When should you massage a newborn? General and professional massage for newborns. Techniques and techniques

Almost everyone knows that a properly performed massage always has health benefits. However, with babies, questions often arise about when to start massaging a newborn and what is the best place to start. The answer is very simple - it can be done to a child almost from the first weeks of life. The procedure just requires some preparation: if you master a few simple techniques, Mom can handle it on her own.

First of all, we must immediately make it clear that different types massages differ greatly from each other in their purpose and technique.

1. Therapeutic massage is intended for purely medical purposes - the effect is on certain areas. In this case, the procedure is always carried out in combination with other therapeutic measures - medications, physiotherapy sessions, etc. In this case, only a specialist can massage a newborn.
2. Preventative care serves as a general health measure and is carried out for all babies almost from the first week of life. Mom can handle it too if she masters a few simple hand movements.

The benefits of the procedure for the child’s health are obvious - after all, he was in the womb for a long time and now needs the rapid and full development of his entire body.

Thanks to massage, there is a healing effect on the body as a whole, which is manifested in the following:

• optimization of blood flow to different organs, body parts and tissues;
• maintaining healthy muscle and vascular tone;
• stabilization nervous system and the baby’s behavior: he becomes calmer, sleep is strengthened due to the relaxing effect of the massage, also due to the fact that as a result of such influences the production of the stress hormone - cortisol - is reduced;
• the general healing effect is also manifested in increasing immunity and strengthening the general condition of the child’s body;
• finally, due to irritation of nerve endings on the surface of the body, rapid development of the nervous system and the newborn’s body as a whole occurs.

PLEASE NOTE – The benefits of massage are maximized only if the correct mode(duration, interval) and the procedure technique itself. Therefore, if the mother does not have the appropriate skills, she should consult with a nurse and doctor, and then try to massage the baby herself.

For medicinal purposes, massage to a newborn is indicated for a number of diseases:

• various nervous system disorders;
• reduced or increased tone muscles;
• curvature of the legs (X-type and O-type);
• hip pathologies: congenital dislocations, semi-dislocations;
• hip dysplasia;
• chest deformities;
• torticollis;
• tremor;
• scoliosis;
• flat feet.

At the same time, there are a number of diseases and painful conditions of the child in which massage should not be done unless the procedure is first agreed upon with a doctor:

• ARVI and other infectious diseases;
• rickets;
• with caution - in case of congenital heart defects;
• umbilical and inguinal hernias;
• stomach and intestinal disorders;
• skin suppuration, rashes and inflammation.

In fact, any painful condition of the baby is a signal that you should not take risks and do a massage. However, in the case of chronic diseases, there is no need to refuse the procedure - just in such situations, special exercises and a gentle regimen are required, which the doctor will tell you in detail.

In other cases, the procedure is suitable for children of almost any age. Most often, when asked at what age massage procedures can be performed, doctors answer: after 1 month of life, all infants are entitled to daily preventive massage. Detailed description The corresponding execution techniques are given in the corresponding section.

How to massage a baby directly depends on his age.

It is important to note that before any session you should do a little preparation:

1. The room should have comfortable temperature.
2. For the child, you need to prepare a flat and soft surface on which to place a diaper or blanket.
3. Hands should be clean, nails should be trimmed as much as possible. You should also remove all jewelry, watches, etc.

It is important to correctly determine the time when you can start doing massage.

There are some useful tips on this matter:

• The optimal time is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., i.e. It is better not to perform a session in the evening and especially at night;
• if the baby looks tired or sleepy, the procedure should be postponed;
• Finally, an important condition when you can do a massage is eating: you can start the session at least an hour after eating.

NOTE

Before and during the procedure, you should continuously monitor the baby’s behavior: if he likes it, doesn’t cry or is capricious, then everything is fine. If you look lethargic and cry during the massage, you should reschedule it.

Conventionally, there are 4 periods of life one year old child: up to 3 months, up to 6, up to 9 and up to 12. In each of these periods, the massage technique will be different: gradually the movements become more complicated and become more varied. In general, the procedure is repeated daily (once) every third month: i.e. There are 4 such cycles per year.

From 1 to 3 months

If we talk about how to massage a baby in the very first months, then the main thing here is to follow a gentle regime: all movements should be extremely careful, soft and the child likes it.

The first sessions are essentially not a massage, but stroking different parts of the body without much pressure: the back, abdomen, arms, legs, all fingers. The nature of the movements depends on the area being massaged:

1. Palms and heels, feet are stroked and gently kneaded.
2. The tummy is massaged in a clockwise circular motion.
3. Back - light movements on the right and left sides of the spine (at least 1 cm).

The duration of the session is short - from 5 to 10 minutes. In this case, you should not touch the areas of the heart, liver, armpits and below the knees.

The duration of the procedure gradually increases to 20-30 minutes.

