Giving a massage to premature babies has proven to have miraculous effects, helping the babies leave the hospital sooner than expected. Studies have shown that premature babies who received daily massage therapy developed more quickly, their immune system ameliorated, and their overall health improved. But that’s just one of the “adult” practices that are also useful for infants.
We selected a number of things that parents will find remarkably beneficial to support their babies’ growth and health system.
1. Reflexology for stress relief
It’s almost an instinctive action for some mothers to rub their children’s hands or feet when they’re uneasy. What’s not so commonly known though is that babies also respond to reflexology. A gentle massage on their feet can help them relax and fall asleep more easily and can be used as a daily routine.
How to do it:
- Warm up the area by gently rubbing your baby’s feet.
- Start massaging the area smoothly and see how your baby responds.
- You can make this a daily routine to help relieve your baby of stress.
2. Touching and caressing for mental health
How to do it:
- Slowly and gently rub your baby’s body from tip to toe while they’re on their back.
- You can place your baby on their belly and repeat the same thing on their back.
- During the process, talk to your baby and keep eye contact with them. That will help them relax and feel secure.
- You can repeat this several times a day as long as your baby enjoys it. You can also try some essential oil or baby oil. But be sure to apply a small amount on your baby’s skin beforehand to test for allergic reactions or sensitivities.
4. Tummy time for stronger muscles
How do it:
- For starters, keep your baby on your chest for short periods of time, even right after birth.
- Progressively extend the time they lie on their bellies. Be sure that you’re fully alert the whole time.
- After a while, the baby will be ready to do the same thing on the floor. Use a towel or a folded cotton sheet under your baby’s armpits for them to lift their head up with since it’s difficult for babies to do so on their own.
5. Vibrations and white noise to calm down your baby
Vibrations are proven to be one of the best ways to soothe your crying baby. White noise devices have the exact same effect, plus they help babies fall asleep and sleep longer. Dryers or washing machines have become saviors for desperate new parents. The static sounds, experts say, are similar to the body noises that a baby listens to in the womb.
How to do it:
- Get an infant seat and place it on the appliance. Set your baby comfortably in it and be sure to hold the seat to prevent it from moving out of place.
- Start the machine and let the vibrations of the appliance slowly calm your baby.
6. Drive with your baby to help them sleep.
How to do it:
- Just mix a tablespoon of baking soda in water and create a thick paste that can be applied easily on the skin.
- Apply the paste gently on the bite and let it do the work.
- Wipe it off with a warm cotton pad.
8. Feeding is not always the answer to crying.
What to try instead:
- If you’ve recently fed your baby, you can try talking or playing with them.
- You can also try holding or soothing to help them relax.
- There is also the possibility that a diaper change is needed.
Do you have any special tips to share that will help new parents with their babies? Feel free to add them in the comments below.
