5 Baby Massage Mistakes You Should Avoid

Oil massages and babies go hand-in-hand in India. The Indian culture commonly believes in the power and goodness of massages. However, there are some common baby massage mistakes that we may be committing unknowingly. Let us use a baby massage oil made specifically for their gentle skin and steer clear of some common mistakes.

5 Baby Massage Mistakes To Watch Out For

When it comes to baby massage, a “yes” is usually indicated by good eye contact along with a relaxed “open” body posture. Your baby also smiles and does some babbling.

On the other hand, fussiness and a lack of eye contact and your baby’s crying indicate “no”. Hence, listen to these cues before going for the massage. Here are five common baby massage mistakes to avoid.

1. Forcing A Massage

Whether you have a massage lady who massages your baby or whether you do it yourself, remember that your baby is delicate and cannot handle a lot of pressure on his/her soft skin and newly formed bones. Be mindful that the massage is gentle and comforting. Your baby is supposed to relax and enjoy this time!

2.  Multitasking While Massaging

This is one of the most common baby massage mistakes – engaging yourself in some other activity while doing it. It can even be something as simple as watching TV. However, even a little bit of carelessness may result in your baby getting poked or scratched.

It is important that you maintain good eye contact with your baby, talk to him lovingly and smile to bond. Not only will the massage time be a pleasant experience for you but it will also let your baby know how much you are enjoying spending time with them.

3. Using Harsh Oils

Your baby has sensitive eyes, nose and skin and hence you should stay away from harsh or smelly essential oils. Oils like lemongrass, thyme and peppermint can irritate your baby’s eyes and make him/ her uncomfortable. Hence, opt for baby oil which is mild and specially formulated for your little one’s skin.

4. Massaging When Your Baby Doesn’t Want It

If your baby shows multiple signs of getting upset while you are massaging him/her then you must stop. Massaging your baby in his/her irritated state will only frustrate and stress them out. So going against your baby’s mood is one of the common baby massage mistakes you must avoid. You can schedule your massage for any other day and find other ways to soothe and bond with your baby. 

5. Massaging in the Wrong Position

The position in which you massage your baby is important too. Ensure you sit on a flat and even surface while massaging your baby. Also, keep your baby on a soft cloth before you start the massage. Holding your baby in your arms while massaging may increase the chances of him slipping and falling on the ground. 

A massage, when done in the right and using the right baby massage oil will help your baby relax while strengthening your bond. However, you may be doing one of these baby massage mistakes if your baby keeps crying and resisting it. In such a case, it is best to consult a professional or a paediatrician immediately to fix any massage mistake at once.

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