What massage is needed for infants
Usually parents decide to massage their baby if there are certain reasons for it. In most cases, it is necessary for children who have developmental problems.
When massaging a 3-month-old baby, stroking and rubbing techniques are used. Photo: Getty Depending on this, the type of massage may change:
- At the age of 3 months, the baby should be able to keephead. In some children, this skill develops slowly. This is often seen in premature babies, as well as weakly gaining weight. If the neck muscles are poorly developed, the child should be spread more often on the tummy and perform a massage in the shoulder area.
- In children, the increased tonus of flexor muscles of the arms and legs disappears. It is necessary to carry out exercises during which these muscles are strengthened. In this case, the feet and hands are massaged along the entire length.
- If the baby is bloated, a special tummy massage is required.
The main methods that are used formassage at this age - vibration, shaking, stroking and rubbing. Massaging movements are performed with the fingertips. Before each session, stroking is used to relax the muscles and calm the child's nervous system.
How to make a general massage correctly
Each part of the baby's body must be massaged taking into account certain requirements:
- The hand massage begins with light stroking,gradually introducing rubbing, and then - gentle shaking. It is imperative to knead the palms and fingers. After all, there are many points here that stimulate the activity of the internal organs.
- For the tummy, the massage is clockwise. You can also gently squeeze the little finger into the navel and pull the skin around it to prevent a hernia.
- In order to prevent swelling and constipation, the baby's legs are bent at the knees, pressing them to the tummy.
- Foot massage is performed by the same methods as the hands. Also, special attention should be given to the fingers and feet.
- The back is massaged by stroking from the bottom up. Then more intensive kneading movements are used.
You can also use other massage options, butnecessarily taking into account the age characteristics of the baby. Before starting the procedures, you should consult a pediatrician. The doctor can advise which techniques are suitable for a particular child.
