Massage for children under one year old: basic rules

The most important thing in the life of every parent is the health of their children. Much depends on the parents themselves: how responsibly the parents approach the issue of the child’s health will determine their future life and well-being. According to many experts, the first year of life is very important. This time is significant - what the parents instill in the child at this stage of life is how he will move along the entire path of life.

Regular activities with a child, regardless of whether he is healthy or with any disabilities, will only benefit the baby. Massage for children under one year of age is one of the regular activities and is quite important.

It is recommended to start performing procedures at the age of 1.5 – 2 months. In any case, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary before performing it.

With the help of a properly performed massage, the baby will be ahead of his peers in development and will also have good health. There have also been cases in which children with quite serious illnesses miraculously recovered. Don't waste precious time; massage children under 1 year of age right now.

The healing properties of baby massage

Massage for children under 1 year of age should be divided into three groups:

1. prophylactic;
2. correctional;
3. medicinal;

Through preventive massage, you can completely tune the child’s body to the correct development of the body. Preventive procedures can be performed independently or by seeking help from a specialist. It is recommended to start performing procedures at the age of 1.5 – 2 months. In any case, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary before performing it.

As for therapeutic and corrective massage, only a doctor prescribes it. Depending on what abnormalities were identified in the child, appropriate appointments are prescribed. Don’t be shy when visiting a doctor; ask all the questions that interest you and everything that worries you, as well as your child. The diagnosis will be made faster and more accurately depending on how accurate and detailed your story is. If at any point you stop trusting your doctor, contact another specialist. The life and health of a child is not worth risking.

In the first year of life, a child may develop the following problems: diseases of the musculoskeletal system, various therapeutic diseases, diseases of the central nervous system, as well as problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Remember, consultation with a specialist in this field is required.

Basic rules

If you decide to carry out the procedure yourself, you should pay attention to several important and basic rules.

1. The child must be in a good mood and not be capricious. If the child’s mood has deteriorated, reschedule the procedure for the next time.
2. Remember, it is best to massage one hour before feeding and 40 minutes after it.
3. You should also be in a good mood, be affectionate and friendly to the child.
4. Your hands must be clean, without unnecessary decorations, without long nails.
5. If there is no need to use cream or oil, do not use them so as not to cause an allergy.
6. The room in which the massage is performed must be ventilated and well lit.
7. The massage area should be on a hard surface.
8. All movements should be smooth, gentle and careful. No sudden movements.
9. It is not recommended to massage before bedtime.

In addition to all the health benefits, the baby should enjoy positive emotions during the massage.

Technique for restorative baby massage up to one year

Before you start performing massage for newborns, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic technique of performing the techniques. Make sure that the first sessions take no more than 5 minutes. Over time, you can increase the time, reaching 15 minutes. But still, each baby is individual, and if he begins to act up, you should refuse the session.

Four basic techniques are performed: stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration.

All exercises performed should be smooth, gentle and soft. No sudden movements.

The main rule is that all movements must be performed towards the center, i.e. from elbow to shoulder, from heels to knee.

Four basic techniques are performed: stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration. About each in more detail.

Stroking

This technique can be used literally from the first days of a baby’s life. Warm and gentle touches have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. In the first three months, stroking is used exclusively. In the future, this type of technique can be used to complete subsequent techniques and be used between kneading and vibration. Gentle stroking serves as a kind of preparatory process for further manipulations.

Trituration

This technique is recommended for use when the baby is 3 months old. Rubbing is performed with more intense but gentle movements. The technique is performed with rubbing movements, not stretching. Rubbing is performed using the thumb or the base of the palm.

Kneading

The kneading technique is performed with energetic but gentle movements. Remember that baby's skin is very sensitive and delicate. Through this technique, the child’s muscles are affected. The first sessions will be unpleasant for the baby. You can distract your child with a bright toy, talk to him. Subsequently, he will get used to massage sessions. You should start with a few minutes, gradually increasing the time. The technique is performed using the fingertips, gently pinching the skin.