At this time, a number of others are added to the actions already described:

1. First, they stroke the arms, legs and fingers; You can gently rub all areas. The armpits, under the knees, and inner thighs are not affected.
2. The tummy is again stroked clockwise, and direct upward and downward movements are also made to the groin area and back.
3. You can only stroke the chest in the area of ​​the shoulders and sides.
4. The neck is massaged with very light movements only in a lying position.
5. The back is stroked with the pad of the palm along the vertebra (but not along the spine itself). If the baby is lying on his side, you can move your fingertip along the spine along the entire column.
6. It is very important to teach the child to grab his mother’s finger so that he can hold on to it tightly and rise, stretching out.
7. You can also take your baby by the armpits and lean forward slightly, making sure that he learns to lean on his feet and take small steps.
8. You can do a slight tilt upside down (no more than 30 degrees) so that the blood flows slightly to the head, but if the child cries, you should not repeat the exercise.

At this time, the exercise complex begins to get used to - all exercises are done when the baby lies on his back:

• the handles need to be moved apart and brought together one by one;
• then the arms are extended and lowered;
• knees come together and diverge;
• and finally, lightly roll the baby in different directions.

IMPORTANT - When the baby turns 3 months old, he will need to be periodically placed on his tummy so that gases do not stagnate in the intestines.

At this stage, several other exercises are added to all the described massage actions:

1. Particular attention is paid to active activities - the baby must learn to crawl. This technique helps especially well: a bright, beautiful toy is placed in front of the child, and when he begins to crawl after it, you can play a little and move it a few centimeters - then the baby will crawl a greater distance.
2. At the same time, the child is taught to walk independently: first he is supported by both hands, then by one. The baby should walk with his arms widely spaced (in line with his shoulders).

From 9 to 12 months

Finally, at the end of the first year, the massage actions already described and active exercises The following classes are being added:

1. Raising the legs (when the child is lying down).
2. Small squats.
3. Body tilts in a standing position, turns.

Ball exercises

Not only massage will be very useful for your baby, but also exercises with a special massage ball.

They are done at different ages:

1. At 3 months, you can rock your baby by placing a ball under his tummy.
2. You can roll the ball with your side and back for up to six months.
3. At six months you can already sit on the ball and put the child on his feet.
4. At 10 months, the baby can walk under the supervision of an adult, using the ball as a walker.

Correct massage technique is the basis of a child’s health. If mom is not sure whether she is doing everything right, it is better to ask a doctor for advice. The main thing is to follow the regime and ensure that your baby enjoys the exercises.

Massage is a procedure that ideally complements daily child care infancy. This type exposure has many advantages and has a beneficial effect on the general condition of the baby’s body.

This is why many new mothers and fathers are concerned about the age at which infants can be massaged and how often manipulations need to be carried out. In addition, most parents are interested in whether they need to contact a specialist. Or you should carry out the procedure yourself at home.

What kind of massage can be given to infants?

There are several types of massage depending on its focus, namely:

• prophylactic;
• medicinal;
• therapeutic and prophylactic.

The latter type of influence is used to improve the functioning of the body and the general health of the baby. Therapeutic and preventive massage is an effect on the entire area of ​​the baby’s body. In this case, the emphasis is on problem areas.

Medical procedures are needed if a small child has problems with the digestive, respiratory or genitourinary system.

Benefits of massage

Massage brings undeniable benefits to the baby's body. It helps the baby correct orthopedic disorders and problems with the nervous system, namely muscle hypertonicity, poor abduction in the hip joint of the legs. In addition, regular sessions can correct problems with outward and inward feet.

Massage sessions will help a small child’s body get rid of so-called residual reflexes. Normally, they disappear on their own closer to 4-5 months of the baby’s life. But if this does not happen within the specified period, the baby needs the help of a specialist.

Massage has a positive effect on both the infant’s lymphatic system and the healthy development of the musculoskeletal system.

How often can you massage your baby?

Parents need to know about the features of massage sessions. One procedure should last no more than forty-five minutes. The minimum duration of the massage is twenty minutes. The exposure time increases as the baby adapts to the specialist’s manipulations.

Parents need to understand that massage is only useful if the effect is pleasant for the baby. If the child behaves restlessly or becomes anxious during the session, new parents need to take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the massage may be harmful.

How often can you get a massage? As a rule, one massage course consists of ten sessions. Although in some cases visible results can be obtained a little later, after 12-13 sessions. For the effects to be most effective, doctors strongly recommend combining the session with gymnastics and hardening.

In addition, parents are concerned about how long it takes to massage their baby again. In the absence of contraindications, the course is carried out once every three months. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe a more dense treatment or prevention regimen. In this case, the break between courses is one month.

When can you start doing massage?

Many parents are interested in at what age and how often they can massage their baby. The first sessions begin already in the third week after the baby is born. It is worth considering that during this period only light stroking is allowed. Other types of influence are strictly prohibited.

When the baby turns three months old, other types of massage can be introduced: rubbing, kneading and patting. If necessary, the above manipulations can be used once the child reaches two months of age.

Basic rules and features

You need to know about the nuances that must be observed during a massage session.

