6 massage points to relax your baby

Babies love massages just like we do, but how do they like it? Here are a few tips for you to try.

Massaging is a great way to relieve muscle tension. It's not only adults who enjoy a massage – babies are a big fan as well. A massage can help stimulate the brain development and make them happy. When the mother becomes the baby's masseuse, it is a great bonding experience as well. Babi Mild has some tips to share about six massage points to help your baby relax and develop.

Facial massage
Massaging the baby's face can stimulate the sucking and swallowing skills, as well as reduce the teething pain for your baby. Place the thumbs on both hands above the upper lip and rub outward to the edges of the mouth. Repeat five times and do the same thing under the lower lip. Then, use your middle fingers to gently rub the lips in circular motions, starting from the outer edge of the lips, upward to the upper lip, and down to the lower lip until you come back to the starting point.

Chest massage
Massaging the chest can stimulate the lungs and heart, so that your baby can breathe easily. Place your hands on the baby's chest, and massage outward following the ribcage, from top to bottom. The motion should look like drawing a heart shape on the baby's chest.

Belly massage
Belly massage helps stimulate the food tract and activate the muscles in the digestive system. Gently rub from the chest down to the abdomen in an I line, and sideways to make an L shape. Drum the fingers lightly upward. Repeat the same steps on another side, five times in total. Finish this massage by bringing the ankles together. This massage can help the stomach relax.

Arm and hand massage
This massage will help relieve the muscles around the arms and hands, while stimulating the blood circulation. Lift your baby's wrists above its head and massage the underarm areas, where lymphatic glands are. Work on one side at a time, using circular motions from the armpit to the wrist. Finish by pressing the baby's hand gently, and repeat on the other side.

Leg and foot massage
This is quite similar to the arm and hand massage. The legs and feet are very important because your baby will rely on them when he starts standing and walking. Stimulating the feet will help prepare your baby for his first steps, and help him relax. Start on one side by lifting one leg up, and massage in circular motions from the thigh down to the ankle and the Achilles tendon. Repeat on the other side.

Back massage
This is a favorite for many babies, because it just feels so good. Place your baby on his tummy and gently use your right hand to rub inward to the spine, and left hand from the spine outward. Alternate moves until you reach the bottom, and work your way up to the top again. Next, gently rub the spine from the neck down to the bottom.

Tips:
• A massage is a great bonding experience. Be sure to look into your baby's eyes and talk to your baby, using gentle voice, to make your baby relax and feel the love from you.
• You can put on relaxing music to set the atmosphere during the massage.
• Use baby oil when you give your baby a massage so that you don't irritate the baby's skin.
• Massage your baby once or twice a week. Avoid giving a massage right after a meal because your baby might feel too full. The best time is after a bath.