provoke a poor condition of the crumbs.
Taboo for massage - genitals, nipples, navel, fontanel.
Start and end the procedure with strokes.

Important! If mom or dad does not have medical knowledge, then they should not carry out complex massage techniques so as not to harm the health of the child.

Massage is an important healing and restorative procedure that is necessary for babies from 1 month. Parents themselves can carry out simple forms of massage in the form of stroking and rubbing. A greater effect can be achieved if the massage is supplemented with elements.