Baby massage at home. General and professional massage for newborns

After birth, the child finds himself in an alien and unusual environment. After the mother's womb, the outside world for the newborn seems noisy, fussy and too loud. The child is experiencing stress, and he needs gentle, warm tactile contact with the closest person - his mother. Because mommy means the whole world to him during this period. With its help, the baby learns all the colors of the environment.

Pediatricians recommend giving him a massage after the first month of a baby’s life, which will not only have a healing effect on his body, but will also help establish an emotional connection between the baby and his mother. What could be better than soft touch loving mother's hands?

How to give a general massage to a newborn after bathing

Typically, infant massage is done once a day, combined with hygiene procedures. First, free your hands from rings and bracelets. Nails should be neatly trimmed. The air temperature in the room should not be lower than 22 o C. After bathing the child, prepare a blanket, diaper and oilcloth, just in case. Suddenly the baby wants to pee. Also prepare massage oil in advance. Mom's hands should be warm and affectionate. Now start the procedure:

Your movements should be gentle and light. Massage the skin with your fingertips.
The first stage is stroking. Stroke the baby's skin from the periphery to the center, from the toes to the neck and from the heels to the butt.
When massaging your tummy, avoid the area of the right hypochondrium. Movements should follow a clockwise direction. Don't touch your genitals.
The second stage is rubbing. Rub your baby's body with light movements. This will increase blood flow and have a beneficial effect on internal organs.
Don't forget about your hands and feet. Open your fist and lightly massage each finger and palm. Do the same with your toes and feet.
You should also finish the massage with stroking movements.
The procedure should be carried out no more than 10 minutes so as not to overcool the baby.
The kneading and patting method is not recommended for newborns. But if you want to give it a little loving pat, you can do it on your buttocks.
After the session, the newborn will be calmer, his appetite and sleep will improve. Accordingly, the mother will also be calmer for her child. After all, her well-being depends on the baby’s health. And mental health also requires careful attention.

How to massage a newborn with constipation and colic

If stool is retained and feces accumulate, the newborn should be given an appropriate massage so that the feces pass naturally.

Place the baby on its back on a flat and slightly hard surface. This can be a table, previously covered with a blanket. On a soft surface, the effect will be insufficient, since the body will sag (this can lead to displacement of internal organs). It is not recommended to do the procedure immediately after feeding - you need to wait until the food is poisoned. The best option is an hour and a half after eating. Lightly stroke your tummy clockwise with your full palm. Avoid point pressure. Then, with the edge of your bent palm, carry out deep stroking along the course of the colon. The area of influence resembles the letter P. From the right hypochondrium to the left to the beginning of the rectum. As you move towards the end point, you should increase the pressure. After these steps, place the baby on his tummy and begin massaging the back from the shoulder blades to the pelvis. This will stimulate the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. A good exercise for bowel movements is cycling. You need to alternately press your knees to your stomach.

How to give a relaxing massage to a newborn with hypertension

After birth, many babies experience a pathological condition called hypertonicity. It is characterized by increased tension in all muscle groups. In this condition there is also increased excitability nervous system. The child reacts strongly to external stimuli.

Massage with such a diagnosis should be soothing. It will be very good if it is accompanied by mother’s songs. In such a friendly, relaxed atmosphere the effect will be great. Stroke the baby's body, starting from the heels. Turn over onto your tummy and stroke your legs, back, and arms. Continue the procedure with light rubbing, turning him from his stomach to his back and vice versa. Then begin to lightly shake your limbs. You need to take the child by the hand and gently rock him, then shake him lightly. Repeat with the other arm and then with your legs.

The procedure should end with light stroking and last 10-15 minutes.

How to massage your baby's legs and feet

We know that on the surface of the foot there are many active points. Massage of the feet and legs will help strengthen the baby’s musculoskeletal system, have a beneficial effect on all organs and systems, and improve it physical state. It should be noted that foot massage is recommended after 1.5-2 months of life.

The technique of the procedure is very simple. Holding the leg by the shin with her left hand, mother right hand draws an imaginary figure eight on the foot. Foot massage should include the following steps:

First stroking, then rubbing from bottom to top.
In the area of the knee joint, the procedure should be carried out more carefully.
One leg should be massaged for up to three minutes from 1 to 3 months of age and five minutes from 3 months to a year.

The procedure should be carried out after feeding, but not immediately, and not before bedtime. Activation of points on the feet can lead to excessive wakefulness of the baby, and he will not fall asleep quickly.

How to properly massage a newborn with an umbilical hernia

Many children suffer from umbilical hernia at an early age. And the disease occurs due to inadequate development of the anterior wall of the abdominal part. The cause may also be congenital soreness of the umbilical ring. Therapeutic therapy includes normalization of intestinal function, physical activity, special physical exercise and massage.

It should be noted that massage for an umbilical hernia should be done when the navel wound is completely healed. The procedure includes the following manipulations. Place the baby first on the left side, then on the right, holding in each position for several seconds. Repeat twice. Lay the child on his back and, holding the arms, lift him slightly, then lower him. Repeat 5-6 times. Then slowly turn the baby from back to tummy and back. Repeat twice.

The next stage is massage. Stroke the area near the navel in a clockwise direction. Repeat the manipulation 5 times. Move with collective movements from the periphery to the navel for 30 seconds. Next you should massage the oblique abdominal muscles, repeat 5 times. Then, with light stroking movements, move from the navel to the periphery - 5 times. The entire session should last no more than five minutes. In order not to injure the baby's skin, perform the procedure through a light diaper or shirt.

How to massage a newborn baby on a ball

Prepare a ball (fitball) by covering it with a diaper. Massage is not recommended immediately after feeding. After eating, at least an hour should pass.

