Parent-child bonding: Massaging

Touch, a sense we all take for granted yet we seem to forget how powerful it can be.

Touch stimulates growth hormones and hormones that relieve stress as well as those that support bonding and affection.

A few minutes a day massaging your baby can do wonders. It can help him become more contented and calmer. Massage releases "happy" hormones called endorphins, which help in reducing stress. It also stimulates their senses through skin contact, your familiar smell, eye contact and the sound of your voice. It can include strengthening their muscles and joints and?ease some basic ailments.

Massaging requires little equipment, just warm hands, some oil (this will help reduce friction and make the massage more soothing) and willingness from you. Just remember a perfect time to massage your baby is when they are alert and happy. A quiet warm room away from distractions and noise is ideal as well as plying soft music in the background.

Here is a guide for a great massage to give your baby:

Start with your baby lying on his back. To make sure your hands are warm gently rubbing them a few times. Gently massage his stomach in a circular motion. Then with your left hand grab his feet and with your right hand paddle down his chest, this will remove any gas. Then massage down each arm, shoulder and hand and if your baby lets you, fingers. Then concentrate on each leg remembering his feet and toes.

Once this is done turn him on his stomach. Massage from the top of your baby's head to his neck, then across his shoulders. Followed by, his upper back to his waist and then from his thigh to his foot, again remembering each leg and toes.

Once that is done, turn your baby over onto his back so you can see him (l think this is the best for it all as you get to see his face). Move each arm and leg gently, flexing it and then straightening it and with both legs do bicycle pedalling, this will get rid of any gas in your babies stomach. If your baby likes you can also massage (but l do this without oil) his face. Produce with your fingers a smile on his face and massage his temples. Also massage his scalp and if dry rub in some olive oil, it works wonders.

As you give your baby massages, you'll find a routine that works best for both of you, so keep practising!

Below is a video l like which gives you a number of ideas to try: