Is adding massage into your baby's bedtime routine your answer to getting your baby to sleep better at night? - I invited Kaleigh from Revive Beauty, Birth & Baby to talk about this and the benefits of baby massage. Read her blog piece below!
As parents we are often looking for the magic answer on how to get your baby to sleep better. I understand, I have been in those shoes too! Massage isn't the only answer to getting your baby to sleep however incorporating it into your baby's evening routine sets your baby up for a better quality of sleep.
Massage is scientifically tested to aid sleep. A gentle loving touch of a parent's hand can work wonders for not just sleep but for your bond together. A calming, soothing massage before bed will make it easier for your baby to drift off to sleep, increase the quality of sleep they are getting and increase the nightly sleep duration.
Massage really is an amazing tool and can be done from new-born right through to toddlers and older children.
Some families incorporate massage time in at intervals throughout the day while others chose to do so as part of a bedtime routine to create a soothing and calm transition from playtime to sleep.
One thing I get asked in class a lot is how long should I massage my baby for and the answer is 10-15 minutes ideally. Massaging your baby at the same time each night as part of your bedtime routine creates a sense of predictability and acts as a signal that its winding down time.
Making massage time after baby's bath and before putting on pyjamas is the perfect slot at bedtime to do the massage.
Using a dressing gown or a towel over baby to avoid them getting cold while you massage them is a great way to keep them cosy and welcoming of the massage.
Dimmed lights, soft relaxation music and ensuring the room is a comfortable temperature for sleep will all enhance the experience for you and your baby.
An organic unscented carrier oil works best such as grapeseed oil.
Maintaining eye contact, asking baby for permission to massage them and talking all helps them to stay engaged in the massage.
You can sing songs or talk about your day and how its time to relax.
It really is a bonding experience between parents and baby. If your looking to learn massage for your baby head on over to my website
www.revivebeautybirthbaby.com or drop me an email at revivebeautybirthbaby@gmail.com
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