Place your baby's tummy on the ball and hold it with your palm behind the back. Press the back with springy pressing movements, the child should seem to be bouncing on the ball. This procedure is good for eliminating bloating and colic. If the baby raises his head, then the neck muscles become stronger.

Perform the next exercise this way: while lying on your stomach, lift the baby’s right leg and hold his back with the other hand. Roll the ball back and forth, then change legs. Roll the child in this way, holding both legs and both arms. Roll it in a circular motion, holding the back with your hands. During this type of massage, the muscles of the abdomen and neck are strengthened. The kids really enjoy riding on the fitball. During the procedure, they usually do not cry or act up.

How to properly massage the lacrimal canal for a newborn baby

Almost 35% of newborns experience membrane closure of the opening of the nasolacrimal duct. The tear, washing the cornea, should roll down this channel back into the nose. But due to the fact that the channel is closed, tears collect at the inner edge of the eye and roll down the face. In the first two to three weeks of life, this phenomenon is considered a physiological norm.

Doctors recommend two methods to help open the membrane: massage and probing. Before the massage procedure, clean your baby's eyes cotton pad, soaked in a solution of furatsilin or in a decoction of chamomile. Move the disc from the outer edge of the eye to the inner one. Place the baby on his back on a hard surface. Place the pad of your finger slightly above the inner corner of your eye. Between the eyebrow and the inner corner of the eye, feel for a small seal - the lacrimal sac. Using sliding movements, quickly move from the lacrimal sac down to the wing of the nose. The movement should be repeated 6-10 times. The membrane will gradually thin and rupture. After the session, apply special drops to your eyes. This massage can be done during feeding 5-6 times a day.

Especially for - Ksenia Manevich

Massage for infants has undoubted benefits for the development and growth of the child. It has a beneficial effect on health, calms, relaxes and relieves overstimulation. Massage will become a faithful assistant for mom when the baby sleeps poorly, cries and is capricious.

Preventive massage is an important element in baby care. Research has shown that touch and simple stroking provide invaluable benefits to children, especially premature babies. About 47% of these children gain weight better.

Beneficial properties of massage

The benefit of massage for a baby up to one year old is that touching and stroking movements can strengthen muscles and joints, correct hypertension and possible orthopedic or nervous disorders. Massage performs a number of important functions in the development of a child:

Normalizes muscle tone, relieves muscle tension and strengthens muscles;
Improves sleep and calms, after the massage the baby falls asleep faster and sleeps more soundly;
Strengthens the immune system;
Develops motor skills and attentiveness;
Prevents the occurrence of hernia;
Tummy massage relieves colic in newborns, reduces bloating and gas formation;
Relaxes and eliminates anxiety;
Improves blood circulation;
Establishes contact between the child and mother, improves the psychological state of the baby.

Let's take a closer look at when you can start and how often to massage. What massage movements should a mother use and when massage is dangerous for the child.

Contraindications to massage

Temperature;
Colds, infections and viral diseases;
Skin rashes, dermatitis;
Poisoning and stool disorders;
Brittle bones;
Heart disease;
Injuries and burns;
Large hernia;
Diseases of the genitourinary system (cystitis, etc.);
In infants, massage should not be performed in the area of the liver and kidneys;
In children under one year old, the knee, elbow, shoulder and hip joints are not massaged.

Rules for massage for babies

Pediatricians recommend massage for newborns 4-5 weeks after birth. Tummy massage begins after two months, when it has completely healed umbilical wound. The first month the procedure should not take more than 5-10 minutes. Then the time can be gradually increased to 20 minutes. Many nursing mothers are interested in how often to massage. Doctors recommend carrying out the procedure every day, but it is important not to harm the baby. To do this, you need to follow the recommendations.

Prepare the changing table in advance. You can use baby oil and special products. However, consult your doctor before use, as some formulations cause allergies in infants. Regular aroma oils and powders are not suitable for baby massage, as they clog pores and interfere with skin respiration.

A baby freezes faster than an adult. Therefore, choose a warm room for the procedure and prepare a warm diaper to wrap your baby after the massage. Before the procedure, warm your hands, remove bracelets and rings to avoid accidentally scratching them. delicate skin baby. Nails should be short.

Massage is done during the day before feeding or before bed. In the second case, the movements should be smooth and relaxing so as not to overstimulate the child. Doctors advise warming up your baby before water procedures. You can read more about infant swimming in the bathtub and pool at the link /;

During the procedure, communicate with your baby, tell stories and smile. This will help establish emotional contact with your mother and have a beneficial effect on mental development child. Remember that massage should only bring pleasure. If you notice that the baby doesn’t like the movements or causes discomfort, change the exercise. Avoid massage if your child is not in the mood.

Children's massage begins and ends with light strokes. For the procedure, you need to master a few easy movements that your pediatrician can show you. In addition to stroking, such movements include kneading and rubbing. We offer several light massage exercises for babies.

Massage exercises

The child lies on his back. With one hand, grasp the foot of your left leg and tap the fist of your other hand from top to bottom on the outside of your leg. Repeat the movements with the right leg;
Take the baby's hand with one hand and clasp the shoulder with the other. Shake the muscles from the shoulder to the wrist. Repeat the exercise 2-3 times and move on to the second handle;
Stroke your baby's tummy clockwise with your palm for about five minutes. This exercise is great for children who have intestinal problems. Read what else will help with colic;
Hold the child's foot with one hand and grasp the bottom of the leg with the other. Shake the muscles from hip to heel.
When the baby is lying on his stomach, lightly knead the buttocks and back with your fists;
Stroke the child's back with your palms from the back to the tailbone and in a "herringbone" pattern towards the spine.
The final stage will be exercises on a special soft large ball. Place the child on the ball and gently swing it to the sides. Do the exercise twice a day, and your baby will soon learn to hold his head up and lean on his hands.

