Taking care of a newborn baby is a hustle task for every parent. Babies are very delicate, sensitive and demand a lot of attention and care. It is important to give them oil massages too. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Vivek Jain, Director and Head - Neonatology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, about the same. Read on to know what he has to say on how to massage a baby and its importance. There are multiple advantages of massaging a baby. The most important is that massaging from oil makes their skin healthy by lubrication on the body. Other benefits of massaging newborns are:
1. Improves blood circulation
Massaging can improve the blood circulation as well. When we move the bay so blood starts flowing in that area, resulting in an improvement in blood circulation of the child.
2. Releases joint and muscles
Another important function is that massaging opens up and releases the join and muscles. The stretching helps in enhancing the musculoskeletal system of the child. It avoids stiffness and loosens up the body of the baby.
3. Improves bonding
Massaging also plays an essential role improving the bonding of the newborn and helps with the brain development. When the mother, father or other family members massage or come in contact with the newborn, it improves the bonding and enhances social skills too.
How and when to massage a baby?
The parents can start massaging their baby as soon as he/she comes home. The parents, grandparents or the family members should only massage the newborn. You need to have adequate amount of oil, be it any oil like coconut. You also need to take care of the temperature as it should neither be too hot nor too cold. There is no specific technique to massage a baby. However, you need to be gentle and massage the baby in strokes. The best way to know the intensity is by reading your newborn's reactions. If the baby is enjoying the way, then keep following it. Moreover, keep talking to the baby as it makes them happy!
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