Baby massage for colic doesn’t just help your little one to get some relief from wind. It’s also a unique bonding method for you and your baby. These tips can help you get started and get the most out of baby massage.
First Steps
One of the first things you should do is to consult your little one’s doctor before you introduce any sort of complementary therapy. Baby massage is generally safe, but it can help to put your mind at rest to speak with the doctor.
You’ll also need to decide on an oil, lotion or cream to use for the massage. You can find products that have been specifically designed for baby massage. It can help to warm the product up in your hands before touching your baby.
Some babies respond better to baby massage at certain times of the day. Some prefer a morning massage, while others like theirs before bed. If you’re using baby massage for colic, it can be a good idea to implement a basic massage either in the morning or evening first. This allows your little one to get used to being massaged. If your baby is stiff, or distressed, stop the massage, and try again a little later on. In the case of massage for colic, always try to leave it until at least 45 minutes after a feed.
How To Give Your Baby A Massage For Colic
Baby massage for colic is about trying to move the gas and relieve your little one’s discomfort. Start with stomach strokes. Most of the suggested movements begin on the lower right belly, which is where the large intestine begins, and end on the lower left of the belly. As you’re looking at your baby, you will be moving from your left to your right. You can try some of these movements to ease your baby’s colic.
Clock – Imagine a clock on your baby’s stomach. Start with your hands at 7 or 8 O’clock, and then move from your left to your right, using a gentle pressing motion. Slide your hands in a clockwise motion.
Paddling – Use the length of the side of your hand. Gently press your hands horizontally on your baby’s belly, press in slightly near the ribcage, and slide down.
Fulling – Put your thumbs on your little one’s stomach, just above the belly button. Slide your thumbs away from each other while applying a gentle pressure.
ILY – Start on your left, slightly across from the belly button, and trace the letter I. From the end of the I, moving sideways trace the letter L. Trace the letter U from your baby’s left lower stomach, move upwards, and across slightly above the belly button, and move down to the lower right side of the stomach.
Walking – Start above the belly button, and walk your finger across the torso, using a gentle pressure.
