The goal of baby massage is to make the infant feel comfortable and familiar with their own touch. There are no set guidelines for when to start massaging your baby, but it is generally recommended to wait until the baby is at least one month old. If your baby resists being touched or cries during the massage, it may be too soon. When massaging your baby, it is important to use gentle techniques such as stroking, touching, stretching, and loving.
You can use oil to make the massage easier for parents and more relaxing for the baby, although there is limited evidence as to which oil is best. Coconut oil is a popular choice, but sesame oil derived from black sesame seeds is also light and can be used in summer. It is also perfectly fine to use a baby massage oil (designed specifically for babies) to help the fingers glide over your little one's skin more easily. It is also possible to mix some natural ingredients such as pissi masur ki dal ka, kapurkachli, haldi, chandan, malai, and ghee together to create a massage mixture.
However, it is important to note that these ingredients should be used in very small quantities. Incorporating massage into your baby's daily routine can help them grow and develop healthily. If your baby becomes fussy during a massage, it may be because they are hungry, cold, or bored. A study found that infant massage can be just as effective as vibrating chairs in calming colicky babies.
Many mothers stop massaging their babies when they are weaned and become toddlers. However, it is important to remember that massage can be beneficial for babies of all ages. If you are unsure about when to start massaging your baby or how to do it correctly, it is best to consult with your pediatrician.