1. The room temperature should be between 18 and 22 degrees. If you deviate from the accepted norm, you must either ventilate the room or, conversely, heat the office or room.
2. For massage it is best to use a special couch. If there is none, manipulations should be carried out on a perfectly flat surface, the dimensions of which do not interfere with the baby’s movements and turns. It should be covered with a flannel blanket, diaper or oilcloth.
3. All necessary tools should be at hand. This will help you not to be distracted from the session.
4. It is strictly forbidden to do a massage with a long manicure or protruding nail decorations. During the procedure, all jewelry from the hands (rings, bracelets, watches) must be removed so as not to injure the small child.
5. It is necessary to choose the right time for the massage. The baby should be in good mood, cheerful and cheerful. It is best to do the procedure one hour after feeding.
6. During the massage, you need to maintain a dialogue with the baby so that his mood remains elevated.

Contraindications to massage are various blood diseases and of cardio-vascular system, ARVI. It is also worth postponing the session if the baby’s body temperature is elevated, as well as if bones are fragile. It is necessary to refuse massage if the skin of a small child is affected by ulcers or boils. If your baby has a heart defect, you must consult a cardiologist before starting the course.

If the above conditions are met, massage will bring exceptional benefits to the baby and will contribute to the better development of his body.

Should you contact a professional massage therapist?

At home, you can perform a preventive massage, which will include stroking movements. Pediatricians claim that such an effect is quite enough to prevent the occurrence of various diseases and pathologies, and promote the proper development of the child’s body.

In all other cases, when small child If you need a therapeutic or therapeutic-and-prophylactic massage, doctors strongly recommend contacting a specialist so as not to harm the baby’s body, but to bring it exceptional benefit.

Instead of a conclusion

Experts recommend regular massage even for absolutely healthy babies. This type of influence has many undeniable advantages and, if certain conditions are met, can bring exceptional benefits to the baby’s body. That is why new parents are interested in how often they can get a massage. infant.

In some cases, sessions may well replace medications. This type of impact on children's body affects not only the physical development of the child, but also his neuropsychological status.

If necessary, sessions can be carried out as early as the second week of the baby’s life. But at this age you need to limit yourself to light stroking. It is best to avoid other types of manipulation. From the age of two months, massage can be enriched with new types of effects.

The first days after the birth of a child are the most exciting and touching for parents. This is the baby's introduction to the world around him. It is important at this time not to miss the moments of caring for it, which in the future can affect the formation of the body and health. Of course, in general, parents meet their newborn already prepared: they attend special courses, read books, and communicate with doctors.

One of the important moments immediately after the birth of a child is massage to the newborn.

It is believed that children who undergo this procedure develop better. It’s good if the session is also accompanied by a conversation - this contributes to faster speech development.

When do newborns begin to massage themselves?

Pediatricians and psychologists have come to the conclusion that a mother can begin to give her child the most basic massage on her own from the first days of life. The fact is that tactile touches with mother are very important for the baby. But remember that at the age of up to 1 month, its duration should not exceed 10 minutes. After this, the rate increases to 15-20 minutes. Lubricate your body first special cream, then warm up the desired area with light strokes. Always start from the heels, gradually moving up to the head. Just don't do this procedure immediately after eating. The movements involve gentle shifting of muscles.

When do massages begin for newborns: contraindications

As mentioned above, the session should be no earlier than 30 minutes after feeding, or before it. This procedure is prohibited within 72 hours after vaccination, if the umbilical cord is not completely overgrown, as well as if you are taking medications or have any diseases. It is better to choose a time when you and the child are in a good mood, since massage is also an exchange of energies, let them only be positive.

Newborn: at what age should you massage?

First of all, ask your pediatrician: when should a newborn have a massage? He must ensure that there are no contraindications.

On the question of at what age a baby can be massaged, there is no clear opinion: some recommend starting almost from the very first days, others believe that it should not be done before two weeks of age. In any case, if you decide to carry out procedures, then in the first days it should be light stroking.

How to massage newborns

If the question of when newborns begin to receive massage is more or less clear, the technique itself still remains a mystery to us. We suggest you figure it out.

Gently knead your toes, starting from the foot, gradually moving to the groin. After this, we knead the arms, starting from the hand, moving to the chest. Next we move on to the tummy. If done carefully, this will avoid colic. The last stage is the back, and then the head. Don't forget to pay attention to the ears.

How to do a neck massage

It is necessary to carry out gentle stroking, starting from the ears towards the shoulders. Move further from the shoulders to the fingers.

When can you turn a newborn onto his tummy?

This is another point, in addition to the question of when to massage newborns, that concerns young mothers.

You can start after the umbilical cord has healed. Try placing it on your stomach first. The first times should not exceed 5 minutes; over time, you can increase the intervals. Just don't do it immediately after eating.

So, now you know when to give the first massage to a newborn, and have a little understanding of its technique.

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Home massage for newborns: conditions, technique

Home / Newborn / Home massage for newborns: benefits, rules and technique

Home massage for newborn babies and their parents is an important way of communication, but it has many other benefits. Just 5-10 minutes of daily exercise stimulates digestion, improves immunity, and calms the nervous system for deep, restful sleep. Pediatricians note that babies who are regularly massaged gain weight faster and are more energetic and sociable.

