Intro to Infant Massage with Womb to World Family Massage Therapy
61 Sherman St, 1st Floor, Fairfield, CT 06824 ~ 203-219-2555
When is baby ready for massage?
Quiet Alert
The ideal time for massage with a baby is when they are in a Quiet Alert state. In Quiet Alert baby’s eyes are wide open and bright, their body is relaxed, and breathing is even. During this period, baby may move a little or a lot. This is the best time for interaction with baby, as they are primed for learning and connection. Baby will focus on face, voice, or moving objects and is ready to interact.
Ask permission
This lets baby know that something is about to happen. Over time baby begins to recognize this permission cue as “massage time”. It gives Parents/Caregivers an opportunity to check in with baby. It also establishes respect between Parents/Caregiver and baby, instilling lifelong benefits including self-worth and self-esteem.
When has baby had enough?
Disengagement cues
When baby needs a break, they will use these cues to tell you that they are tired, hungry, gassy, or getting overwhelmed. You should stop massage if baby is giving any of these cues.
*Crying/Fussiness *Eyes glazed over/ Dull looking eyes *Looking away from you *No eye contact *Brow Furrowed *Lips pressed together or pouting *Yawning Sneezing *Falling asleep *Hiccupping Turning away from you *Arching back *Rubbing eyes or ears *Putting arms straight down at sides *Spreading out fingers *Frowning and pushing *Squirming or kicking Pulling away
Best Oils for Infant Massage
Unscented, natural, cold-pressed, organic, fruit or vegetable oils are recommended for infant massage.
|
TYPE |
PROPERTIES |
USES |
|
Sweet Almond |
• color: very pale yellow • Ingredients: glucosides, minerals, vitamins, proteins • penetrates skin and nourishes • anti-inflammatory • light |
• good for most skin types • especially for dry, itching skin • can be used 100% |
|
Sweet Almond |
• color: very pale yellow • Ingredients: glucosides, minerals, vitamins, proteins • penetrates skin and nourishes • anti-inflammatory • light |
• good for most skin types • especially for dry, itching skin • can be used 100% |
|
Avocado |
• heavy green color • Ingredients: Vitamins A,E |
• good for most skin types • heavy; use in 10% dilution with base oil • especially beneficial for dry skin |
|
Borage Oil |
•color: pale yellow •Ingredients: gamma linolenic acid, vitamins, minerals • regenerative •penetrating •stimulating |
• eczema |
|
Coconut Oil |
• color: light yellow • solid at room temperature; needs to be warmed • thick, heavy • anti fungal |
• good for all skin types, especially dry, cracked skin |
|
Grapeseed Oil |
• color: none, golden or very pale green • Ingredients: vitamins minerals, proteins • highest in linoleic acid • non-allergenic
|
• good for all skin types • can be used 100%
|
|
Jojoba Oil |
• color: dark yellow • Ingredients: protein, minerals – •From a bean of a desert shrub – • helps prevent oxidization of essential oils •waxy-solid at cold temperatures • keeps longer than most oils • antibacterial • assists in breaking down sebum in plugged pores • highly penetrating • balances the brain and pituitary |
• Used to treat skin disorders, eczema • keeps longer than most oils • good carrier oil • Use full strength or in dilution with other oils |
|
Olive Oil |
• color: green • Ingredients: proteins, minerals, vitamins calcium ,copper, iron, Magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, carotene • warming • relieves stiffness • heavy |
• good for all skin types • can be used 100%, but rather thick: diluted is best • Extra virgin and cold pressed recommended.
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