Exercises for different parts of the body

Body parts	Benefit	Exercises
Head	Calms and relaxes, promotes sleep and improves blood circulation in the brain, stimulates hair growth and brain activity	Using your fingertips, lightly massage the child’s face and neck from the back of the head to the chin; gently stroke the ears, nose and eyebrow lines from the bridge of the nose to the temples
Belly and chest	Improves digestion and relieves colic, strengthens chest muscles	The abdomen is massaged with stroking movements clockwise, the chest - without pressure from the center to the sides
Arms and hands	Develops and improves muscles, stabilizes muscle tone	First, massage the brushes using rotations with light pressure, then each finger individually from base to tip; The arms are lifted in turn and stroked from the hand to the shoulder.
Legs, feet and hips	Strengthens leg muscles and nervous system, will help the baby take the first firm and confident steps, prevention of flat feet and dysplasia	The leg is lifted by the foot and the legs and thighs are massaged with outside towards the foot; lightly massage the toes and heels, knead the ankles; spread and move the legs
Back	Strengthens the spine and forms correct posture,	The child is turned over on his stomach and the back is massaged in a circular motion from the neck to the tailbone, making a “Christmas tree” to the spine

Which baby massage product to choose?

At first, the massage is done with dry hands without the use of special means. In the future, you can use cream or oil, which is recommended by the massage therapist and pediatrician. The cream is usually used for therapeutic massage, oil - for preventive purposes.

Mineral oils have a too thin consistency, which forms an unpleasant thin film on the baby’s body. With prolonged use, such products cause dry skin. There are massage oils for children based on olive oil. They are well absorbed and are characterized by a denser structure.

Most suitable option will become base oils that include natural substances. This is an almond or peach mixture, oil containing avocado or grape seeds. This composition can also be prepared at home.

To prepare massage oil for babies at home, mix 100 ml almond oil and two drops of lavender or chamomile. This composition will soothe and relieve colic. However, be careful as some ingredients contain allergens. Tea tree, chamomile and lavender are considered the safest for infants. If your baby develops spots and rashes after the massage, itchy skin and redness, stop the procedure and consult a doctor! Most likely, the oil is not suitable for a child.

Creams for baby massage are sold in pharmacies. Exist different kinds creams depending on the purpose. These are anti-inflammatory, pain relievers, blood flow enhancing, relaxing and other agents. The cream for babies should be selected by a specialist!

Note that special therapeutic massage is prescribed to children for various ailments and diseases. A special course helps with muscle hypertonicity and rickets, disorders of the musculoskeletal system and hernia, and neurological disorders. This procedure can only be performed professional massage ist with higher medical education and experience working with babies!

If the child is healthy, then, starting from 1.5 months, every mother can include infant massage in her baby’s daily routine. In addition to the fact that massage for infants is important for a child’s harmonious physical development, at an early age it is one of the ways a baby can communicate with its mother. Body contact during this procedure contributes to the development of the sense of touch, with the help of which a child learns about the world at an early age; in addition, an atmosphere of mutual understanding and emotional communication is created between mother and baby. The smooth movements of the mother's hands during a massage for infants give the child a feeling of security, love and psychological satisfaction. This, in turn, reduces the excitability of the central nervous system, helping the baby calm down and relax.

Massage for infants is also important for timely harmonious motor development child, as it has a general strengthening effect on the muscular system, normalizing its tone and muscle contractility.

A tummy massage helps normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and helps eliminate colic, which is one of the main causes of anxiety for a child in the first months of life.

The local effect of massage is expressed in improving metabolism and skin nutrition by expanding its capillaries and accelerating blood circulation.

Possible contraindications to massage for infants

Exists whole line simple massage techniques for infants that a mother can perform independently every day, ensuring her baby’s harmonious physical and neuropsychic development. Such restorative massage You can start doing it to a child from 1.5 months after consulting a pediatrician and a neurologist in the absence of contraindications.

The main contraindications for giving a massage to a child are:

Acute febrile conditions accompanied by an increase in body temperature. Massage promotes blood flow, which can cause the temperature to rise even more.
Pustular, infectious-inflammatory or fungal skin diseases are a strict contraindication to massage, since open areas of purulent areas, as well as vesicular elements (rashes) with some infectious diseases, during a massage they can be injured, and the infectious agent will be spread across the skin.
Dermatitis, allergic skin reactions, which are often accompanied by the formation of oozing, which is an open wound surface. Massage, as a rule, requires the use of creams and oils, which is unacceptable on areas of affected skin. In addition, additional friction of such areas during massage can cause pain in the child and contribute to the deterioration of the local condition of the skin.
Severe congenital heart defects with insufficient blood supply, which is manifested by shortness of breath, swelling, cough. With these diseases, signs of circulatory disorders occur in the child even at rest, and since massage is, albeit small, but still a load on the body, it will contribute to the deterioration general condition baby.
Blood diseases(hemophilia, hemorrhagic diathesis), tendency to bleeding. Pressing on the skin during a massage can cause internal subcutaneous hemorrhages.
Convulsive syndrome, epilepsy. In these conditions, massage is contraindicated, as it can provoke new attacks.
Rickets during exacerbation. At this stage of the disease, children are especially restless and excitable; massage as an additional stressful effect is not recommended, since a gentle regime is necessary.
Large hernias when internal organs (umbilical, inguinal, etc.) fall into the hernial protrusion. Massage can provoke strangulation of the hernia, which will cause sharp pain and may require immediate surgery.

Prematurity and malnutrition (low body weight) are not a contraindication to massage, but exercises with such babies should be delayed and must be agreed with a doctor.

Therapeutic children's massage is prescribed by a doctor to treat a particular disease and can only be performed by a qualified specialist.

