Infant Massage
Reference:
mh1453
Date of publication: Nov 2004
© Kirklees Primary Care Trust
This information can be made available in other formats
including large print and other languages.
www.kirklees-pct.nhs.uk
Kirklees
Infant Massage
Reference:
mh1453
Date of publication: Nov 2004
© Kirklees Primary Care Trust
www.kirklees-pct.nhs.uk
This information can be made available in other formats
including large print and other languages.
Kirklees
Kirklees Primary Care Trust would like to acknowledge the hard work of Helen Hirst, Child and
Family Health Worker based at SureStart, Dewsbury Moor and Scouthill in compiling this book.
Kirklees Primary Care Trust would like to acknowledge the hard work of Helen Hirst, Child and
Family Health Worker based at SureStart, Dewsbury Moor and Scouthill in compiling this book.
Infant Massage
Before beginning any of the strokes always check
that the:
• room is warm enough
• overhead lights are not too bright
• noise is kept to a minimum
• oil and towels are ready
Relax and enjoy this special time that you and your child
can share together through Infant Massage.
Infant Massage
Before beginning any of the strokes always check
that the:
• room is warm enough
• overhead lights are not too bright
• noise is kept to a minimum
• oil and towels are ready
Relax and enjoy this special time that you and your child
can share together through Infant Massage.
When is the right time to
massage?
Finger rhyme
This one wears a cap
Your infant cues:
This one wears a crown
• Is your baby looking at you?
This one wears a cloak
• Are their hands relaxed or in a fist?
This one wears a gown
And this one wears a plaster as he fell down.
All of these are signs that your infant may or may not be ready
for a massage. Remember you know your child best; choose a
time to massage that is right for both of you.
When is the right time to
massage?
Finger rhyme
This one wears a cap
Your infant cues:
This one wears a crown
• Is your baby looking at you?
This one wears a cloak
• Are their hands relaxed or in a fist?
This one wears a gown
And this one wears a plaster as he fell down.
All of these are signs that your infant may or may not be ready
for a massage. Remember you know your child best; choose a
time to massage that is right for both of you.
Tommy Thumb
(Song for finger massage)
A tip…
...when massaging, we always massage away from the body which is relaxing, and then at the
end of the routine we massage back towards the child’s body, which is stimulating.
Tommy thumb, Tommy thumb where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Peter pointer, Peter pointer, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
When ready to begin:
• Ask permission
Toby tall, Toby tall, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
• "Swish the oil"
Always have contact with your child.
Ruby ring, ruby ring, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Place "resting hands" on the part to be massaged and wait
until muscles feel relaxed.
Baby small, baby small, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Fingers all, fingers all, where are you?
Here we are, here we are. How do you do?
Tommy Thumb
(Song for finger massage)
A tip…
...when massaging, we always massage away from the body which is relaxing, and then at the
end of the routine we massage back towards the child’s body, which is stimulating.
Tommy thumb, Tommy thumb where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Peter pointer, Peter pointer, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Toby tall, Toby tall, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Ruby ring, ruby ring, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Baby small, baby small, where are you?
Here I am, here I am. How do you do?
Fingers all, fingers all, where are you?
Here we are, here we are. How do you do?
When ready to begin:
• Ask permission
• "Swish the oil"
Always have contact with your child.
Place "resting hands" on the part to be massaged and wait
until muscles feel relaxed.
Legs and feet
This little piggy
Indian milking
Large C with thumb underneath, fingers on top
stroke from hip to ankle.
Hug and glide
Hug at the hip and "twist" to the ankle, careful not
to injure the leg.
(Song for finger or toe massage)
This little piggy went to market.
This little piggy stayed at home .
Thumbs over soles Stroke sole of foot with thumbs, from heel to toe.
This little piggy had roast beef.
Toe squeeze
Gently squeeze toe, roll and pull with a song!
This little piggy had none.
Under toes
Use index finger, pointing towards little toe gently
press heel.
This little piggy went...
Walking thumbs
Using thumbs, press all over sole of foot.
Top of foot
Using thumbs, stroke from toes to ankle.
Daisy chain
Small circles all around the ankle with thumbs.
Swedish milking
Support the ankle, with a large C shaped hands,
stroke from ankle to hip.
Rolling
Roll leg between hands, hip to ankle.
Integration
Stroke from bottom to feet after doing both legs.
Legs and feet
Wee...
Wee...
Wee...
All the way home!
This little piggy
Indian milking
Large C with thumb underneath, fingers on top
stroke from hip to ankle.
Hug and glide
Hug at the hip and "twist" to the ankle, careful not
to injure the leg.
(Song for finger or toe massage)
This little piggy went to market.
This little piggy stayed at home .
Thumbs over soles Stroke sole of foot with thumbs, from heel to toe.
This little piggy had roast beef.
Toe squeeze
Gently squeeze toe, roll and pull with a song!
This little piggy had none.
Under toes
Use index finger, pointing towards little toe gently
press heel.
This little piggy went...
Walking thumbs
Using thumbs, press all over sole of foot.
Top of foot
Using thumbs, stroke from toes to ankle.
Daisy chain
Small circles all around the ankle with thumbs.