In order to avoid overstimulation, understanding the correct movements, ideal timing and duration of massage is important. Like any other form of therapy, it requires specific techniques and a careful approach.

When should you start massaging your newborn?

Long before a child begins to speak, he communicates with the world through tactile sensations. A mother instinctively touches her newborn to comfort him. Massage is an extension of this natural impulse.

Russian pediatricians recommend giving massage to newborns at home starting from 2-3 weeks of life, however, among foreign doctors there is a widespread opinion that the procedure is necessary from the moment of birth. The exception is premature babies: they are medically unstable, and massage may be overly stimulating for them. It is also not recommended for fever, skin lesions (pyoderma and atopic dermatitis), and bleeding disorders.

Benefits of the procedure

Massage has many physical and psychological benefits for children and their parents:

1. It supports a healthy immune system and the full development of the child by promoting the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. This stimulation allows you to effectively deliver nutrients to tissues and organs, and then remove metabolic products.
2. Massage activates the production of certain hormones that are responsible for a good mood and relieve pain. In particular, these are endorphins and oxytocin, which help minimize suffering due to colic or other problems.
3. It helps to find a balance between increased and decreased muscle tone. A full body massage stimulates the muscles, but at the same time relaxes them if they are overly tense.
4. Supports a child's ability to realize their individual developmental potential by helping the maturation of the nervous system and stimulating brain-body connections.
5. Increases child's awareness of possibilities own body, size and location of its parts.
6. Massage is a great way to communicate. It makes the child aware that he is loved and cherished. Purposeful, continuous exchanges of touch and eye contact promote mutual understanding and trust.
7. For parents this effective way take a “time out” and escape from everyday stress.

Although massage is beneficial for all infants, it is very valuable for children with special needs such as Down syndrome or cerebral palsy, as it provides a unique way of communication and stimulation of development.

Conditions for massage

When preparing and conducting a massage procedure for a newborn baby at home, it is advisable to adhere to some recommendations regarding time, space and movement technique.

Time

Before performing a massage, choose a time that is comfortable for all participants in the process. You should not rush anywhere; calmness and leisure will help make your movements as soft and measured as possible. Do not start massage when the child has just eaten or is hungry, sleepy or fussy. The most appropriate time is an hour and a half after feeding in the morning.

You can often find recommendations for 10-15 minutes of massage per day. In fact, the main indicator of the procedure time is the child himself. As soon as he shows dissatisfaction, stop, no matter how long the massage continues.

For babies under 5 months, try to leave a few hours between massage and bath. This can lead to overstimulation of the nervous system. Never massage your baby when he is crying, the only exception being movements to relieve colic, constipation and gas.

Place

Find a place and position that is comfortable for you and your baby. The basic requirements are the ability to maintain eye contact, a comfortable temperature (standard recommendation is about 24°C) and a ventilated room. Many people prefer to place the baby on a changing table, but massage can be done while sitting on the floor, bed or sofa, holding the baby on your lap, but not forgetting about his safety. In this case, it is worth protecting your clothes with a diaper, especially if you use oil.

Massage oil

Oil is not necessary for massage, but its use makes the effect on delicate skin softer and helps moisturize it. There are many wonderful baby oils on the market, but vegetable oil(mostly cold pressed) is quite enough. You can use lavender, chamomile, rose or cedar oil, supplementing them with vitamins A and E, solutions of which are sold in pharmacies. Before first use, it is worth doing a sensitivity test so that your child’s skin does not suffer from unexpected allergies.

As for ready-made oils, carefully study the composition. The product must be hypoallergenic and contain a minimum of chemical additives.

Types of massage for newborns

At home, a newborn is usually given a restorative (also known as preventive) massage - it is useful for general development in the absence of special health and development problems.

There are also special therapeutic massages - it is aimed at problem areas, and therapeutic and preventive massage, which covers the whole body with special attention to disorders. These procedures are prescribed by a doctor (neurologist, pediatrician, orthopedist) according to indications and performed by a specialist, however, you can also perform them yourself, but only after training.

Basic massage techniques

When performing a massage, remember the following general principles:

• Always start by massaging your feet - this is the least intrusive way to start a massage, since your feet will be touched constantly during diaper or diaper changes.
• Patting stimulates the nervous system, and stroking soothes.
• Use long and soft movements with light pressure and a speed of approximately 2 cm per second (lymph flow speed), jerky, fast and too light touches can irritate the child.
• Repeat each movement at least 3 times.
• Massage of the limbs and body is performed mainly from the periphery to the center, and the abdomen - clockwise and only in its lower half, without affecting the areas of the liver and heart.
• Before starting the procedure, warn your child about the massage. Over time, he will get used to it, remember and know what they are going to do with him.
• Play soothing background music or hum to yourself.
• It is not necessary to do a full body massage every time; if after rubbing the feet the child does not want to continue, you should not force him.
• Follow the wishes of the child, when he turns away, cries or is capricious, postpone the procedure, if he does not like any movements, do not insist. Massage should be enjoyable.

