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Getting started with baby massage

Parent massaging baby in the cot

Massage can be soothing for babies. Make sure the room is warm, your baby is quiet, well-rested and alert, and you’re relaxed. Try massage after a nap, when your baby is being changed or in the cot, or after a bath. You can do massage for 10-30 minutes.

Rubbing baby's feet

Smooth a few drops of baby massage oil or sorbolene cream into your warm hands and massage the soles of baby’s feet. Use firm, gentle, slow strokes from heel to toe. Always keep one hand on baby. If you see signs of allergic reaction to the oil, wipe it off and see your GP.

Baby lying on a towel getting massaged

Do long smooth strokes up baby’s leg. Massage from ankle up to thigh and over hip. Massage both legs at once or one at a time. Avoid the genital area. Hold baby’s leg under the knee and gently press it towards the tummy to help release wind.

Upper body massaging for babies

Massaging baby's shoulders

Start upper body massage with your hands on baby’s shoulders. Make gentle strokes in towards the chest.

Massaging baby's arms

Massage baby’s arms by stroking from shoulders down towards wrists. Try not to get oil on baby’s hands. If you do, wipe her fingers clean before she sucks them.

Massaging baby's tummy

If baby’s tummy feels soft, massage it with circular, clockwise strokes. If she gets unsettled, go on to the next step. Avoid the belly button area if baby’s cord hasn’t healed. Don’t put pressure on the area between baby’s nipples and tummy.

Face and back massage for babies

Massaging baby's face

Use your finger pads to massage baby’s face. Stroke from the middle of baby’s forehead, down the outside of his face and in towards his cheeks. Massage the scalp in small circles.

Baby lying on tummy getting back massaged

If baby is still relaxed when you’ve finished massaging the front of his body, you can turn him onto his tummy and use long, smooth strokes from head to toe.

Baby with red face doesn't like being massage

Use a soothing touch. Stop the massage if your baby seems uncomfortable. Avoid massage if you’re very tense, or if your baby is upset. Make sure your fingernails are short.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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