Massage, a source of well-being
How to massage your baby
Massage is different from stroking: your touch should be warm and soft, but firm, creating pressure that is both stimulating and reassuring for the baby.
• Step 1
Gently massage your baby’s shoulders starting from the neck, then go down their arms without forgetting the hands and fingers.
• Step 2
With your hands flat, massage the chest and stomach, using clockwise circular movements. Do not press; the weight of your hands will be enough.
Place your hand across their chest and descend gently, then do the same with the other hand.
• Step 3
Take your baby’s foot in one hand, and with the other hand massage from the calf up to the thigh and then the hip.
• Step 4
Place their foot between your hands and gently massage from the toes to the heel. Go back up to the toes and massage one by one, stretching them gently upwards all at the same time.
• Step 5
Massage your baby’s hands with gentle, circular movements in the palm of the hand, then gently stretch each of their fingers.
Take a look at the video to find out more about massage techniques.