You can use the following techniques:

• stroking, this is the movement recommended for newborns;
• rubbing – for children from 6 weeks;
• kneading, this technique is used mainly by specialists;
• vibration or tapping - on the feet and palms can be used from the very beginning, on the body only after 1.5 months of life.

Features of massage for babies of different ages and a set of exercises

Until one and a half months, pediatricians recommend using gentle stroking as a massage. This is due to the fact that the skin of a newborn is too thin and delicate, and patting can lead to hyperstimulation of the nervous system. In the future, the remaining techniques are gradually introduced, and by 3-4 months, some gymnastic elements are introduced.

The actual procedure home massage for newborns may look like this:

1. Legs and feet. Stroke your feet, make a few circular movements over them and pay attention to each toe. You can gently pick them up with your thumb and forefinger and roll them gently. Then take the baby's heel in one hand and stroke it with the other, starting from the hip to the ankle, squeezing lightly - this is similar to milking a cow. Make a few reverse movements from ankle to hip and switch legs.
2. Hands. Start with your palms, massaging each finger and then using gentle, gentle pressure, stroke from the armpits to the hands and then back again. You can slightly turn your wrists to one side or the other.
3. Head. Place your hands on either side of your baby's head and then down to their toes. Then draw small circles on the head with your fingertips.
4. Face. Place your hands (as if you are praying) on ​​the child's forehead, and then gently move them towards the temples. By using thumb draw a smile on your baby's face by stroking him from one cheek across upper lip to another. Repeat on your lower lip.
5. Breast. Place your hands over your baby's chest and then spread them out to the sides, as if you were smoothing out the pages of an open book.
6. Stomach. Using your fingertips, draw an oval below your baby's belly button (clockwise to follow the natural path of digestion).
7. Back. Swipe it from side to side, and then up and down. Make also circular movements.

A restorative massage for newborn children, performed at home, can accelerate the psychological and physical development of the child, alleviate digestive problems, and provide deep sleep. But its most valuable advantage is the possibility of mutual communication. Many pediatricians argue that the main thing is not so much the technique, but the pleasure that parents and children receive from touch, smell and eye contact. A restorative massage should be performed only after consultation with a doctor, and a therapeutic massage should be performed according to strict indications.

Useful video about baby massage

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Massage for newborns: techniques and rules

No matter how much is said about the benefits of massage, you yourself must be sure that massage for newborns will be useful.

Rules of massage for a newborn

1. When should I start giving a newborn a massage? Until the newborn reaches the second month, massage cannot be done! The little one was just born and is getting used to the outside world. He doesn't need any additional stress right now. However, mother's very light stroking of the baby is welcome.

2. At the very beginning of your training, you do not need to perform the entire set of exercises. It is enough to start with some individual parts of the body. For example, with light stroking of the legs and buttocks, which toddlers love so much. After a few days, you can move on to massaging the tummy, back and chest.

3. Not all babies like newborn hand exercises. However, it is in these limbs that increased tone is common. Therefore, it is necessary to do such exercises. It's very simple:

Place the baby on a horizontal surface, spread the baby's arms to the sides, then press them to the chest again. This needs to be done 4-5 times.

Alternately raise the newborn's arms to his head, then lower them again along his body.

4. Massage for newborns should be done daily. The toddler will get used to the activities and will not show dissatisfaction. You need to start the procedure with a minimum duration (5-10 minutes). By the end of the second month it will be 30 minutes. Everything should be increased smoothly.

5. The massage course lasts 20 days. Then there is a break for 2-3 weeks.

6. It is better to conduct your very first classes under the supervision of a specialist.

7. Distract your baby from such difficult work for him: sing songs, coo, tell nursery rhymes, smile.

When is massage contraindicated?

Any febrile conditions in an infant - diseases associated with increased sensitivity of the skin - hernias prone to strangulation - pyelonephritis, hepatitis, tuberculosis - diseases characterized by fragility of bones and blood vessels

Purulent and acute inflammation of the skin, lymph nodes, bones and muscles

Massage techniques for a newborn

Stroking – gentle and uniform sliding movements of the palm over the baby’s skin

Rubbing is putting more effort into the movement of the palm than stroking. The impact on the child's skin occurs in various directions.

Kneading is a deep muscle massage in which the muscle itself is grasped and kneaded with rhythmic spiral movements of the fingers.

Effleurage is light but very rhythmic blows with the tips of the fingers or palms. Used for very well-fed newborns.

All these techniques must be carried out in a special sequence:

stroking – rubbing – stroking – kneading – stroking – effleurage – stroking

Massage for newborns should always begin with gentle movements. Stroking is repeated 4-6 times, other techniques – 8-12 times. The pressure should be increased only after the child's muscles have relaxed.

Movements from top to bottom should always be easier than movements from bottom to top.

Full body massage

The principles of rubbing and kneading are suitable for massaging the hands and feet.

The buttocks, arms, legs, back and chest will welcome stroking and light tapping (baby is 2-3 months old). All these manipulations will reduce muscle tone, relax and improve blood and lymph circulation.

The tummy is massaged in a circular motion with the palm in a clockwise direction (if a newborn has diarrhea, then counterclockwise)

The chest is massaged, starting from the middle of the sternum to the shoulders, and again from the middle to the lateral surfaces.

