" Using massage to relieve baby's gas and tummy ache "

There are so many wonderful ways to show your affection and love to your baby. Especially the quiet moments of togetherness. When you simply hold your little angel in your arms, caress him and cuddle him. In the first few weeks and months, it is extremely important to maintain as much physical contact as possible. This strengthens the bond between child and parents and develops the important basic trust. A baby massage is a wonderful way not only to show your little one closeness and love, but also to help with painful gas. Find out today how to massage and what the benefits are.

Massage - as old as mankind itself

Anyone who believes that baby massage is an invention of modern times is mistaken. There is evidence that the art of massage was practiced many thousands of years ago. Even today, there are cultures in which massage is much more important than in our modern, western world. In Africa and India alone, babies are carried close to their mothers in slings throughout the day. This strong bond makes the children much calmer. In India, for example, babies are massaged daily with walnut oil. The result of such a massage is deep relaxation and a feeling of well-being.

Since the late 1970s, baby massage has gradually become established in Western countries.

First and foremost in the USA. Research had shown that premature babies in particular derive many benefits from it. If the little ones were massaged, better weight gain was recorded, neurological development improved and the children appeared to become calmer. From then on, massage for babies became a permanent feature on the wards. So there is a lot to suggest that you should also treat your little sunshine to a little baby massage:

Can anyone massage a baby?

Of course, there are now courses on offer where you can learn how to massage a baby. However, if you proceed gently and calmly, you can of course massage your baby at any time, even without a course. There are many benefits of baby massage and it has even been proven to help with tummy ache and wind.

Baby massage has many benefits

When it pinches and squeezes in the tummy

Not all babies suffer from the dreaded 3-month colic. However, during the change of food, it does happen from time to time that the baby suffers from flatulence. Tummy ache and flatulence are quite painful and your little sunshine is difficult to calm down. Sometimes the little tummy really bloats. A gentle tummy massage will help your baby here.

Proceed as follows:

1. find a quiet and cuddly place

To avoid irritating your child unnecessarily, find a quiet place. There should be no TV, radio or other sources of noise. Only soft relaxing music should be played in the background.

2. soft cuddly blankets as a base

You can perform the baby massage on the changing table or on a table or carpet. If the child is lying on a raised surface, you must of course not take your eyes off it. So make sure you have everything to hand before you pick up your little diaper wearer. A cozy baby blanket provides a soft surface.

If possible, massage should be carried out on an infant without diapers. To protect the blanket, you can simply use one or two folded muslin underneath it. Then it is no big deal if there is a small mishap.

3. use the right oil

You can use a little oil to massage a baby. However, make sure that it is baby oil that provides the delicate skin with valuable care substances. The temperature of your hands and the oil are crucial to ensure that your baby feels comfortable during the massage. Please do not massage with icy hands. If necessary, warm your hands beforehand and then spread the oil evenly.

Baby massage with oil

4. the right baby massage for tummy ache and flatulence

Place one hand on the center of the tummy and begin to draw small circles in a clockwise direction. Apply only minimal, very gentle pressure. Alternatively, place your hand at navel level and stroke gently towards your legs. This type of massage helps to expel excess air from the intestines. The cramp-like pain will soon subside and your baby will feel more comfortable. Afterwards, it is best to use a warm cuddly toy, which provides cozy warmth and is good for the baby.

When is the best time for a baby massage?

Fortunately, all children are different and so there is no definite answer. After a few days and weeks, you know your little one best and instinctively feel when the best time has come. Experience has shown that the little one should not be freshly fed or really hungry. Even very tired babies don't really feel the urge to be massaged.

Many mothers use the time after bathing.

The cozy warmth in the bathroom and the cuddly soft baby poncho are good reasons for a baby massage. Besides, the diaper is already off anyway. Now that you are not dealing with tummy ache or wind, you are welcome to massage other areas lovingly: Gently stroke the little hands, along the arms and back again. Continue in the same way on the legs.

Back massage for babies

Lay your little sunshine on its tummy and gently massage its back. Let yourself drift along. As long as your little one likes it, everything is fine. After all, massaging should not be a science, but first and foremost a blessing for baby and parents.

Mother-child bond: Not only the baby benefits from cuddles

First and foremost, a baby massage or similar cuddles are extremely important for the child. But mothers also benefit from it. Not every mother is immediately blessed with boundless maternal happiness. There are some who, for hormonal reasons, have to struggle a little to establish a loving bond with their newborn.

Mother-child bond

Scientists have been able to prove that massages in particular can make an important contribution to this. The incredibly intense and tender physical contact strengthens the bond between mother and child. Also pay attention to eye contact. All of this helps to create an unshakeable trust that gives your relationship an unbreakable bond.

Incidentally, massage for babies is of course not just for moms! Dads are also in demand.