Swedish milking
Support the ankle, with a large C shaped hands,
stroke from ankle to hip.
Rolling
Roll leg between hands, hip to ankle.
Integration
Stroke from bottom to feet after doing both legs.
Wee...
Wee...
Wee...
All the way home!
Benefits of massage
• Infant parent attachment or "bonding" *
• Relaxes parents.
• Relaxation.
• Helps build parents’ and baby’s self-esteem.
• Makes baby feel loved.
• Pleasurable experience.
• Promotes better sleep.
• Stimulates production of oxytocin ( Oxytocin is a
hormone which can be produced by both male &
female persons during massage. It is useful as a pain
reliever and has a calming effect on the person).
• Facilitates body awareness.
• Boosts immune system.
Legs and feet
• Sensory stimulation.
• Improves skin condition.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Helps digestion.
• Balances respiration.
• Relief for teething pains.
• Helps waste elimination.
• Helps you learn about your baby (their needs &
desires).
* Bonding is: Love, security, connection, acceptance,
peace, caring, happiness, interaction, empathy,
unity, warmth, joy, communication and familiarity.
* Bonding may be experienced through eye contact,
touch, smell, taste and listening.
* " Bonding is an unique relationship between two
people. It is specific and endures through time." M. KLAUS
Benefits of massage
• Infant parent attachment or "bonding" *
• Relaxes parents.
• Relaxation.
• Helps build parents’ and baby’s self-esteem.
• Makes baby feel loved.
• Pleasurable experience.
• Promotes better sleep.
• Stimulates production of oxytocin ( Oxytocin is a
hormone which can be produced by both male &
female persons during massage. It is useful as a pain
reliever and has a calming effect on the person).
• Facilitates body awareness.
• Boosts immune system.
• Sensory stimulation.
• Improves skin condition.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Helps digestion.
• Balances respiration.
• Relief for teething pains.
• Helps waste elimination.
• Helps you learn about your baby (their needs &
desires).
* Bonding is: Love, security, connection, acceptance,
peace, caring, happiness, interaction, empathy,
unity, warmth, joy, communication and familiarity.
* Bonding may be experienced through eye contact,
touch, smell, taste and listening.
* " Bonding is an unique relationship between two
people. It is specific and endures through time." M. KLAUS
Legs and feet
Stomach
Water wheel a)Paddling /scooping stroke on baby’s tummy.
Water wheel b)Hold legs up and repeat paddling motion.
Thumbs to side
Thumbs flat, start at tummy button and push out to sides.
Sun and Moon
Clockwise, left hand full circle, right hand on left of tummy,
9 o'clock— 6 o'clock.
I Love You
I - stroke down with right hand on left of tummy.
L (upside down) stroke from left to right across tummy and
Mission statement
The purpose of the International Association of
Infant Massage is to promote nurturing touch and
communication through training, education and
research so that parents, caregivers and children are
loved, valued and respected throughout the world
community.
down left side.
U (upside down) stroke from left to
right.
Walking fingers
Using flat of fingers walk across
child’s tummy from left to right.
Stomach
Water wheel a)Paddling /scooping stroke on baby’s tummy.
Water wheel b)Hold legs up and repeat paddling motion.
Thumbs to side
Thumbs flat, start at tummy button and push out to sides.
Sun and Moon
Clockwise, left hand full circle, right hand on left of tummy,
9 o'clock— 6 o'clock.
I Love You
I - stroke down with right hand on left of tummy.
L (upside down) stroke from left to right across tummy and
down left side.
U (upside down) stroke from left to
right.
Walking fingers
Using flat of fingers walk across
child’s tummy from left to right.
Mission statement
The purpose of the International Association of
Infant Massage is to promote nurturing touch and
communication through training, education and
research so that parents, caregivers and children are
loved, valued and respected throughout the world
community.
The Founder of the International
Association of Infant Massage
Vimala McClure
A lifetime of commitment
What is our vision? We believe that by fostering and encouraging Infant massage and other cultural
traditions which enhance the parent-baby bond, and by helping create more family-centred values in
our culture, we will begin to see whole generations expressing more compassion towards and
responsibility for their fellow human beings.
Chest
Open book
Hands together on centre of chest, stroke out to the sides
and down.
Butterfly
Both hands on chest, right hand up over left shoulder,
small squeeze and back, then repeat with left hand.
Integration Sweep both hands from chest, to tummy, to feet.
We believe in supporting parents in their love for their infants. We believe that babies are aware human beings
who deserve respect, tenderness, and warmth, and above all, a listening heart. When we listen to our infants
with our hearts, we discover whatever it is that we want to know.
We believe that every parent, regardless of personal philosophy, and every infant, regardless of birth history or
disposition, should have the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits that come from early bonds that are
loving, healthy, and secure.
The Founder of the International
Association of Infant Massage
Vimala McClure
A lifetime of commitment
What is ouir vision? We believe that by fostering and encouraging Infant massage and other cultural
traditions which enhance the parent-baby bond, and by helping create more family-centred values in
our culture, we will begin to see whole generations expressing more compassion towards and
responsibility for their fellow human beings.