Buttocks – move your palm from the hip joints to the anus.

Handles – we start with the hand and lead to the axillary lymph nodes.

Back – from the spine we move to the sides, from the lower back – to the shoulder.

Legs - move your palm from the foot to the lymph nodes of the groin.

It is always better to start a massage for newborns with the hands and feet. The child's limbs should be slightly bent. Your hands should be in a relaxed state.

Never massage your newborn's kneecap or inner thigh.

Do not pat the area where the kidneys are located

During the massage, do not touch the baby’s genitals.

Massage for a newborn in pictures

Let's get started.

1. Your child should be in a good mood. Before you start massaging your legs and feet, make sure your baby is ready for it. To do this, take him by the leg and bend it a little, show the limb to the little one. Everything is fine? Is the child still smiling? Then you can undress him and begin the procedure.

2. For massage, use special baby oil. We used the Bubchen company.

3. Take the child’s leg and bend it so that the gas comes out. Continue to hold your hand under the baby's knee, move your palm from the ankle, continuing past the knee, then along the outer surface of the thigh (do not touch the inner one!)

Upper body massage.

1. Stroking from the shoulders to the middle of the chest

2. Light strokes from shoulders to wrists

3. Very gently make circular movements over the tummy. We DO NOT massage the navel and the area around it.

Face and back massage

1. For the face we use fingertips

2. Long strokes from the cervical vertebrae to the anus

3. If the child begins to cry and resist, stop the massage immediately

Especially for My LYALYA

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How to massage a child correctly?

Children's massage is often not a whim of parents, but a real necessity: thanks to its sessions, it is possible to significantly improve the overall nervous activity of children, reduce stress levels, and contribute to the accelerated physical development of the child. It has been scientifically proven that massage therapy, performed regularly, has a healing effect.

When should you start giving massage to children?

Parents of any gender can learn how to perform massage. It is best to start his sessions when the child reaches the age of one and a half to two months: until then, the skin of newborn children is too delicate. The most suitable time for a massage is right before eating. It is not recommended to massage immediately after eating; it is better to wait an hour or an hour and a half so that the food is better absorbed.

Please pay Special attention to ensure that massage sessions are as comfortable as possible for the child: the room should be warm enough, there should be no strangers or objects nearby that could frighten the baby. You should not use special oils, liquids and creams that are so popular with most adults. Your hands should be dry and warm.

Preparing for a baby massage

It is recommended to start the massage when the child is in a calm, friendly mood. If he is excited, very playful or unhappy, you should postpone the planned session a little. If you have a capricious child, try not to start rubbing him when he is in a bad mood, upset or crying: otherwise, you can permanently associate his idea of ​​a massage with thoughts of something unpleasant and disgusting.

During the massage, the child should not tense up, cry or scream - in general, express his dissatisfaction. Otherwise, you are doing something wrong. Take care of his comfort in advance: place the baby on a flat surface covered with soft, dry material. Linen and cotton are ideal for this.

What baby massage techniques are popular today?

If for older children you can use specialized sets of massage movements and even entire complexes, then in the case of newborn babies you should limit yourself to four basic movements: patting, rubbing, stroking the body and kneading the muscles.

You need to start a massage session with as gentle actions as possible so that the baby gets a little used to touching and relaxes. When massaging a newborn baby, you should touch his body only with the tips and pads of your fingers: with this approach, the risk of causing damage to the baby’s skin is much less.

By the way, you can get lessons in massaging a newborn baby from your local pediatrician: the doctor will teach you the basics, basic movements and massage options, which you can refine “at home” on your own.

How often should massage sessions be performed?

As with everything related to raising children, moderation should be exercised here. One or two massage sessions a day are more than enough. Please pay special attention that massage can excite your baby, which means it should not be done an hour or two before the expected bedtime.

When should you not massage newborns?

There are several contraindications when it is highly recommended not to massage a child:

1. If acute respiratory and infectious diseases, especially if they are in the acute stage.
2. If a child is diagnosed with rickets.
3. In cases of skin inflammation, rashes, pustular formations, diathesis.
4. When a baby has an inguinal, femoral, umbilical or other types of hernia.
5. Hemophilia, tuberculosis, and malignant tumors are also contraindications for children's massage.
6. Hepatitis, arthritis and increased fragility of the child’s bone tissue require refusal of massage.
7. Congenital heart disease, compensation disorders and some other diseases also prevent the baby from massaging.

Before the age of two months, it is recommended to start the session with flexion and extension of the joints, placing the baby on his back. Then they move on to gentle rubbing of the limbs. The newborn's head should be protected from sudden twitching and other careless actions that may accompany an inexperienced parent during the first massage sessions. After rubbing the legs and arms, turn the baby onto his tummy and knead his back, buttocks and feet. After this, you need to turn the baby on his back again and lightly stroke his stomach: this action will help improve the digestion of your son or daughter.

