An Easy Beginner’s Guide to Baby Massage 

Introduction

Touch is one of the most powerful ways we connect with our babies. For a new-born, your gentle hands are their first lesson in feeling safe and truly loved. Baby massage is more than just a way to relax. It is a quiet, beautiful conversation between you and your little one that builds a strong bond without needing any words. When you take a moment for this simple ritual, you aren’t just calming their body but also helping them feel secure and creating a foundation of trust that will last a lifetime. 

Beyond the emotional connection, gentle massage is a wonderful tool for your baby’s physical health. It helps in calming, makes digestion easier, and even supports their natural growth. When you make massage a daily habit, you are doing so much more than just soothing your little one. You are giving them a healthy, happy start that helps them grow strong and feel confident in their new world. 

What Is Baby Massage?

Baby massage is a traditional caregiving practice characterized by the gentle application of oil using minimal pressure to soothe and stimulate an infant. It involves a combination of rhythmic stroking, manual stretching of large joints like the elbows and knees, and targeted pressing on specific areas such as the joints, umbilicus, and the sides of the nose. These techniques are designed to provide comfort to the baby and support their physical growth and development¹. 

For hundreds of years, families in places like India and other Asian countries have used massage as a daily ritual to help babies develop strong bones and improve their blood circulation. This ancient art has recently become very popular as a therapy for parents and professionals across the Western world².

Benefits of Baby Massage

Regular baby massage is a nurturing practice that combines the power of touch with proven physiological benefits to support your infant’s growth, relaxation, and emotional well-being. Following are baby massage benefits: 

1. Strengthens Emotional Bonding

During massage, both the mother and the baby release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” This creates a deep sense of security and trust. For parents, it provides a dedicated time to learn their baby’s non-verbal cues, which builds confidence in their parenting abilities³.

2. Promotes Better Sleep

Massaging a baby helps regulate their sleep-wake cycle. The gentle strokes stimulate the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps the body sleep⁴. New-born baby massage also helps to lower stress hormones and calms the nervous system, helping infants to stay relaxed and sleep better⁵.

3. Relieves Digestive Discomfort

Massage helps calm a baby’s digestive system by activating their rest and digest mode. This relaxes the intestines, making it easier for them to digest food and pass gas, which provides relief from the pain of colic⁶.

4. Supports Physical Growth

For new-borns and growing infants, massage helps improve blood circulation and performance of muscle. It can be particularly beneficial for babies born prematurely, as it encourages healthy weight gain and the development of muscle mass⁷.

5. Improves Appetite and Feeding Efficiency

Gentle massage stimulates the vagus nerve (a key component of the nervous system that regulates the digestive tract). This stimulation increases intestinal peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move food through the gut), which speeds up gastric emptying. As the stomach processes food more efficiently, the infant naturally feels hungry more often, which can lead to better weight gain⁷.

By stimulating the body’s natural systems through touch, massage serves as a powerful tool to optimize your infant’s physiological development and long-term well-being. 

When to Start Oil Massage for a Newborn?

It is common for parents to feel unsure about when to start oil massage for a newborn. 

Massaging your baby is a beautiful way to bond, but because a new-born’s skin is incredibly delicate, timing is important. For healthy infants, massage is typically initiated within the first week of life, though it is usually delayed if the baby is unwell¹. While you can begin gentle, skin-to-skin touch almost immediately, introducing oil requires a little more patience. It is recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. This allows your baby’s skin to mature and gives them time to settle into a comfortable rhythm at home⁸.

Before you begin the massage, here are the key preparation steps to focus on: 

• Perform a skin patch test with the oil 24 hours before your first session. 
• Always wait at least 45 minutes after a feed before starting. 
• Ensure your baby has time for an undisturbed nap immediately following the massage. 
• Ensure the room is warm and quiet. 
• For the massage, make sure you are sitting or standing comfortably. Place a towel on your lap for oil protection. 
• Use slow, rhythmic, and firm (but gentle) strokes. Avoid light, fast movements, as these can be overstimulating. 
• Repeat each stroke roughly 3 to 5 times. 
• If your baby seems fussy, stop stroking and simply rest your hands still on the area before trying again very slowly⁹.

If you have any doubts about how to begin or if your baby has an underlying health condition, please seek medical advice from your doctor before starting. 