Where and how to learn massage for infants?

During patronage visits to the nurse and pediatrician from the children's clinic, the mother may ask to show her the basic techniques of massage for infants, which she will give to the baby. The nurse in the room can also advise parents about massage and gymnastics healthy child at the baby’s first visit to the children’s clinic at 1 month.

It is advisable that the first massage session performed by the mother on her own should be under the supervision of a pediatrician or nurse.

General rules of massage for infants

In order for the massage to bring pleasure to the baby and be as effective as possible, you need to create certain conditions. The temperature in the room where the massage is performed should be comfortable for the child and be 20-22°C.

It is advisable to ventilate the room in advance, which will introduce an element of hardening into the this procedure. In the warm season, massage can be performed with the window open, in the absence of drafts.

The massage should be performed on a hard, warm and non-slip surface. To do this, you can use a changing table or a regular table. It should be covered with a clean diaper, under which it is recommended to put an oilcloth and a double-folded flannelette blanket. Massage on a bed will be ineffective, since it will not be possible to create the necessary support and elasticity on a soft surface. Too much hard surface will be inconvenient for the baby.

It is important to choose the right time for a massage. First of all, the child must be in good mood, sleepy and not hungry. It is recommended to start the procedure 30 minutes before feeding and no earlier than 30-45 minutes after eating, so as not to provoke regurgitation.

Before starting the massage, the mother should remove rings, watches and bracelets from her hands so as not to accidentally injure the baby’s skin. Her hands should be clean, dry and warm.

The duration of one massage session can be from 5 to 20 minutes a day, depending on the age of the child and his reaction to the procedure.

It is important to remember that baby massage should not give the child unpleasant, painful sensations. Therefore, during the session, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the baby, the expression on his face, and the reaction of his body. The main criterion for the correctness of actions is the child’s positive emotional mood. If the baby is capricious, it is better to postpone the massage for a while or postpone it to the next day.

It is important to know a few basic rules of massage:

When performing a massage, it is recommended to follow the order of the massaged areas. First, the legs are massaged, then the arms, tummy, chest and back.
All movements should be carried out from the periphery to the center in the direction of blood circulation in the veins and lymph flow in the body.
You should not massage the inner thighs, as many nerve endings are concentrated there and it is very sensitive.
Due to the risk of injury, impact impacts on the knee joints are limited.
It is not recommended to massage the front surface of the shin, because there is practically no muscle tissue in this place and the skin is very thin.
When massaging the abdomen, it is undesirable to touch the liver area (right hypochondrium). This limitation is due to the fact that this organ is located quite close to the surface of the body and direct exposure to it can harm the baby’s health.
When massaging the back, you should avoid the area of the spinous processes of the spine, as the impact on them can be painful in small children.
The massage should not affect the baby's genitals and nipples.

Basic massage techniques for infants

It is enough for mom to use 1-2 massage techniques, but try to do them regularly. It is not recommended to use complex massage techniques so as not to accidentally harm the child.

Stroking

The main massage technique that a mother should learn is stroking. It activates blood circulation, and thereby improves blood supply to tissues and organs. In addition, stroking movements help relax muscles and have a calming effect. This technique is performed using the palmar surface of the hand. Movements should be very smooth and gentle. The hand should not displace the child’s skin; it seems to glide over it.

Trituration

The next technique that parents can use is rubbing, which can be started when the child is 3-4 months old.

Rubbing is a more intense and deep stroking that also helps relax muscles and reduces the excitability of the central nervous system. Rubbing is done with two or three fingers of the hand in circular or spiral movements, while the massaging hand should move, displace the skin, and not slide over it.

Foot massage

Foot massage is carried out from the bottom up, starting with stroking the dorsal, lateral and plantar surfaces of the feet, and then each of the child’s toes.
After the feet, the entire leg is massaged. In order to achieve the greatest muscle relaxation, the child’s limbs must be placed in a position of slight flexion at the knee and hip joints. With the palm of the hand of the same name, you need to clasp the ankle joint from below, and with the palm of the other, superficial stroking is carried out in the direction from the foot to the groin area along the outer and back surfaces of the lower leg and thigh.
Rubbing is carried out in the same order and direction as stroking with slight displacement of the skin.

Hand massage

The arm massage is carried out from the hand to the shoulder, while the baby’s limb should be in a position of slight flexion at the elbow joint.
Stroking the hand is carried out first along the back and then along the palmar surface in the direction from the fingers to the wrist joint.
When massaging the hand, the child's hand is held so that the baby covers thumb moms. Stroking movements are carried out along the inner and then outer surfaces of the forearm and shoulder.
Next, the palmar surface of the hand is lightly rubbed with the pads of the fingers, then each finger is used in turn, and then the muscles of the baby’s forearm and shoulder are massaged.

Abdominal massage

Superficial stroking is carried out around the navel in a clockwise direction. This technique causes relaxation of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and reflexively stimulates intestinal peristalsis.
Stroking the oblique abdominal muscles is carried out with the palms of both hands from the posterolateral surface chest and then obliquely down until the hands join above the baby’s navel.
Massage of the rectus abdominis muscles involves sliding the hands in a counter motion. To do this, the mother must place the palms of her hands parallel midline abdomen: right hand at the costal edge, left hand in the groin area above the pubic symphysis. Then the right hand goes from top to bottom, and the left hand goes from bottom to top.

Chest massage

Chest massage is performed with light stroking movements along the intercostal spaces from the sternum to the armpit.

Back massage

Consists of stroking the baby's back back side palms on both sides of the spine from the buttocks to the head. Then they turn their hands and stroke the back from the head to the buttocks with the palmar surface.