Vibration

Vibration is received using the fingertips and the edge of the palm. Soft tapping and tapping are performed. Strong pressure is prohibited. As a rule, vibration is used for back and chest massage.

Basic techniques for baby massage up to one year old

The child develops gradually. The preparatory process for certain periods is of great importance. With the help of a massage for a certain age, you can perfectly prepare your baby’s muscles for the upcoming loads. That is why we recommend using a certain technique suitable for a certain age of the baby.

Baby massage up to one year old will perfectly prepare the baby's muscles for the upcoming loads.

Massage for 1-3 month old baby

Massage for a 1 month old baby is practically no different from massage for a 2 month old baby. Massage for a 3-month-old baby is aimed at maximally adapting the child to the world around him. At this age, stroking is used.

1. It's worth starting with your hands. First, we place the child on his back and begin to perform stroking movements. Movements are performed strictly from hand to elbow, from elbow to shoulder.
2. Let's move on to the legs. The child still lies on his back. The massage is performed over the entire surface of the thigh, with the exception of the knee area and the front of the lower leg. Foot massage is performed with the thumb in a circular motion.
3. Breast massage is performed from the middle to the sides, gradually going down to the stomach. Here circular movements are performed clockwise. They are also useful and effective for abdominal pain.
4. Afterwards you can move on to a back massage. To do this, stroke from bottom to top, alternately changing your palm and the back of your hand. Five repetitions for each technique will be enough.

We recommend reading more detailed information on how to properly massage a 3-month-old baby.

Massage for a 4 month old baby

As a rule, at this age the baby should hold his head well while lying on his stomach. Massage for infants in the form of rubbing will be an excellent preparatory basis for the muscles. Remember, each procedure begins and ends with stroking.

1. We also start with our hands. To do this, you need to grab the child’s wrist with your thumb and middle finger and move towards the elbow, and from the elbow to the shoulder. Movements should be smooth and twisting. First, massage one hand in this way, then the other, and proceed to massage your legs in the same way.
2. Foot massage is performed in a circular motion using the thumb from the heel to the toes. You can add light tapping to the main technique.
3. Breast massage is performed very carefully and energetically. You need to move from the middle of the chest to the edge. Under no circumstances should you press. “Draw” circles clockwise.
4. Rubbing the back and buttocks is performed using the pads of bent fingers. The hands should move one by one, moving the skin up and down.

Massage for a 5-6 month old baby

As a rule, at this age babies roll over onto their tummy. Therefore, the abdominal and back muscles must be well prepared. The kneading technique is added to the basic techniques. This means that all exercises are performed according to plan, only after rubbing is kneading added.

Massage techniques for a 4 month old baby are similar to those for a 6 month old baby.

1. Foot massage is performed by kneading. Don't forget, all exercises are soft, neat and gentle.
2. Abdominal massage is complemented by a new technique - pinching around the navel. With this technique you can strengthen your abdominal muscles well. The child will get great pleasure from this.
3. Massage of the back and buttocks is also added with a new technique - sawing. Sawing is performed using the edge of the palm, moving up and down. Finish the massage with light stroking.

Massage for a 6-12 month old baby

Massage for a 6-month-old child is performed using identical techniques as massage for a 4-month-old child. With age, you can increase the time of massage. It is better to start performing massage from the very birth of the baby, after consulting with your doctor. You can start acupressure for children at this age.

Contraindications

Before you begin the procedure, be sure to consult your pediatrician. If your doctor has identified the following diseases, you should not perform the procedure.

1. Acute febrile illnesses;
2. Inflammatory lesions of the skin;
3. Diseases accompanied by bone pain;
4. Acute forms of arthritis, nephritis;
5. Congenital heart defect;
6. Prolapse of abdominal organs;

Video instruction-lesson

You can learn more about the massage by watching the video presented.

With the help of massage, you can protect your child from many diseases for up to a year. But, do not forget about the mandatory consultation with a doctor. The health of your child is in your hands.