At this age, the child is fully prepared for massage. Therefore, you can perform all the techniques. You can refuse to massage your legs and arms and increase the time for massaging your tummy, back and chest. The main goal of massage and additional exercises is to diversify the baby’s movements and teach him to be independent.
A set of activities for a child from 9 to 12 months
Massage for a child from 9 to 12 months includes a variety of techniques. We begin the set of classes with the “Boxing” arm exercise. It is recommended to perform it 5-6 times with each hand.
Exercise "Boxing"
Next, we move on to alternate flexion and extension of the legs. You need to bend each leg at least 4 times.
Leg flexion-extension
Now you need to perform several turns from back to stomach on each side.
Turn from back to stomach
Then we proceed to massage the back and buttocks. We start by lightly stroking the entire surface of the back and buttocks. We perform 2-3 strokes. Next, you need to rub with your fingertips. Then stroking again. Afterwards you need to lightly pinch the gluteal muscles.
Back and buttock massage
We place the baby on his tummy. We perform the “lifting” technique 1-2 times.
This is followed by an abdominal massage. Abdominal massage consists of several points: circular stroking, stroking the oblique abdominal muscles and rubbing with fingertips. Then you need to perform a light pinching around the navel. Then perform light stroking again.
Abdominal massage
Then we straighten the child’s legs and lift them several times.
Lifting with straight legs
Let's start massaging the chest. For breast massage, two techniques are used: stroking and vibration. Each technique must be performed 2 times.
Breast massage should begin and end with light stroking
Next, you need to perform circular movements with your hands. Repeat 5 times.
Circular movements with hands
At this age, the baby does not yet know how to speak, but he already understands everything. Accompany each technique with verbal instructions. You can distract your child with your favorite toys and accompany the massage with gentle words and gentle songs. Baby massage will actively help the child grow and adapt to the outside world.