The main signal to stop the procedure is the child’s restless behavior when he begins to whine or cry. Some babies may initially have a negative attitude towards massage, so they need to be accustomed to this procedure gradually. To do this, you can break the lesson into several parts and perform them throughout the day. When the baby gets used to it, the mother will be able to do the entire massage complex at one time.

It is important to remember that for harmonious physical development a child needs not only passive, but also active movements. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement the massage with special gymnastics. A pediatrician or nurse can show the mother simple gymnastics exercises for babies that she can do independently.

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:

Installs and deepens emotional connection between mother and baby. Of course, if she performs the relaxing massage technique herself, and not a professional massage therapist.
It is possible to achieve improved blood circulation, elimination of nervous, hypertonic and hypotonic 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.
Regular massage leads to an increase in protective functions, the immune system begins to work, resisting diseases.

Is there any harm?

Massage can be harmful if any action causes the baby to cry. The baby may not like the actions themselves that cause him pain or the attitude of the person performing the massage towards the process. Therefore, the benefit comes only from a gentle, targeted effect on different parts of the child’s body.

But massage is also harmful when it is done inappropriately or using the wrong technique. When deciding on massage sessions, you should remember that the procedure must be carried out after the doctor's permission. “Amateur activity” here is fraught with unpredictable consequences!

At what age should the procedure be performed?

Your pediatrician will help you correctly answer the question of how many months a newborn can be massaged. It is better to start using a restorative massage at 20 days of age. Until the baby reaches one and a half months, the only movement allowed for use is stroking.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for general baby massage are the presence of:

decreased or increased tone;
increased nervous excitability;
nervous condition, neurological disease;
infantile colic;
flat feet or club feet;
diseases of a cold nature;
hernias;
disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system;
difficulty breathing.

Massage course, how aid, can be included in the complex therapeutic actions prescribed to patients bronchial asthma, pneumonia.

However, you should not massage your baby:

with fever accompanied elevated temperature bodies;
with a runny nose;
for diabetes mellitus;
with a disease accompanied by purulent wounds or pustular skin lesions, any types of rash;
with rickets;
a patient with tuberculosis;
with diseases of the lungs and bones;
with congenital heart disease;
with hepatitis.

Varieties

According to the degree of impact, the method of implementation and the pursued goal, massage is carried out as therapeutic, preventive and therapeutic-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. Each disease uses its own techniques, which differ significantly from each other.
The use of preventive massage is recommended for all newborns, provided there are no contraindications. Preventive massages are carried out mainly by parents, which affects the improvement psychological state baby.

Massaging a newborn

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

The process should begin with the baby's hands. We massage each finger, then unclench our fists and pay attention to relaxing our palms. Smoothly moving to the wrists, we continue to massage, rising higher. In this case, there is no need to massage the armpit.
After the handles, you need to smoothly move to the legs. First, massage each foot, without bypassing any of the toes. Then, with light massaging movements, move from the feet to the groin area. There should be no impact on the knee joints and popliteal area.
Now it’s time for the tummy. You can properly massage a newborn only with the help of stroking, starting from the navel and moving clockwise.
Next, with clasped hands, you need to walk over the baby’s body with sliding movements: with one hand up, the other down. In this case, it is not recommended to touch the genital area.
Massaging the baby's chest begins from the sternum, gradually moving towards the shoulders, then from the sternum towards the sides. In area mammary glands no manipulations are carried out.
After turning the baby onto her tummy, you need to perform a gentle neck massage. At moments when the baby attempts to lift or turn his head, 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 tailbone.
With the baby lying on his left side, walk along the lines near the spine. The movement should begin from the sacrum towards the head. During performance, the child should slightly bend forward. No more manipulations should be done 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 baby’s entire body.

Basic conditions

You can start massage sessions when the baby reaches 20 days of age.
In children under 3 months of age, massaging the fontanel area, popliteal, elbow, axillary areas, as well as the inner thighs is prohibited.
The use of pressure, impact movements, and patting is prohibited.
It is not allowed to massage a baby with long nails. It is recommended to keep your hands free from jewelry to prevent possible damage.
The procedure should be carried out in a room with a temperature of 18–23 degrees.
The baby's body should only be massaged on a prepared changing table or other flat surface. For covering, you can use a blanket, oilcloth or diaper. The width of the surface should be sufficient for the baby to easily turn over.
Massage for infants should take from 10 to 20 minutes. In the future, it is allowed to gradually increase the complexity of the exercises with increasing time intervals.
The procedure should be carried out in right time(1.5-2 hours after feeding).
Before starting the massage, the baby should be suspended in an upright position for some time. This will rid the body of accumulated air and the child will not regurgitate during the procedure.
When 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 child’s hearing and speaking abilities.
To improve the quality of massage, the use of special lubricant is allowed. Allowed to use: grape, apricot, almond oil. If desired, use others liquid means, a preliminary test to detect an allergic reaction is necessary.

Massage techniques

Massage infant carried out using:

Stroking - involves sliding over the surface of the baby's skin, accompanied by pressure of varying strength.
Rubbing is a 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, followed by squeezing or squeezing, turning into rolling. This technique is mainly used by specialists.
Vibrations are the actions of a massage therapist who transmits oscillatory movements of varying amplitude to the child’s body.

Gymnastics for newborns

Gymnastics for infants is one of the ways a newborn can communicate with its parents and establish tactile contact. During classes, the baby feels the mother’s gentle touch, which has a beneficial effect on the child’s development.

In addition, with the help of gymnastics:

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

Equipment by month

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

Up to 4 weeks of age

The following massage techniques are recommended for babies under 1 month:

stroking accompanied by stretching of the body;
gentle kneading of the skin with light friction;
crossing your arms over your chest;
leg spread;
turning the body from the back to the side, then onto the tummy.

