Whether you like to treat yourself to a full-body massage at the spa or you’re able to convince a partner or friend to knead those knots out of your back, there’s nothing more relaxing and aligning than a good massage. But is the same true for babies? Do babies enjoy massages? Are massages good or bad for babies?

What are the potential benefits of baby massage?

Not only is baby massage a great way to bond with your baby, it also promotes skin-to-skin contact. Skin-to-skin contact with babies has been shown to promote social development, increase relational trust, encourage brain growth, and lower stress levels. It is also thought to increase a newborn’s overall contentment and improve breastfeeding. You may like to take your baby to a baby massage class, as it can be a fun way to meet other new parents.

So why are some people against baby massage?

The science isn’t necessarily clear on whether massaging your baby is actually helpful and important or if it’s simply the skin-to-skin contact that’s beneficial. In fact, some suggest that massage can be harmful to babies. A baby’s skin is very delicate, so if the massage isn’t done gently enough or if an oil is used that breaks down the skin’s barriers, it could actually cause some damage.

However, given that massage does offer certain benefits—most of all, an opportunity to bond—and, if done correctly, doesn’t come with any proven drawbacks, there’s really no reason not to massage your baby. So, right about now, you’re likely wondering, How do I safely massage my baby?

How do I massage my baby?

What you’ll need:

A warm towel to lie your baby down on.

When it comes to oil, most experts suggest that you use an unscented, edible oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Avoid nut oils in cases of allergies, essential oils and scented oils, talcum powders, and baby powders. To warm the oil, rub it between your fingers.

Things to bear in mind:

Check with your child’s doctor. If your child has a skin condition or any other medical issue, check with your GP or paediatrician before using any type of oil.

Be gentle. You must be very gentle when massaging an infant, never using the same force you would on an adult.

Watch for your baby’s cues. If at any point your baby appears to dislike the massage, crying or coiling away from your hands, stop immediately.

Massage before bed or when your child is feeling a little fussy. Bedtime massages can help you relax and settle your little one before they drift off. Similarly, if they’re feeling a little moody and fussy, a calming massage can help to relax them.

Speak softly to them throughout the massage. You could tell them what you’re doing as you go about the massage or simply talk about your day in a soothing voice.

Initially, massages should only last around 5 minutes. As your baby gets used to massages and enjoys them more and more, you can gradually extend them up to 30 minutes.

How to massage:

Massaging their limbs. Using your forefinger and thumb, make a loose circle or C-shape around your baby's arm or leg. Very gently pull downward towards their foot or hand, as though milking a cow. Repeat this motion several times. Never grip them too tightly, and be very careful not to wrench their limbs.

Massaging their chest and belly. Begin by massaging the chest outwards from the centre, away from the heart, softly smoothing your hand over their skin as though smoothing open the pages of a delicate book. Then, massage their belly in a clockwise motion around the nave (don’t go anticlockwise), as this mimics the path of digestion.

Massaging their back. Once they’re lying on their stomach, massage their back by smoothing your hands from the centre outwards. Under no circumstances should you grip their shoulders and knead as you would an adult's. Instead, you can use soft and slow circular motions to rub their shoulders and lower backs.

Massaging their hands and feet. Use soft, circular motions to gently stimulate the skin.

Should I be massaging my baby?

On Unii’s Baby Development Journey, we share whether you should be massaging your baby.