Baby massage Always pay attention to facial expressions

Baby massage: a smile means "yes"

09/02/2015

Massages are very important for babies. However, even infants or toddlers do not always want to be massaged. Therefore, it is important to interpret children's signals correctly. „A look into the baby face is enough“.

In a baby massage, it is important to pay attention to the body language of the child. Beate Börner from the German Society for Baby and Child Massage points out in a recent statement that a smile is always a sign of well-being. This shows the child that it likes the massage. Nagging or a tense body, however, signals that the touch is just uncomfortable at this moment or at the specific body site. „Parents should take the signals seriously“, says social worker and therapist Gritli Bertram.

First massage a body region
It is good if parents initially focus on one part of the body. A good start is the feet. Gradually, other body regions can be massaged. „When the babies are touched, they develop a good body sensation“. This helps them with motor development. A light stomach massage helps with digestion. The movement should be circular around the stomach. Parents who are unsure can attend special baby massage classes. (Sb)