For a 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, gluteal areas, feet and fingers.

Massage procedure for 2-month-old babies

The techniques are complemented by neck massage, which helps strengthen the cervical vertebrae:

stroking movements;
exposure to vibration;
working out the spine by lightly massaging the back so that it leads to flexion and arching of the baby’s spine;
massaging the tummy in a circular motion;
stroking the breasts;
rocking the baby in the fetal position.

For 3 month old babies

At this age, a restorative massage for infants helps eliminate muscle tension. The technique consists of stroking, shaking, vibrating, rubbing (without pressure) movements. The usefulness of massage increases by adding gymnastic exercises.

You can clearly see how to massage children 1-3 months old in 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 build your baby’s muscles with:

pinches;
twisting;
felting, when the body is transferred from a lying position to sitting position and vice versa;
techniques for massaging the legs are complemented by bending and leveling;
You can develop motor skills in your baby by allowing him to grasp small objects.

The 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 the facial area and techniques that develop fine motor skills are added. Increased stimulation of the massaged areas is allowed, the result of which is manifested correct formation phasomotor functions, stabilization of muscle tissue and general health improvement.

Turning the baby's body over and changing posture should be accompanied by support for the arms. In order for the child to learn to sit in the prescribed time frame, you can practice the exercise: take the baby by the hands while he is in supine position, slightly pull them up, thereby inviting you to sit down.

For 6 month olds

The use of movements that massage the arms and legs becomes an optional technique. Now attention should be focused on working the back, chest and tummy. The impact of finger massage should occur in game form 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 the child reaches six months of age, a change in massage technique occurs. The number of massage techniques is decreasing, and those used physical activities are becoming more diverse.

Now application massage technicians and exercises are aimed at developing the child’s ability to:

raise the body;
pick up objects of different sizes;
crawl to get to the toys.

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

Slowly and quickly crossing the arms.
Tummy rolls. The baby 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 the back and gluteal areas.
Learning to crawl on knees with straight arms, forming muscles in the back, limbs and shoulders. At the age of 8 months, these exercises are available for the baby to perform independently. At a younger age, you cannot do without support.
Massaging the breasts.
Abdominal massage.
Training the muscles that support the abdominal cavity with squats. At 7 months of age - with support from two handles, at 8 months - with support from one handle.
Bending and straightening the legs.
Raising and lowering straight legs.
Stroking the feet.

Ball

The fitball can be used when the baby reaches the age of 1 month. You should start getting acquainted with the ball by simply lying on it so that the baby can get used to it. Rocking on a fitball has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the vestibular apparatus.

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

At 2 months of age, raising the baby’s legs above the ball, you can swing them in weight. At the same time, the child can come into contact with the fitball with both his stomach and back. To strengthen the muscles of the spine, neck, and 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 swinging 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. The swaying effect positive influence on the development of the hip joints.

Rocking on your tummy Rocking on your side Rocking on your back Leg curl while lying on your back

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

When to contact professional massage therapists?

Unlike a general restorative massage, which a mother can perform 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 who is trained to work with children. But when contacting a massage therapist, do not hesitate to ask about his qualifications. It’s better to clarify this issue before starting work, it’s important!

Indications and contraindications for therapeutic massage

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

malnutrition;
rickets;
muscle hypertonicity;
hallux valgus and flat valgus deformity of the feet;
residual reflex of the newborn;
tremor in various parts of the body;
lesions of the central nervous system;
Cerebral palsy (cerebral palsy).
umbilical hernia;
hip dysplasia;
torticollis;
clubfoot, flat feet, leg deformities;
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 lymph nodes for unknown reasons;
with exacerbation of arthritis, tuberculosis damage to bone tissue and joints;
children suffering from bleeding (for example, caused by hemophilia);
with acute forms of kidney diseases, hepatitis, heart defects, which are in the stage of decompensation (in unstable condition);
for babies with low body weight and very large sizes hernias in the umbilical, inguinal, scrotal and femoral areas.

Massage for colic

Since a colic session usually ends with a bowel movement, you need to be prepared for this moment in advance. You can cover the area under the baby's buttocks with a diaper or use a disposable diaper.

Gas massage has its own characteristics:

It begins with placing the palm of an adult on the baby’s tummy. There should not be strong pressure on the baby's stomach. After several minutes of resting your hands, the abdominal muscles will relax, there will be fewer spasms in the intestines, which will lead to the baby stopping crying.
The movements consist of stroking, periodically replaced by light pressure in the abdominal area.
Touching a newborn should be done using the edge of the hand, which has a semi-bent state.
You can apply pressure only with the pads of your fingers in the lateral areas and under the ribs.
Impact with sharper movements is replaced by stroking techniques.
The use of point or intense movements is prohibited. This can provoke an increase in spasm, which will not benefit the baby. Movements should consist of the simultaneous use of several fingers.
After the muscle warm-up, abdominal work begins. Such actions are aimed at activating the work of the small intestine. The palms should be placed on the tummy, across. Movements performed in both directions begin from the ribs and stop upon contact with the pubic symphysis.
The previous exercise should be replaced by stroking the area with the oblique abdominal muscles with one hand. At this moment, the second hand should be placed on the umbilical area.
As an alternative or additional method 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 functioning of the internal organs.

The main movement in a massage that eliminates colic is stroking with moderate force. It promotes the release of excess gases from the baby's body. With your hands you need to influence the area in the abdomen, where the large intestine is located. If the procedure occurs at the time of the onset of colic, the implementation should be gradual.

Procedure for dacryocystitis

According to the famous pediatrician Komarovsky, the procedure for dacryocystitis should be carried out using gentle and careful 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 done in the area of the corner of the eyes. The movements should begin from the top with the direction down. Regular use of the procedure will save the baby from the disease.