Massage for newborns is an important routine moment in the life of a baby. Its implementation is not just desirable, but mandatory. That is why when visiting a children's clinic in the room healthy child nurses show mom how to do massage and its age-appropriate elements. In this article I would like to dwell in more detail on the types of massage, the principles of its implementation and its importance for the development of a child.

Why is it so important to massage an infant?

Massage is a universal way to influence the baby’s body as a whole. A newborn baby has underdeveloped various body systems, but skin analyzers are quite ready for work. Therefore, massage sessions bring maximum benefits. They help physical and speech development, improve coordination of movements and contribute to the establishment of a deeper emotional connection between mother and child. Naturally, provided that she gives the baby a relaxing massage on her own, and does not use the services of a massage therapist.

Children's massage is divided into two types

• General strengthening or general;
• Medicinal.

A mother can do a restorative massage on her own at home. To do this, she needs to learn massage movements, properly prepare the room and table, and also purchase in advance all the necessary equipment for the massage. Therapeutic massage is prescribed by a pediatrician - an orthopedist, surgeon or neurologist. It is better to entrust its implementation to specialists, although after training and observing several procedures, the mother can master the rules and movements herself.

Principles of restorative massage:

• When to start a massage? From 2-3 weeks of life.
• Movements are carried out along massage lines - from the periphery to the center.
• The speed of hand movement - 2 cm per second - should coincide with the speed of lymph flow.
• Avoid the spine, lymph nodes, liver and heart areas.
• Gently work on the neck.
• Stroking the tummy is done only clockwise.
• All movements should be light; excessive pressure should not be applied.
• Perform a massage for infants accompanied by classical music or your own singing. You can also recite rhymes and nursery rhymes.

At what age should you start massage?

You can practice conducting restorative massage sessions when the child reaches the age of half a month. Until the baby reaches 1.5 months, the only movement should be stroking. Gentle touches massage the baby's legs and arms, tummy and back, and fingers. Later (after 3-4 months), rubbing, patting, kneading and elements of gymnastics can be introduced.

Massage movements to help cope with problems

A restorative massage for infants is carried out if they are healthy and developing normally. If the baby has problems, then special massage exercises or even their complexes will help to cope with them.

A general tummy massage is beneficial for the baby, as it improves digestion. And if a child suffers from intestinal colic, a special massage for colic will help. You need to alternately lower your left and then your right hand along the baby’s ribs. Next, you should clasp the baby’s legs with your right hand, and gently massage the tummy with your left, and then press the legs bent at the knees to the tummy.

Exercises on a fitball help with hypertension. A fitball is a large exercise ball. Place the baby with his tummy on the surface of the ball and gently rock him from side to side. This exercise also helps relieve gas.

Dacryocystitis is a disease in which the lacrimal sac and lacrimal system become inflamed. For children, a very effective solution to the problem is a special massage. Massage for dacryocystitis is performed as follows. You need to press on the point located at the outer corner of the eye and move towards the bridge of the nose, making pressing movements. Effective implementation of this procedure in combination with anti-inflammatory drops can replace surgical intervention.

It can also help with constipation. However, this measure should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. He will choose the appropriate technique, and a professional massage therapist will provide the necessary pressure.

For a small umbilical hernia, the following treatment methods are practiced: general massage, physical therapy, lying on the stomach, massage of the anterior abdominal wall. The first two methods are carried out by a massage therapist and a physical therapy doctor, and the last two can easily be practiced by a mother on her own. It involves stroking the belly in a clockwise direction. It is recommended to lay the baby on his stomach for 5-10 minutes before each feeding.

A neurologist can prescribe a neck massage if he determines that a child has torticollis. The complex consists of exercises that gradually bring the neck to a normal state. It is better to entrust it to a specialist.

For infants, mother's attention and physical contact with her are important. A massage will allow the baby to feel mother’s gentle hands, her touch, giving care and health, freeing him from health problems.

A massage complex from a practicing pediatrician that can be performed at home

Articles for our site are written by various specialists who have not only knowledge, but also practical experience. Pediatrician Elena Borisova wrote a wonderful article about this for our website.

In the first year of life, the baby undergoes tremendous development. Parents have many questions about the means and methods of education. One of them is massage.

Is it necessary to massage a baby?

There are adults who doubt whether they should massage their infants. The doctor will explain the benefits of the procedure:

• activation of the immune system;
• formation of motor skills;
• stabilization of psychological state;
• improvement of muscle function.

In case of certain diseases, massage is required for the child; in such cases, massage manipulations are performed only by a professional. For the purpose of comprehensive development, the baby needs to have a massage every day. If there is no pathology, you can massage at home.

At what age can a baby be massaged? Opinions differ as to how many months a baby should be massaged. Some believe that with early age massage is harmful due to poor development of motor functions. Others, on the contrary, consider it effective to start massage almost in the maternity hospital.

Massage in the clinic is prescribed from 2 months, at home it is allowed to do procedures from half a month after the navel wound has healed.

Massage by month

Massage for infants up to one month old. It is necessary to monitor the baby's reaction. The warmth of hands and kind words accompany the massage.

Massaging an infant under 1 month of age should be done very carefully. You need to start from the head and finish with the lower limbs.

