Massaging and bathing are age old practices which are extremely beneficial for the newborn. There are proper guidelines in each case which are mentioned as follows:-
MASSAGING
Massaging is beneficial for the baby as it helps to strengthen the muscles and bones of the newborn and also helps in parent-baby bonding. Daily body massage is usually done when the baby can lift its head and the body supports the arms.
Choosing the right oil
One should be careful about the choice of massage oil as the baby’s skin is delicate. One should always consult a doctor. Oils meant for adults, scented oils etc. should be avoided. The oils commonly used for massaging a baby are coconut oil, almond oil,olive oil or any baby oil.
Preparation:
- Before starting the massage, all hand accessories should be removed.
- The room should be warm. The baby should be completely undressed and put on a soft and furry towel.
- Things like tissues, diapers, fresh clothes should be kept nearby to avoid chaos later.
- The oil should be warm and rubbed all over the baby’s body.
Technique:
- Maintaining eye contact is necessary during massaging. Singing a lullaby also relaxes the child.
- Massaging should ideally start with the legs, done in a slow paced rhythmic motion. One technique is ‘milking” with inside edge of each hand, one followed by the other. This technique can also be used in case of arms.
- While massaging the stomach and chest, the movement should be circular and light.
- One should be careful in case of neck and spine as these are the most delicate spots and too much pressure might hurt them. While massaging the back, the movements should be upward.
- Owing to sucking, crying and teething, a baby’s facial muscles become very tense. Placing the thumbs on forehead and pushing out to the sides, gently pressing the eyes and bridge of nose and massaging the jaw area relaxes these muscles.
- Exercising the limbs by bending and stretching is also very important.
- Gradually slow down the massage. A sudden halt may make the baby cry out. After the massage is done, the baby should be given a warm bath.
BATHING:
A newborn doesn’t really need regular baths. A bath twice a week is more than enough. In order to maintain basic hygiene, the baby’s genitals and face should always be wiped clean.
Preparation and Technique
- Keep all the items required for the bath namely a soft and clean washcloth, mild baby soap and shampoo, towels, clean diapers, dry clothes etc. handy.
- A baby tub should be used for the bath. The water in it should be warm [one might check the temperature by putting the inner wrist in it].
- Holding the baby with one hand, the other hand can be used to gently clean the body parts of the baby with the wet washcloth, especially the corner of eyes and ears.
- For washing the hair, a mild no-tears formula shampoo should be used which is to be rubbed gently on the head and then washed off.
- Sprinkle the baby with water in order to remove any remnants of soap. Then the baby should be carefully taken out, dried with a towel and dressed up.
Points to remember:
- The baby should be given sponge bath in case the umbilical cord stump hasn’t fallen off or circumcision hasn’t yet healed.
- The baby should never be left alone in the bath even for a moment.
- Too much bathing might dry out the delicate skin.
- Any soap or shampoo meant for adults should be avoided.