Types of Oils for Baby Massage

Not all oils are created equal. Some traditional favourites can actually disrupt the skin barrier, while others may trigger hidden allergies. Choosing the right massage oil for your baby is more than just a grooming choice; it acts as a protective layer for their developing skin. 

1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil contains special fats and vitamins that help a baby’s skin mature faster. This creates a better barrier that not only maintain the skin’s hydration but also keep the baby warm and stable, which helps prevent dangerous drops in body temperature (hypothermia)¹⁰.

2. Sweet Almond Oil

Massaging preterm infants with sweet almond oil significantly improves skin hydration and barrier health while simultaneously supporting weight gain and nerve growth when combined with sensory-motor stimulation¹¹. 

3. Sunflower Seed Oil

It acts as a barrier repairer, preventing water loss from the skin. It helps in locking in moisture and avoid the risk of infections¹¹.

4. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is a liquid wax that mimics natural human sebum (natural oil produced by sebaceous gland) which contains 25% wax, allowing it to effectively moisturize and soften skin due to its similar chemical structure. It is rich in vitamin E and can help repair skin barrier¹².

5. Sesame Oil

Sesame oil massage in baby can be beneficial as it not just helps keep the skin moist but also enhances physical growth. Studies have shown that sesame oil massage can help increase length and limb circumference. It improves blood circulation and sleep quality more effectively than massage alone¹³. 

While studies have shown beneficial effects of these oils when used for baby massage, further large-scale research may be needed to confirm these. Using plain, natural cold-pressed oils (which are less processed) can be safer for the baby’s delicate skin. 

Oils to Avoid

Since most cases of eczema develop during a baby’s first year, protecting the maturing skin barrier is essential. Some common oils specifically olive, mustard seed, and soybean oil, can actually interfere with this development. When massaging your baby, it is best to avoid oils high in oleic acid, like olive oil, as they may negatively impact sensitive skin¹⁴.

Note: If your baby has a pre-existing skin condition like eczema, extreme dryness, or hypersensitivity, it is essential to consult a paediatrician or dermatologist before introducing a new oil. Always do a patch test before introducing any new oil. 

Baby Massage Steps

Creating a soothing routine through massage can significantly enhance the physical and emotional connection between you and your baby. Before starting, ensure the room is warm, your hands are clean, and you are using a baby safe oil.  

Before applying the oil to your baby’s delicate skin, pour a small amount into your palms and rub them together to warm the oil and your hands simultaneously. Now let’s see how to massage a baby: 

1. Legs and Feet 

• Use a gentle motion with both hands, sliding from the thigh all the way down to the toes. 
• Massage the top of the foot and apply light, circular pressure around the ankles. 
• Glide your hands in a long, continuous stroke from the foot back up toward the baby’s bottom⁹.

2. Arms and Hands 

• Apply hand-over-hand smoothing strokes down the length of the arm. 
• Use your thumb to stroke the palm, encouraging the hand to open and fingers to extend. 
• Gently flex and straighten each individual finger joint. 
• Stroke the back of the hand and use your fingertips to circle the ankle like joints of the wrist. 
• Sweep your hand from the wrist back up toward the baby’s shoulder⁹.

3. Chest and Tummy 

• Using alternating hands, stroke diagonally from one shoulder across to the opposite side of the ribs (forming an ‘X’ shape). 
• Gently glide your hands downward, one after the other, from the base of the ribs toward the tummy. 
• Move your hand in a clockwise direction over the belly to aid digestion. 
• Always move slowly here. If your baby isn’t ready for movement, still touch, just resting your palms on the tummy is a great way to start⁹.

4. Back Massage 

• Apply hand-over-hand strokes starting from the shoulders and moving down to the buttocks. 
• Gently massage in circular motions over each individual spinous process (the bumps along the backbone). 
• Stroke side-to-side across the back⁹.

5. Head and Face Massage 

• Use a light, non-oily touch (as baby’s skin and bones are delicate) with your fingertips to avoid irritation especially in eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Massage in small circles at the sides of the forehead. 
• Trace a heart by stroking up from the nose, around the brows, and down the jaw to the chin. 
• Glide your fingertips from the bridge of the nose outward along the cheekbones to the ears. 
• Circle the lips with gentle pressure. 
• Stroke downward from the nose to the top lip. 
• Stroke upward from the chin to the bottom lip⁹. 
• Massage the head delicately. A gentle head massage can improve circulation, help the baby relax before sleep, and even help clear up cradle cap (dry, flaky skin on scalp)¹⁵. But be cautious to avoid any pressure on the soft spots in the center and back of head (fontanelles).  