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

Carefully squeeze out the liquid formed in the lacrimal sac.
Under the lower eyelid of the affected eye, drop a warm furatsilin solution at a rate of 1:5000. Using a sterile cotton swab, remove the pus.
Having completed the manipulations, you can proceed to massage 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 film breaks through.

For better effect the course should be carried out within two weeks. It is better to start it when the baby is crying heartbreakingly. At this time, due to the tension of the baby, breaking through the gelatin 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 a tonic massage for a child with an umbilical hernia increases the benefits of general treatment. It is allowed to begin the procedure after three weeks, once the umbilical wound has healed. Sessions can be supplemented with a general massage.

Newborn navel massage:

Using your full palm, you need to stroke the baby's tummy in the navel area. All manipulations with the abdomen should be performed in a clockwise direction. In the opposite direction, 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 disruption increases.
Using an open palm, grab the oblique abdominal muscles starting from the barrels towards the center. Finish the technique by stroking in the opposite direction.
Place the right palm above the navel, the left palm below the umbilical area. Moving your palms towards each other, stroke the skin around the navel.
Using pads index fingers, begin rubbing the oblique muscles, moving from the barrels to the area with the umbilical cavity. The movements made along the oblique muscles should be done in a spiral.
Visually highlighting the line dividing the stomach in half, make indentations on it using the pad of the index finger. This technique will produce an immediate impact: the abdominal muscles will begin to work, caused by its tension. The regularity of performing these actions will result in strengthening the baby’s muscular frame.
Index finger perform indentation of the hernia. Movements should be light, effortless. Repeat - 20 times.

Instructions for DTS

Massage for hip dysplasia should be performed 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 is a big burden for a baby, the rest between courses should be at least 1–1.5 months.

Massage for DTS, covering the entire joint, should be done with the baby in a supine position. But you can lay him on his back and massage the front surface of the thighs, and turn the baby over onto his stomach and work on the back surface.

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

Stroking, when movements are carried out with hands tightly adjacent to hip joint. Moderate pressure is allowed, at which the skin under the hands does not shift, but slides under them.
Use your thumb and index finger, or your entire palm, to make spiral movements. Prohibited touching inner surface thighs (in close proximity to the genitals). Stroking should be carried out for 3-5 minutes, which should be completed by rubbing. The pressure should be stronger than when stroking; the hands do not slide over the skin, but displace it.
For affected joints, rubbing is especially useful. It is best to do it using your fingertips for deep penetration into the muscles. The duration of use of the technique is 10 minutes.
In addition, movements that rub the lumbar region, buttocks and feet are also useful for better blood circulation.

Procedure for tone in infants

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

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

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

Massage for newborns with hypertonicity

Breeding the baby's hands in different sides, followed by crossing them on the chest.
Alternating raising of handles, imitation of a mill.
Moving the baby's hips to the sides.
Rotation of the baby's hips along a semicircle trajectory, with their further return to their place.
Performing the “little book” exercise, when the child’s legs are bent and held, from the inside with the thumb, and from the outside with the remaining fingers. Next comes the simultaneous spreading of the legs to the sides, imitating the opening and closing of a book.
The gymnastics continues by lightly massaging the baby’s palms, for which, opening the fist, you need to stroke inner side pens.
Then the baby’s feet are massaged: using the thumb, the number 8 is drawn, starting from the toes to the heel, and in the opposite direction. The correctness of the massage will be indicated by the toddler’s fingers squeezing and unclenching.
After this, the baby should be placed on his tummy to stroke his back, starting from the base of his neck.
Having turned the child onto his tummy, stroke his back in a clockwise direction.
The session ends with stroking the baby's arms and legs, starting from the outside of the fingers and going up.

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

Massage for a baby with hypotension

For a child with hypotension, massage helps to activate and stimulate the muscles. Main feature techniques are movements performed: from the periphery, directed to the central part of the body.

The session contains the following manipulations:

The child lies with his back down. Place your finger in the baby's palm. Holding it, walk along the handle with stroking movements, starting from the wrist and ending with the shoulder. Using kneading movements, massage the skin without touching the joint area. Repeat - 3 times.
Supporting the back of the baby's head, try to push his head with your palm so that it leans toward the chest. Repeat – 10 times.
Using your fingers in circular movements, massage the baby's upper body. The procedure should begin from the shoulder area and end by reaching the middle of the chest. Repeat - 3 times.
By using thumbs press on the back of the toddler lying on his stomach, while moving from the gluteal area to the neck. Holding the back of the baby, bend one leg at the knee so that the angle is 90 degrees. Massage using kneading movements. Repeat - 3 times.
To combat hypotension in the baby’s back, bend one of his legs at the knee, hug the other with your hand, and stretch the muscles in the lower leg. Using kneading movements, starting from the heels and moving to the tips of the fingers, work out the baby’s feet.

Massage for infants with low tone should last 15 minutes. It should be started and completed with stroking movements. There is no need to allow the toddler to become overtired, otherwise you may end up with the exact opposite result.

Massage for children with uneven tone

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

To do this you need:

Identify the area suffering from increased and decreased muscle tension.
In certain areas with hypotonicity, you should use relaxing manipulations: stroking, light rubbing, rocking movements.
Areas with weak muscles are worked out using: clapping, chopping movements, rolls made by the phalanges of the fingers.

Massage for children whose muscles are susceptible to both hypertonicity and hypotonicity is prescribed individually, after determining which areas are in a relaxed state and where there is tension.

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, and more often than not, little ones react to other people’s touches and become hysterical, parents question the feasibility for the baby. Some people prefer to learn basic massage skills in order to avoid stress in the baby and maintain it on their own. Does a baby need a massage, at what age can it be performed, and how to do it correctly - you will find answers to these and other questions in our article.

