There is nothing like the feel and smell of your baby. It is what bonds Mother and child. The most common way to calm a fussy child is to pick them up and cuddle. It is a psychological and physiological need in every human. It is important to have that human contact, the feel of skin to skin. It is a part of the development and socialization of a baby.
Massaging your baby can be relaxing and stimulating at the same time. How can that be, you ask? Even babies have certain levels of stress even though they don't really do anything and can't watch the news to obtain outside stresses. One of the most stressful things for a baby is to be separated from its mother or care giver. When mother and child are reunited after a work day often the first thing the mother will do is to hug the baby. This reassures the baby and calms the mother too.
The initial contact with mother will calm and relax the child but how is it stimulating? Babies' muscles are not developed and can only become useful through use and control. When massaging a baby, you are making that baby aware of their different body parts. They might not realize what is down there or what they can do with it. Massage and exercise of the baby's legs will strengthen them for the time when the baby will crawl or walk. Even a very young baby can try to extend their legs and stand or bounce when held. They same is true for the babies arms. It can also develop better hand to eye coordination. Even though most babies are good at getting things into their mouths, there are different tasks they may enjoy when they can control their limbs.
A mother should develop a routine for massage. A good time is in the evening after a bath. For some babies, bath time can be very stressful even if they do it every day. Afterward the mother can lay the baby down and massage baby oil or lotion into its skin. This is soothing and calming for the baby and good for the baby's skin too. There are also scented baby oils that can be used to calm. In recent years the use of lavender scented products has become a popular way to provide aromatherapy for infants.
After the baby has been massaged and dressed it is time for the final feeding. After the feeding it is best to hold the baby close and rock them, rubbing and patting their back can eliminate any gassy build up that can prevent the baby from sleeping well. When done properly the baby should feel very relaxed and assured from the parent and sleep well.
