- Swati_Sarath
How To Provide Proper Oil Massage and Bath To The Newborns
Taking care of a newborn can be extremely exhausting! And when it comes to an oil massage and bath .... OMG! You just want to escape !! Every parent has such feelings at first, but once you master the art of massaging and bathing your baby then trust me you're going to enjoy every moment of it!
Still can't accept it? Keep reading and you will be ready for it!
How to Give a Proper Oil Massage to Your Newborn?
The Baby’s skin needs extra nourishment. And what’s better than a good oil massage. It keeps your baby’s skin soft, supple and moisturized.
Other than this let’s go through the different benefits that a massage provides to both you and your baby.
It helps in developing a good parent-baby bond.
Stimulates good blood circulation throughout the body.
Reduces the chance of having dry and irritated skin.
It makes you and your baby relax.
Soothes your baby and helps them sleep more.
Improves weight gain and aids digestion.
Helps in physical and mental growth.
1) Which oils are the best for a massage on your newborn?
We definitely have a huge range of products available in markets which do a good job. But, I prefer using natural coconut oil for my baby. You can also use other natural oils like almond or mustard oil.
Coconut oil is the best for any skin type. Stick to it as it’s more than enough to provide all the goodness your baby’s skin requires.
Almond oil is really good for babies during cold climates. It provides extra nourishment and softness to their skin. But if used in hot seasons, it may darken their skin. Hence try using it depending on how it reacts to your infant’s skin.
Mustard oil, on the other hand, is very thick and sticky in consistency. Hence it’s difficult to rinse off the oiliness from your baby’s skin, leading to clogged pores. This triggers skin acne or rashes. Therefore, try to limit the usage of mustard oils if possible.
2) How often should you provide a massage?
If your baby is having extremely dry skin, you can give an oil massage on a daily basis. For babies with normal skin, oil massage on alternate days is more than enough. Make sure you do not massage them immediately after feeding as that might make them vomit.So wait for at least 30-40 minutes after feeding.
Another common question parents have is when to give them a massage.
This solely depends on your baby. Each baby has their own likes and dislikes. Some may love having it during the day while others may want it at night. Know your baby’s mind and do accordingly.
However, giving an oil massage during the day is common and better as night massage may cause cold or discomfort in some babies.
3)What’s the proper way to give an oil massage?
A proper massage helps foster muscle development and reduces fussiness in newborns. Knowing how to massage them properly will help you in getting the most out of this therapeutic practice.
There are basically two ways to do it -
Cozy room temperature is essential for this process. Next, you need to be very slow and gentle while massaging. Harsh movements can make your baby fussy or irritated. Start with the head and face followed by chest, hands, legs, and feet. You can even massage their face at last as some babies cry out if you do it initially.Let it sit for good 15-20 min (maximum) and not more than that.
Sharing the steps through words may confuse you a bit so I have come up with this amazing video by "I Care Baby" which I came across while surfing through Youtube. This explains the correct step by step process you should follow while massaging your kid.
Video: How to Massage Your Newborn Baby -
How To Give A Proper Bath To Your newborn?
Believe it or not, giving your baby a proper soothing bath can make her calm, cheerful, and also sleepy.Though many people suggest not to give a daily bath to the newborns, I personally feel a one time bath on a daily basis is necessary. This keeps them clean and also prevents clogging of pores (as they sweat a lot).
Sponge baths are quite simpler! Sponging your baby with a washcloth cannot be considered as a proper bath. Usually, we start giving proper baths only after the umbilical cord is fully dried off.Until then make sure the cord is not exposed to water to prevent infections.
Now, once it completely heals you are ready to give your baby his/her first proper bath. Excited? Actually not fully, right? That’s okay! It’s normal for you to have some nervousness. Now, before understanding the do’s and don’ts lets first know the benefits of bathing -
It soothes fussy babies
Improves their skin texture
Helps them sleep better
Boosts the parent-baby bonding
And also enhances their brain development
Hence bathing your baby on a regular basis not only improves their skin texture but also helps in their physical, mental, and emotional growth.Now let's jump into the main part!
Do’s and Don'ts while bathing your baby -
Use lukewarm water for bathing. Hot or cold is never recommended.
Use a mild soap or body wash for rinsing their body.
Use a washcloth to clean their ears and private parts.
Rise of the shampoo completely to prevent irritated scalps or hair fall in babies
Pat dry using a soft towel.
Two best baby body wash for all skin types -
How to Bathe your Baby?
Remember, your newborn’s skin is very delicate hence always be very gentle throughout the process. I had started bathing my daughter all by myself when she was just 44 days old. Hence you can trust me on this!
First and foremost, set up all the after bath essentials like diapers, baby lotion, moisturizer, creams, dress, etc that you would require after bathing your baby.
Then set up a tub with lukewarm water. Make sure it's neither too hot nor too cold. Also gather your baby’s body wash, shampoo, towel, and a washcloth and place it near to the tub. Never take the risk of fetching things while bathing your infant.
Once you have everything set up, you’re ready to go! Keep in mind that most babies become annoying during their first bath but will eventually warm up with this ritual and will also start loving
it!
If you are giving a tub bath make sure you support her head properly.You can also use a sturdy tub chair to lay your baby on it and then give a bath.
If you are afraid of a tub bath, go for the old grandma method. Make your baby lay on your legs and then give her a bath. I used to follow the second method as I felt that’s much safer.
First, you need to dip the washcloth in (normal) water, squeeze it and gently rub it on her face and body. This is to prevent babies from freaking out when they suddenly become naked and cold.
Now gently clean around her nose, ears (outer portion), and genital parts using the washcloth.
Then wet her body with some lukewarm water. Squeeze out some body wash and rub it on your palms to lather. Now gently apply it all over her body.
Make sure to clean between the folds of her skin.
Massage in a circular motion while applying. This helps in cleansing out the skin very well.
Rinse the body and the genitals using lukewarm water.
Now flip the baby over onto her belly. Support it with your arms or lap with the head turned to one side. Repeat the washing and rinsing process. Don’t forget to wash her bottom.
Pat dry with a soft towel.
Now to wash their head, support her spine with your arm, and hold her head slightly backward.
Sprinkle some lukewarm water to wet her head and then squeeze on a drop or two of shampoo.
Lather by rubbing your fingers gently on the scalp and finally rinse with some water. Make sure the shampoo is completely rinsed off.
If your kid is having a cradle cap you need to follow a few extra steps to get rid of it while washing his/her head.
Finish by drying your little one’s head with a soft towel.
Last but not least wet your palm and softly wipe your baby’s face, eyelids, and nose. You can gently press down her nose to clear it out.
That’s it! You are done. Now cover them with a soft towel to keep them as warm as possible.
Complete the process by applying a moisturizing baby lotion and cream over their damp skin.
Give a gentle massage and don't forget to use a diaper rash cream before making them wear one.
Finally, dress them and swaddle if necessary.
Video: How To Bath Your Baby in a Tub
Skin Care is essential for your baby! You should never go wrong in achieving this milestone.Read the complete guide on the skincare of the newborn right after birth.