| | Baby Massage | Baby Massage TISSERAND AROMATHERAPY
BabyBLISS - for baby and you
'Here's Health' Natural Health Awards 2003 WINNER
"INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN ARE
GIFTS OF PURE, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
SHARING MASSAGE WITH THEM ALLOWS US
TO TAP INTO THIS LOVE AND, IN TURN,
REFLECT IT BACK TO THEM"
-ELLEY LEDUC-
From birth, touch is the main means of communication. During the early months of life, physical contact provides a continuity of the experience in the womb, allowing your baby to adjust to their new environment.
Touch helps strengthen the bond between you and your child, making them feel safe, secure and loved.
Massage, an ancient multi-cultural tradition, can be wonderful for your baby and you. It promotes physical well-being and aids development.
Massaged babies are more alert when awake and easier to relax when tired and fractious.
Infant massage aids digestion and elimination, soothes teething discomfort and encourages muscular coordination, mobility and suppleness. Perhaps more importantly, it provides affectionate expression and strengthens the loving bond, helping your baby to thrive.
Most babies enjoy the experience of massage, and you will soon find out which massage movements your baby likes best. For young babies, around 5 minutes of slow, soothing strokes will be sufficient - from three months your baby may enjoy up to 10 minutes. Use gentle, caressing moves and do not apply pressure.
As a parent you will be aware of baby's cues and responses - you will know when massage is being enjoyed and when baby has had enough.
SHARING PLEASURABLE MASSAGE WITH YOU AND YOUR BABY
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you will need - your massage oil or lotion, a soft towel or mat placed on the floor or changing table, nappies, wipes and fresh clothes.
Ensure that the room is warm and free of draught, and free of distractions such as the television, telephone or bright lights.
Choose a time that feels right for both your baby and you, and when you have some energy to give!
If your baby is naked, make sure they are warm - a light blanket can be placed over the areas of the body not being massaged. For comfort and security, surround baby with pillows. Sit comfortably, supported by cushions if you feel the need, making sure you can move easily. As babies respond to tension, take a few moments to let go of any anxiety.
Before starting massage, rub a small amount of oil or lotion between your hands to warm it. At least to begin with, baby will feel more secure lying on their back, but as baby becomes more familiar with the moves, you might like to lie them on their tummy.
Here are some recommended baby massage moves, all of which you could repeat several times. You only need to spend a minute or two on each move, but remember to massage both sides of baby's body equally.
Legs
Legs are a good place to start. Supporting the ankle with one hand, use the other hand to gently sweep up slowly to the top of the leg, until you reach baby's thigh. Return by sweeping down the outside of the leg.
Feet
Babies generally love their feet being touched, so start by supporting the ankle with both hands and stroke the top of the foot using alternate thumbs. Then stroke the sole of the foot, again using alternate thumbs. Conclude by gently squeezing each toe with thumb and first finger.
Tummy
So that you retain full contact while massaging, either hold your baby's hand or gently lay a hand on their thigh. Using the fingertips of your other hand, lightly massage around the naval - using circular movements in a clockwise direction. This can aid digestion and help relieve wind.
Arms
Holding your baby's hand for support, use your other hand to slide up over the arm to the shoulder. Circle around the shoulder and return down the back of baby's arm.
Hands
Use both hands to hold baby's hand. Stroke the back of their hand, using alternate thumbs. Turn their hand over. Then, also using alternate thumbs, stroke the palm of their hand. Finish by gently squeezing each finger.
Back
For this move, your baby needs to be lying on their tummy. Stroke up baby's back, using both hands together. Then, using relaxed cupped hands, return down the back, gently patting from the shoulders downwards.
To finish
Wipe off any excess oil and dress baby.
Pointers
·Use all your sense to be aware of your baby's responses
·Keep your hands relaxed and massage gently
·Use more oil or lotion as necessary
·You may want to gently talk, sing or just be quiet while massaging
·You do not have to complete all of the routine - you can stop at any time and continue where you left off at another time
·Don't massage if baby has a high temperature
·After immunisations, avoid the site of injection for three days
TISSERAND AND BABY BLISS PRODUCTS
All of the products in the Baby Bliss range are designed to be enjoyed by both baby and you. Tested by dermatologists, none of the products contain any synthetic fragrance, mineral oil or liquid paraffin.
All the Baby Bliss products contain a soothing, aromatherapeutic and totally natural fragrance formulated by Robert Tisserand, based on lavender and sweet orange oils, present at low, baby-friendly levels. With the exception of the Nursery Oil for vaporisation, all products in the baby range contain Monoi de Tahiti (Tahitian Gardenia flowers infused in Coconut oil). This wonderfully softening oil, traditionally used for massaging Tahitian babies, will help maintain the softness of your baby's precious skin.
Soft touch massage oil
Let your baby enjoy your nurturing touch with this light, moisture-retaining oil. Virtually non-greasy, it contains skin friendly plant oils including Borage, Sunflower Seed and Jojoba.
Gentle cleansing bar
To freshen baby's delicate skin without stripping away their natural skin oils. Contains organic extracts of soothing Calendula, Chamomile and Mallow. Will leave your baby's skin totally kissable.
Gently foaming bath wash
Enjoy bathtime together without tears. Contains organic extracts of soothing Calendula, Chamomile, and Mallow. For clean, delicious smelling skin, add a capful to warm water and swoosh about.
Soft soothing lotion
Help baby to relax and nourish their tender skin. Contains softening Borage oil and organic extracts of Calendula, Chamomile and Mallow. For soothed, delicately scented skin.
Nursery oil for vaporisation
For ultimate baby rest and relaxation, this specially blended oil with soothe and comfort restless little ones. Add 1-3 drops to your favourite electrical vaporiser and use for up to an hour at a time.
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