We believe in supporting parents in their love for their infants. We believe that babies are aware human beings
who deserve respect, tenderness, and warmth, and above all, a listening heart. When we listen to our infants
with our hearts, we discover whatever it is that we want to know.
We believe that every parent, regardless of personal philosophy, and every infant, regardless of birth history or
disposition, should have the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits that come from early bonds that are
loving, healthy, and secure.
Chest
Open book
Hands together on centre of chest, stroke out to the sides
and down.
Butterfly
Both hands on chest, right hand up over left shoulder,
small squeeze and back, then repeat with left hand.
Integration Sweep both hands from chest, to tummy, to feet.
Arm and hands
Colic relief routine
Use twice a day for two weeks, if a child has colic
Pit stop
Stroke armpit a few times, massaging the lymph nodes
Indian milking
Large C with thumb underneath stroke from shoulder to wrist
• Waterwheel stroke x 6.
Hug and glide
Start at the shoulder, using both hands, gently squeeze in
opposite directions down to the wrist
• Hold knees together then push into child’s tummy, hold for six seconds.
Finger roll
Gently squeeze each finger, roll and pull with a song!
Top of hand
Stroke over hand
Daisy chain
Small circular massage around the wrist
Swedish milking
Large C with thumb underneath stroke from wrist to
shoulder
Rolling
Roll arm between hands
Repeat each sequence three times in succession.
Integration
Sweep hands from shoulder to chest, to tummy,
to legs, to feet - one single stroke
If using the colic relief routine refrain from using all other
massage.
Arm and hands
• Gently shake out legs.
• Sun and moon stroke x 6.
• Hold knees together then push into child’s tummy, hold for six seconds.
• Gently shake out legs.
Colic relief routine
Use twice a day for two weeks, if a child has colic
Pit stop
Stroke armpit a few times, massaging the lymph nodes
Indian milking
Large C with thumb underneath stroke from shoulder to wrist
• Waterwheel stroke x 6.
Hug and glide
Start at the shoulder, using both hands, gently squeeze in
opposite directions down to the wrist
• Hold knees together then push into child’s tummy, hold for six seconds.
Finger roll
Gently squeeze each finger, roll and pull with a song!
Top of hand
Stroke over hand
Daisy chain
Small circular massage around the wrist
Swedish milking
Large C with thumb underneath stroke from wrist to
shoulder
Rolling
Roll arm between hands
Repeat each sequence three times in succession.
Integration
Sweep hands from shoulder to chest, to tummy,
to legs, to feet - one single stroke
If using the colic relief routine refrain from using all other
massage.
• Gently shake out legs.
• Sun and moon stroke x 6.
• Hold knees together then push into child’s tummy, hold for six seconds.
• Gently shake out legs.
Gentle exercise
Cross arms
Alternate which arm goes
underneath x3
Cross arm & opposite leg
Cross - cross - cross - open
Cross - cross - cross - straighten
Cross legs
Hold legs at ankles, cross feet over
tummy and push gently then
straighten
Bicycle
Knees up and down in a bicycle
movement
Gentle exercise
Cross arms
Alternate which arm goes
underneath x3
Cross arm & opposite leg
Cross - cross - cross - open
Cross - cross - cross - straighten
Cross legs
Hold legs at ankles, cross feet over
tummy and push gently then
straighten
Bicycle
Knees up and down in a bicycle
movement
Hands
Hands
Face (no oil)
Open book
Flat fingers, start at middle of forehead and move to both sides.
Thumbs over eyebrows
With thumbs stroke over eyebrows.
Sinuses and cheeks
Push up bridge of nose, down and across cheeks.
Smile
With thumbs make a smile on upper lip and lower lip.
Jaw
Make small circles around jaw and cheeks with finger tips.
Ears, neck and chin Over and behind ears and under chin.
Back
Back & forth
Stroke hands back and forth over back from top to bottom, avoiding spine
Swooping a)One hand stationary at buttocks, other at top of back and swoop with hand at top
to meet other hand
Swooping b)One hand stationary at feet, swoop other all the way down
Back circles
Small circles all over back avoiding the spine
Combing
Comb hand with fingers spread apart down back, each stroke getting lighter ending
with a "feather touch"
Face (no oil)
Open book
Flat fingers, start at middle of forehead and move to both sides.
Thumbs over eyebrows
With thumbs stroke over eyebrows.
Sinuses and cheeks
Push up bridge of nose, down and across cheeks.
Smile
With thumbs make a smile on upper lip and lower lip.
Jaw
Make small circles around jaw and cheeks with finger tips.
Ears, neck and chin Over and behind ears and under chin.
Back
Back & forth
Stroke hands back and forth over back from top to bottom, avoiding spine
Swooping a)One hand stationary at buttocks, other at top of back and swoop with hand at top
to meet other hand
Swooping b)One hand stationary at feet, swoop other all the way down
Back circles
Small circles all over back avoiding the spine
Combing
Comb hand with fingers spread apart down back, each stroke getting lighter ending
with a "feather touch"
And finally…
A kiss, a cuddle and a thank you!
And finally…
A kiss, a cuddle and a thank you!