You can massage the body in any order you like. However, many parents find it best to start with the legs, as babies are often less sensitive there and it helps them ease into the session. 

When to Stop Baby Massage?

There is no specific age limit to stop baby massage; you can continue the practice for as long as your child enjoys it. However, it is essential to monitor their skin for any allergic reactions to the oils used and to stop immediately if your baby becomes fussy or resistant, as their comfort is the priority. If you notice any unusual physical changes or signs of discomfort, pause the sessions and consult a paediatrician before continuing. 

Avoid massaging your baby if they are asleep, hungry, or crying. You should also skip the massage if your infant has a raised temperature or a known infection¹⁶.

Conclusion 

Baby massage is about more than just physical health; it is a quiet moment of connection that helps your little one feel safe and cherished. By incorporating these gentle touches into your daily routine, you are supporting your baby’s development while building a bond of trust that grows alongside them. Whether it’s to soothe a tummy ache or help them drift off to sleep, this simple practice is a beautiful gift of comfort and love for both you and your child. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Kulkarni A, Kaushik JS, Gupta P, Sharma H, Agrawal RK. Massage and touch therapy in neonates: the current evidence. Indian Pediatr. 2010 Sep;47(9):771-6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21048258/ 

3. Moussa S, Fawaz L, Ibrahim W, Fathelbab Elsayed M, Mostafa Ahmed M. Effect of Infant Massage on Salivary Oxytocin Level of Mothers and Infants with Normal and Disordered Bonding. J Prim Care Community Health. 2021 Jan-Dec;12:21501327211012942. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8082987/ 

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5. Yates CC, Mitchell AJ, Booth MY, Williams DK, Lowe LM, Whit Hall R. The effects of massage therapy to induce sleep in infants born preterm. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2014 Winter;26(4):405-10. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4176770/ 

6. Mohammadian-Dameski M, Farhat A, Afzal Aghaee M, Nademi Z, Hadianfar A, Shirazinia M, Motavasselian M, Askari VR. The effect of topical olive oil application on the symptoms of infantile colic: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Health Sci Rep. 2023 Apr 3;6(4):e1164. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10070930/ 

7. Rakhmawati W, Mediani HS, Dhamayanti M, Maryati I, Setiawan AS, Hendrawati S, Maryam NNA, Hasanah A, Mulyana AM, Mariani D, Rochimat I. Potential of Massage Therapy for Improved Growth and Development Among Infants Under 9 Months: A Systematic Scoping Review of Intervention Type, Technique, and Outcome. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2024 Aug 13;17:3931-3943. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11330255/ 

8. Norfolk JO. Baby massage [Internet]. Just One Norfolk. [cited 2026 Jan 5]. Available from: https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/pregnancy-early-days/new-baby/baby-massage/ 

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10. Getaneh FB, Asmare A, Abayneh B, Birre E, Mohammed A, Muche A, Gedefie A, Asmamaw Y, Mengesha Z, Moges N, Birhanu DM, Bitew ZW, Molla A. Infection in preterm infants receiving topical emollient oil massage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2024 Jul 10;8(1):e002364. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11243225/ 

11. Mohammadian-Dameski M, Farhat A, Motavasselian M, Askari VR. Topical application of medicinal plant oils in pediatric-related disorders: A comparative review article based on traditional Persian medicine. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2025 Jan-Feb;15(1):794-815. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12013975/ 

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13. Agarwal KN, Gupta A, Pushkarna R, Bhargava SK, Faridi MM, Prabhu MK. Effects of massage & use of oil on growth, blood flow & sleep pattern in infants. Indian J Med Res. 2000 Dec;112:212-7. PMID: 11247199. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11247199/ 

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15. Cradle cap [Internet]. Medlineplus. 2025 [cited 2026 Jan 14]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007582.htm 

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17. Vitseva O, Varghese S, Chakrabarti S, Folts JD, Freedman JE. Grape seed and skin extracts inhibit platelet function and release of reactive oxygen intermediates. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2005;46(4):445-451. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16160595/  

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