The following exercises are practiced for up to 4 weeks:

• the child is stroked and “stretched”;
• gently rub the skin;
• arms crossed over chest;
• legs spread;
• turn on side, tummy.

Massage for infants from 1 month. Every mother can independently perform massage for infants from 1 month onwards. Massaging is complemented by vibrating and kneading techniques.

Massaged:

• hands;
• legs;
• back;
• buttocks;
• feet and fingers.

The beginning and end of the session is done with stroking manipulations. In case of protest to any exercise, the impact is stopped and the next one is done. Return to a technique you don’t like later and reduce the time spent performing it. It is advisable to perform a soothing massage before water procedures.

Massage for infants 2 months. At 2 months, the baby does not hold his head for long. Massage of the neck is added to the massage for 2-month-old infants to strengthen the cervical vertebrae.

Massage for a two-month old baby:

1. You need to start from the legs (ligaments and muscle tissue are strengthened, blood flow improves). Procedure:
   • Gently stroke from the hips down.
   • Massage your feet with your fingers.
   • Rub your feet.
2. After the legs, continue to massage the arms: spread them to the sides, vibrate them a little, massage the palms.
3. Back. In a position on its side, the child bends and arches the spine: the adult moves his hand along the spine, the baby’s feet are adjacent to the palm of the other hand. Next is a light massage of the back.
4. The tummy is massaged to prevent navel hernia and relieve colic. Circular movements are made in the direction of the clock.
5. Breasts are being stroked.
6. Rocking in the fetal position. The baby needs to be helped to accept the position of being in the mother's womb. Take the baby in your arms and rock him from side to side and in a circle.

At the end of the session, the baby needs rest.

Massage for infants 3 months. Does a three month old baby need a massage? If the child has not been massaged, then it is advisable to begin the course.

At this age, the baby moves more. Massage for infant 3 months is aimed at eliminating muscle tension, learning the skill of turning over onto your tummy. The load is initially simple. The actions are gradually becoming more complicated.

Massage for infants from 3 months of age consists of stroking, shaking, vibration, rubbing (massage without pressure).

• Flexing and straightening the limbs is helpful.
• Stroke and massage the feet from all sides.
• Rub and stroke the arms from palms to shoulders.
• The tummy area is stroked and massaged with circular rubbing movements from the navel to the hips.
• The back and buttocks are stroked from the upper back - the outer side of the palms of both hands, to the bottom - the inner side of the palms.
• The breasts are stroked using circular and simple vibrating actions.

It is useful to perform massage on infants 3-6 months old in combination with elements of gymnastics.

Massage for infants 4 months. Massage for a 4-month-old baby can be performed independently, reducing passive manipulations and adding energetic ones. To form the baby’s muscles it is allowed:

• pluck;
• twist;
• lie down: change the position “lying” - “sitting” and vice versa.

Actions are performed counting to maintain rhythm. When massaging your legs, you should include flexion and alignment. To develop motor skills, the child is allowed to grasp small objects.

Massage for 4-5 month old infants together with elements of gymnastics helps consolidate physical skills and activates subsequent development.

Massage for infants 5 months. Massage for infants 5-6 months is almost the same as the previous month. Massage of the facial area and techniques for developing fine motor skills are complemented.

Stimulation of the massaged areas is enhanced - this helps the correct development of phasomotor functions, the condition of muscle tissue is stabilized and general improvement occurs. The child is turned over, the position of the body is changed with support from the arms.

Baby massage for sitting skills consists of developing the muscles of the back, buttocks, tummy and learning to sit down with emphasis on your arm. In order for the child to sit down in due time, an exercise will help: from a position lying on his back, the baby stretches his arms up, holding on to his mother’s hands or the crossbar, until he sits down.

Massage for infants from 6 months. Massage for infants is reduced in six months, and the variety of physical activities increases

• lifting the body;
• in a sitting position, the arms bend and align;
• the baby may crawl towards toys.

Massage of the arms and legs is not necessary, you need to focus on the back, chest and tummy.

Finger massage for babies from 6 months independently performed in various places. The massage takes place in a playful way, combined with nursery rhymes and poems. The finger massage technique has a positive effect on the intellect, fine motor skills, and speech apparatus.

Massage for infants aged 4-6 months is based on the development of the ability to crawl, the ability to understand speech, rhythm and coordination of actions.

Massage for babies 7, 8, 9 months old. The exercises are done vigorously. Most massage techniques are allowed.

1. The crossing of the arms is leisurely and fast.
2. Flexion and alignment of the legs.
3. Turning over onto your tummy. The baby will be able to do this exercise himself; he should be pushed a little.
4. Various actions with the back and buttocks.
5. Training in crawling skills with straight arms on the knees: formation of the muscles of the back, limbs and shoulders. Massage for 8-month-old infants involves doing the exercise on your own. At a younger age, support is required.
6. Abdominal massage.
7. The abdominal muscles are trained by squats: from a lying position, pull up the baby for 7 months by both arms, from 8 months - by one arm.
8. Stroking the feet.
9. Raising and lowering straight legs.
10. Breast massage.