Why do massage for babies and how is it useful?

Massage is recommended for all newborns because it:

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

If the massage is performed by the mother, then the procedure is also an excellent way for her to communicate with the baby.

Did you know? Massage is one of the most ancient medical procedures. The massaging process was captured in images in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian dignitary and great sage Ptahhotep, who lived in the 25th–24th centuries BC. e.

Touching the baby from someone else's hands may not please him and provoke stressful situations. When a child experiences stress, the level of cortisol increases significantly. This hormone can significantly slow down all processes in a child’s body and have a detrimental effect on the immune system and nervous system. Therefore, it is important that the massage is performed by a loved one.

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

When can you start doing massage?

Of course, every parent of a recently born baby is interested in how many months a newborn can be given a massage. For a healthy baby born on time, massage treatments can begin when he reaches five to six weeks. However, it is important to ask your pediatrician whether your child is ready for stroking and kneading during his next scheduled appointment.
The same applies to premature babies. Typically, a massage is recommended for such a baby when he reaches a body weight of 2.5 kg. Permission to perform massage must be given by a pediatrician, neurologist and orthopedist.

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

When not to do it: contraindications

So, any mother, after permission from the pediatrician and neurologist, can give her newborn child a massage consisting of simple 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 blisters to burst and thus provoke the spread of infection;
rashes on the skin - additional manual pressure on the affected areas can lead to pain and further damage to the skin;
congenital heart disease (CHD) - a massage procedure, which represents an additional burden on a small body, can worsen the patient’s condition;
blood diseases - massaging can provoke internal hemorrhages under the skin;
convulsions - effects on the body can provoke seizures;
acute stage - rest is recommended for the baby at this time, and massage will excite him;
large - possible infringement.

Important! Parents can only perform restorative massage on their own. If therapeutic massage procedures are indicated for your baby, they can only be performed by a qualified medical professional..

How to prepare for the procedure

The massage procedure is best carried out in the morning, between the first and second. Since the thermoregulation of infants is not yet fully established, it is necessary to create for the session comfortable conditions, 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. Optimal temperature indoor air is considered to be +20-22 °C. Some time before the session, the room must be ventilated.

It is good to carry out the procedure on. In the absence of one, any one will do, you need to cover it with a soft and warm one, under which you put a blanket.
You should worry in advance about purchasing a special massage oil for babies.

You need to start the procedure only in a good mood. Remember that even stupid little ones can clearly read the mood of their parents, especially their mother. This means that if she is irritated, or her head is filled with thoughts about some problem, the baby will be uncomfortable, and he will let you know about it by crying and dissatisfaction.

You can choose some cheerful, quiet music. During the session, turn it on and sing along.

Before the procedure, you should 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 it to 15-20 minutes.

How to do a massage: technique

In order to learn how to perform massage independently, parents can contact a visiting nurse or pediatrician during the examination of the baby so that he can show how to do it correctly.
It would be nice if the first procedure was supervised by a medical professional.

Eat two steps who can easily and special knowledge use all parents:

stroking;
trituration.

Backs

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

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

Belly

The baby will probably enjoy light circular stroking around. It is important to know that this manipulation should be carried out strictly clockwise. It is carried out with the aim of relaxing the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and improving intestinal motility. In this case, strong pressure should be avoided.

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

Also on the stomach, you can make oblique strokes 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

A neck massage is performed during a back massage. The neck is gently stroked with the inside of the hand, moving from the head to the buttocks. Under no circumstances should you put pressure on the neck or make sudden jerks.

Your baby will enjoy lightly stroking his face. Mom can gently touch the eyebrows, temples, and forehead with her fingertips. Then stroke the cheeks in the direction of the ears. Rub your ears lightly.

You can stroke it gently, but avoid touching the area.

Hand

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

After the hand, you need to start massaging the hand, while the mother puts her thumb in the baby’s hand, which he clasps forcefully. Stroking passes along the inner part of the forearm, and then along the outer part.

From the hands you need to go back to the palms. This time, grind them. Then start rubbing each finger. Complete the massage by rubbing your forearms and shoulders.

Legs and feet

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

Leg massage is carried out by stroking from the foot to the groin area. The knee joints are bypassed in this case. The legs are in a slightly bent state.

After stroking, you can move on to rubbing. They are carried out 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.

For parents who decide to carry out massage treatments on their own, we offer several useful tips,how to massage babies:

The procedure must be carried out only on a flat, hard surface, preferably on a table covered with something soft, for example, a rug or blanket. , sofa, chair are not suitable for this purpose. On a soft, springy surface it will not be possible to achieve the necessary emphasis and pressure.
In order for a child to be comfortable and to be in a good mood, it is necessary that he does not feel hungry, does not feel cold, and does not want to sleep. Therefore, the optimal time for a 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 cause pain to the baby.
If the baby is not in a good mood and is capricious, then it is better to postpone the procedure to another time or another day.
If your baby has a negative attitude towards manipulation of his body, you can try to gradually accustom him by performing various techniques throughout the day.
During the massage, you need to constantly talk to the baby, praise him, sing him songs, etc.
Experts advise starting the massage with 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.
For up to three months, massage is carried out with only one hand. Upon reaching this age, you can use your second hand.
Should not be massaged inner part thighs, since there are many nerve endings in this area, as well as the front surface of the lower leg due to the skin being too thin.
Jogging movements are prohibited in the area of the knee joints.
In the abdominal area, the taboo for touching is the right hypochondrium. The liver is located here, touching it can provoke a poor condition of the baby.
Taboos for massage - genitals, nipples, navel, fontanel.
Start and end the procedure with stroking.

Important! If mom or dad do not have medical knowledge, then they should not perform complex massage techniques so as not to harm the child’s health.

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